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Wichita, Kansas

Relive the 1870s at Old Cowtown Museum, a 25-acre, outdoor living history center on the banks of the Big Arkansas River off the Chisholm Trail. Walk the wooden boardwalks to a recreated Old West cattle town. Of the 60 structures on grounds, 27 are considered original, historic buildings. The buildings provide an authentic backdrop for costumed staff to bring history to life for visitors. The Munger House is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Highlights of the 36 exhibits on the Museum's grounds include historic home tours, working blacksmith, carpentry and newspapers shops, 1880s farm, marshal's office, law office, church, one-room schoolhouse, general store, clothing store, saloon and cowboy camp. See Wichita's first jail ( or the "hoosegow" as it was known then). Visit a working farm, circa 1880, complete with longhorn cattle. Authentically costumed history interpreters on the grounds chat with visitors and provide a hands-on, educational experience.

There are 13,003 artifacts in Old Cowtown Museum's collections. The primary purpose of the collections is to furnish the exhibits in its historic buildings and to demonstrate life in Wichita, Sedgwick County and the Southern Plains during the period of 1865 to 1880. The Museum also has a growing collection of reproductions for the purpose of historical interpretation and demonstration. The historical collection encompasses historical documents and photographs, domestic items, textiles, agricultural items, trades items, scientific equipment and furniture. Our hands-on collection is similar to the historic collection yet most of the items are reproductions or from a later period.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Western Heritage Tour

The Wichita Western Heritage Tour is unique in that it includes not only the traditional element of the "wild west,"

Wichita, KS Tours

Great Plains Nature Center

The Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative project between the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife &

Wichita, KS Nature Centers

Wichita Wranglers

The Wichita Wranglers is a double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They play sixty-eight home games starting in April through September. There is a fireworks show every Saturday home game.

Wichita, KS Sports

Kansas Firefighters Museum

Historic Engine House No. 6 - The year is 1910. Imagine a pair of matched fire horses, Tom and Dick, in their stalls, one on each side of the apparatus floor, awaiting their next run. The Armstrong harnesses are hanging from the ceiling in readiness. (The pulleys are still there.)

Wichita, KS Museums

City Arts

Located in the heart of Old Town on Old Town Plaza, CityArts is a center for artistic creation and appreciation. See the best of local and regional art in one of Wichita's largest exhibition galleries. At CityArts you can develop your own creativity as well!

Wichita, KS Arts

Things to do near Wichita, KS