Attractions in Wichita
Wichita doesn't do ordinary. And neither should your getaway.
From award-winning zoos and interactive museums to aviation history, botanical gardens and unexpected adventures, Wichita, Kansas, is packed with attractions worth exploring. Slightly Off Center and full of surprises, Kansas' largest city offers unforgettable wildlife encounters, family-friendly activities, public art and one-of-a-kind experiences you won't find just anywhere.
WILD ENCOUNTERS. BIG IMPRESSIONS.
From close-up animal encounters to peaceful nature trails, Wichita knows how to bring out your wild side.
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Sedgwick County Zoo – Explore the nation's seventh-largest zoo by land area, spanning 247 acres and home to more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species. Ranked No. 10 among the nation's best zoos in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, the zoo is also home to the Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi exhibit, ranked No. 7 nationally.
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Tanganyika Wildlife Park – Swim with penguins or otters, feed lemurs and get closer to wildlife through interactive animal encounters at this wildlife park in nearby Goddard.
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Great Plains Nature Center – Discover native Kansas wildlife through free educational exhibits and explore two miles of trails through prairie, wetlands and wooded habitats.
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Kansas Wildlife Exhibit – Visit native Kansas animals at this free outdoor exhibit tucked inside Central Riverside Park.
Explore more wildlife attractions and animal encounters.
MUSEUMS THAT DON'T JUST MAKE YOU LOOK.
Dinosaurs, science experiments, art and stories from centuries past. Wichita's museums give curious minds plenty to work with.
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Exploration Place – Get hands-on with science through interactive exhibits, immersive experiences and a dome theater at Wichita's riverfront science center.
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Museum of World Treasures – Journey through history with exhibits featuring ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, military history and artifacts from around the world.
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Wichita Art Museum – Explore a collection of more than 10,000 works of art, with a focus on American art, then wander the outdoor Art Garden.
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Old Cowtown Museum – Step into 19th-century Wichita at a living history museum featuring 54 historic and recreated buildings across 23 acres.
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Mid-America All-Indian Museum – Discover American Indian art, culture and history at this museum along the Arkansas River, near the iconic Keeper of the Plains.
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The Kansas African American Museum – Explore exhibits and programming celebrating African American history, art and cultural contributions in Kansas.
Find more Wichita museums and art galleries.
ONLY IN THE AIR CAPITAL.
In the Air Capital of the World, aviation history isn't just something you read about. It's something you can experience.
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B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center – Get an up-close look at Doc, one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses in the world. Restored in Wichita by local volunteers and aviation experts, this historic aircraft even offers flight experiences on select dates.
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Kansas Aviation Museum – Explore Wichita's aviation legacy inside the city's original municipal airport terminal, surrounded by historic aircraft and exhibits.
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The Original Pizza Hut Museum – Visit the original building where two Wichita brothers launched Pizza Hut in 1958, now located on the Wichita State University campus.
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House Museum and Study Center – Tour one of the architect's celebrated Prairie-style residential designs and discover its distinctive architecture and history.
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Field Station: Dinosaurs – Come face-to-face with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and prehistoric adventures at this family attraction.
THE RIVERFRONT HAS RANGE.
Art, history, gardens and one unforgettable skyline landmark come together along Wichita's Arkansas River. The Museums on the River offer an easy way to turn one attraction into a full day of exploring.
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Botanica, the Wichita Gardens – Wander themed gardens that change with the seasons, including spectacular spring displays featuring approximately 80,000 tulips and 125,000 daffodils. See why it's ranked among the nation's best botanical gardens by USA TODAY readers.
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Keeper of the Plains – See Wichita's iconic 44-foot-tall sculpture at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. Visit after dark for the Ring of Fire, weather permitting.
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Wichita Art Museum – Enjoy American art and outdoor sculptures just steps from the river.
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Old Cowtown Museum – Discover Wichita's early days through historic buildings and living history experiences.
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Exploration Place – Add hands-on science and riverfront views to your itinerary.
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Mid-America All-Indian Museum – Explore American Indian heritage near the Keeper of the Plains.
FRESH AIR. NO BORING PLANS.
Sometimes the best attractions don't require a ticket. Wichita's parks, trails and public spaces make it easy to explore at your own pace.
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Central Riverside Park – Stroll scenic paths, visit the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit and discover the park's historic landmarks.
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O.J. Watson Park – Make a day of family-friendly outdoor activities, including miniature train rides, pedal boats and other seasonal recreation.
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Sedgwick County Park – Enjoy walking and biking trails, playgrounds and open green spaces.
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Naftzger Park – Relax in a downtown gathering space near restaurants, shops and public art.
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Wichita's public art – Discover colorful murals, outdoor sculptures and unexpected installations throughout downtown and the city's neighborhoods.
WORTH THE EXTRA MILES.
Have another day to explore? Two remarkable attractions in Hutchinson, approximately 45 minutes northwest of Wichita, make for a memorable day trip.
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Cosmosphere – Explore an internationally recognized space museum featuring significant U.S. and Russian space artifacts, immersive exhibits and space exploration history.
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STRATACA – Travel hundreds of feet underground into a working salt mine to explore the history, geology and unexpected wonders beneath Kansas.
YOUR KIND OF FUN. YOUR KIND OF WICHITA.
Whether you're planning a family weekend, a couples getaway or a spontaneous road trip, Wichita has more to explore than you might expect. Mix indoor family fun with outdoor adventures, discover something new and leave room for a few surprises.
The hardest part? Deciding what to do first.
There's a Lot to Do Here
Pace yourself
Wichita Highlights
