Wichita, the Heart of the Country, is full of people creating a vibrant city to visit and a place they are proud to call home. Those who live here, Wichitans, are not only friendly, but are also bursting with pride. They like to celebrate their city any day of the year, but especially on March 16. Here, we like to call it 316 Day because 316 is Wichita’s area code.
Whether you’re a lifelong Wichitan or just happen to be visiting on this special day, use this guide of 16 things to do in the Heart of the Country as the perfect excuse to do something uniquely Wichita.
1. Take in the view at the Keeper of the Plains, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. While it is beautiful in any light, it’s especially breathtaking during the nightly “Ring of Fire.”
50 years ago, Blackbear Bosin gifted the 44-foot-tall steel sculpture that welcomes visitors and locals. Designed to pay tribute to the area’s Indigenous people, construction began in 1970 and was completed in May 1974. To honor the Keeper and legacy of Blackbear Bosin, the City of Wichita – in conjunction with the Mid-America All-Indian Museum – are hosting Party for the People to commemorate the 50-year gift. There will be a dedication and outdoor festival.
2. Find the perfect selfie backdrop on a mural tour, where you’re sure to find urban art featuring the Wichita Flag, a symbol of pride in the Heart of the Country.
3. Meet the more than 3,000 animals at Kansas’ most visited attraction, the Sedgwick County Zoo.
4. Discover why Wichita is the Air Capital of the World at the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Photo credit: Kevin Connelly
5. See a show at a local theater or catch live music from a cozy dive bar or with thousands of other fans at an area arena, such as Hartman Arena or INTRUST Bank Arena.
6. Go nuts at the Nifty Nut House and see why Alton Brown calls it a “national treasure.” Then, find even more great local shops and shopping centers.
7. Spend the day visiting the world-class museums that make up the Museums on the River, which are located along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita.
8. Spend some time in the Old Town District. Here you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, attractions and museums like the Museum of World Treasures and a lively nightlife scene.
9. Sip on a cup of local coffee or wind down for the day at one of Wichita’s many local breweries.
10. Get a dose of nostalgia at The Original Pizza Hut Museum, and learn how two Wichita State University students started the pizza chain in Wichita in 1958. Afterwards, dive into even more local history at Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum or one of Wichita’s plentiful local museums.
11. Cheer on a Wichita sports team, such as the Wichita Thunder, or plan ahead and get season tickets to see the Wichita Regulators, Wichita Sky Kings or Wichita Wind Surge.
12. Experience African American culture by learning about the Dockum Drug Store Sit-in of 1958, visiting The Kansas African American Museum, enjoying soul food at a local eatery or shopping at a local, Black-owned business.
13. Become one with nature at Botanica Wichita and be sure to ride the carousel! It’s one of only five Allan Herschell carousels left in the world.
14. Find adventure just outside the city limits at area attractions like Elderslie Farm, Field Station: Dinosaurs and Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Just northeast of Wichita, shop for unique art at Karg Art Glass and Infinity Art Glass or enjoy a meal while watching planes take off and land mere feet from your table at Stearman Field Bar & Grill.
15. See one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortress aircraft left in the world at B-29 Doc Hangar & Education Center. You’ll likely see Connie Palacioz, Wichita's own "Connie the Riveter," while you are there. She was born in 1926 and was one of the women in Wichita who built military aircraft like "Doc" during World War II. The aircraft is the only B-29 manufactured in Wichita that can still take to the skies and was restored in Wichita. Connie celebrated her 98th birthday in 2024 and can found most days volunteering at Doc’s hangar.
16. Get fitted for the perfect hat at Hatman Jack’s in Historic Delano. Or, have a pair of shoes handcrafted to your style at Aida Stenholm. Then, explore Wichita’s unique districts for even more handmade finds.
Whether you happen to visit on 316 Day or any day of the year, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do and events to check out in Wichita. Download the latest visitors guide for more inspiration.
