Wichita, KS

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Wichita / Don Setser
Photo provided by Visit Wichita
Photo provided by Visit Wichita / Mickey Shannon
Photo provided by Visit Wichita / Debbie Greene
Photo provided by Visit Wichita

Visit the largest city in Kansas to explore its many museums and walk or cycle along riverside trails.  

Learn about life in the plains of MIdwestern America by exploring Wichita’s museums, or enjoy a day shopping and dining in the city’s stylish Old Town area. Those who love the outdoors can spend their time in the many parks and on the walking or cycling paths that run along the Arkansas River.

Wichita was founded in 1863 and is most famous for the role it has played in the development of the aviation industry. At one stage it was known as the “Air Capital of the World” and many aviation companies, such as Boeing, still have headquarters here today.

Find out more about Wichita’s place in the aeronautical world at the Kansas Aviation Museum. This is one of the city’s many fine museums and galleries, which can mostly be found along the waterfront or in the Old Town district. Visit the Wichita Art Museum, which holds nearly 7,000 works of art including paintings, pottery and sculptures by mainly American artists. The Mid-America All Indian Center gives you a taste of pre-European life in the area while the Sedgwick County Historical Museum and the Great Plains Transportation Museum cover the city’s history in detail.

Take a boat ride along the Arkansas River in the summer and enjoy some relief from the heat. Winters, which are usually cold but dry, are a great time to take a stroll or cycle along the paths that run adjacent to the river.

Explore over 4,400 acres (1,620 hectares) of Wichita’s parkland. One of the most popular spots is Botanica, which features 25 themed gardens including a butterfly garden and a sensory garden.

If you’re looking for ways to keep the children happy, go to the Sedgwick County Zoo to see more than 3,000 animals or head to the Exploration Place science center.

Driving is the best way to get around in Wichita, although there is a public bus service with stops near most of the major sights.Hit the highway and follow the Arkansas River out of town to explore the beautiful prairies and woodlands surrounding Wichita.

Where to stay in Wichita

Wichita featuring a sunset and a bridge

Downtown Wichita

4.5/5(275 area reviews)

Explore the vibrant Old Town entertainment district, boasting numerous restaurants and nightclubs, or visit iconic landmarks like the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and Intrust Bank Arena. Enjoy convenient access to various hotels and transportation options, including the free Q-Line trolley.

Downtown Wichita
Exploration Place, Wichita, Kansas.

Old Town Wichita

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Bars, historic sites, and live music are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Town Wichita. Check out Museum of World Treasures or Mosley Street Melodrama while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Wichita
This beautiful Science Museum offers exhibits, films, live shows, & hands-on science & discovery programs for kids and adults. If you are in Wichita, give it a try!
#Kansas #Wichita #Travel #Architecture #Reflections #BVSBlue #culture #Trovember

Delano

If you're spending some time in Delano, Exploration Place and Equity Bank Park are top sights worth seeing.

Delano
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College Hill

4/5(25 area reviews)

Historical and predominantly residential, College Hill boasts attractions like Allen-Lambe House, Clifton Square, and Crown Uptown Theatre. Enjoy amenities at College Hill Park and easily access Wichita Transit's bus service.

College Hill
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Sunflower

Sunflower might not have many top sights, but Old Cowtown Museum and Towne West Square are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sunflower
A must stop when in Wichita, similar to Springfield's notorious horseshoes the haystack is a phenomenal calorie packed monster of a dish. Get it with Classique, an excellent saison beer by Stillwater!

Douglas Design District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Douglas Design District and surrounding area, you can visit Crown Uptown Theatre and Museum of World Treasures.

Douglas Design District
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
3 out of 5
2660 N. Greenwich Ct, Wichita, KS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$84 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$98 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,079 reviews)
"New property, very nice rooms and stay"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita Northeast
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
4 out of 5
2098 Airport Rd, Wichita, KS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$108 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$126 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Nice and close to the airport
"This is an on airport hotel that happens to be very convenient. It’s a nice place, but honestly, I haven’t seen much of it. We get there sleep, and go to the airport!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
Candlewood Suites Wichita East by IHG
Candlewood Suites Wichita East by IHG
2.5 out of 5
5211 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS
$86 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$100 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (557 reviews)
kimmiegolfen
"The hotel was Exceptional! Quiet, Clean and very friend staff and easy access."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Candlewood Suites Wichita East by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Clean and cozy 3 bedroom home
Clean and cozy 3 bedroom home
Wichita
Stay at this vacation home in Wichita. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Phyllis Hall Memorial Park and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
"Great price and nice home. Close to major highway. Crispy Donuts up the street are awesome for breakfast"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Clean and cozy 3 bedroom home
Central ICT.Z
Central ICT.Z
Wichita
Stay at this vacation home in Wichita. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Museum of World Treasures and Mosley Street Melodrama are located nearby.
7.8/10 Good! (24 reviews)
Prairie Fire Spring Half Marathon
"Nice place to stay for a half marathon weekend."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Central ICT.Z
Balcony & Patio: Spacious Home in Bel Aire!
Balcony & Patio: Spacious Home in Bel Aire!
Bel Aire
Stay at this vacation home in Wichita. Enjoy private pools, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Belaire Park and Willowbend Golf Club ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Beautiful, spacious house perfect for a relaxing ladies weekend! Host was very quick to respond to any questions we had! We would definitely recommend this home for anyone including big families!"

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Balcony & Patio: Spacious Home in Bel Aire!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Wichita

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
595
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
1071
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
316
3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
25
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
19
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Just passing through

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sports centers were great. People are rude!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Always has good places too eat and entertainment options.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

There is a lot to do in Wichita generally. However, this visit was just at the beginning of things opening up after the quarantine. We knew that would be the case. Not much to do, but we enjoyed getting away overnight.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Very pretty and green

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Overall Wichita isn’t that bad.

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