Header Photo Credit: Drone-tography, LLC

In late October and early November, you can find beautiful fall colors in the heart of the Country. Here's a sampling of some popular places you'll find the leaves in vibrant colors in Wichita.

At the campuses

Wichita is home to three accredited universities. Wichita State University is the largest college, home to more than 17,000 students, with the highest enrollment as of Fall 2023. Other institutions include Friends University and Newman University. Each of Wichita’s outdoor campuses is filled with color-changing trees, perfect for the fall season.

Leaves change colors on the trees on the campus of Newman University

Newman University
3100 McCormick St, Wichita, KS 67213
Photo credit: Newman University

The clock tower at Friends University peeks through orange leaves on a tree

Friends University
2100 W University Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
Photo credit: Friends University

Students walk across the Wichita State University campus in the fallPhoto Credit: Wichita State University

Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS 67260
Photo credit: Wichita State University

Vibrant colors at top attractions

The Keeper of the Plains, a 44-foot tall sculpture and iconic landmark in Wichita, is surrounded by the Big and Little Arkansas rivers along with trees and nature, making this spot a must for fall. Another local favorite location is the Sedgwick County Zoo. Not only is it one of the 10 largest zoos in the United States, but it also makes a great spot to witness more than 3,000 animals in their fall habits. Just west of Wichita is Tanganyika Wildlife Park. For the best of both worlds, hand-feed lemurs and scroll through acres of outdoor colors.

Botanica Wichita has over 18 acres of gardenscaping. This garden has beautiful colors during every season.

Don’t forget about the museums on the river including Wichita Art Museum (WAM) and Old Cowtown Museum. At WAM, get a taste of the fall landscape and award-winning art in the Art Garden. Admire sculptures created by talented artists and view the stunning autumn trees on the roofless rooftop. Living during the 1870s in Wichita was certainly a different time. Old Cowtown is an authentic outdoor, living history museum featuring historical buildings and lots of trees.

Fall Colors_Botanica

Botanica Wichita
701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203
Photo credit: Rick McPherson

Trees at Tanganyika Wildlife Park begin to change colors

Tanganyika Wildlife Park
1000 S Hawkins Ln, Goddard, KS 67052

The leaves on the trees have turned orange in the fall surrounding the Keeper of the Plains

Keeper of the Plains Plaza
650 N. Seneca

Leaves change to colors of orange and yellow on the trees at Sedgwick County Zoo

Sedgwick County Zoo
5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita KS 67212

Parks and more 

Walk along a 2-mile trail at the Great Plains Nature Center and discover its color-changing beauty. Another great place to take in the crisp nature air is Wichita's largest park, Sedgwick County Park. Other parks include Riverside Park, Oak Park and O.J. Watson Park. You can’t beat these colorful leaves.

The trees turn orange and yellow in the fall near the entrance sign to Great Plains Nature CenterPhoto Credit: Wasim Muklashy Photography

Great Plains Nature Center
6232 East 29th St. N, Wichita, KS 67220

The leaves on the trees at OJ Watson Park turn orange

O.J. Watson Park
3022 S McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67217
Photo credit: City of Wichita - Park & Recreation

Yellow leaves frame a photo of the Arkansas River in Oak Park

Oak Park 
1100 W 11th St N, Wichita, KS 67203

The leaves have turned yellow on the trees surrounding a pond and dock at Sedgwick County Park

Sedgwick County Park
6501 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205

The orange and yellow leaves of an oak tree frame a photo of a pond in Riverside Park

Riverside Park 
511 W. Central Ave., Wichita, KS 67203

Looking for more places to take photographs in the Heart of the Country? Check out this list of top photography spots.