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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 The historical collection encompasses historical documents and photographs, domestic items, textiles, agricultural items, trades items, scientific equipment and furniture.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

Old Town Marketplace

This revitalized historic warehouse district features the charm of turn-of-the-century buildings, brick streets, street lights and boardwalks. Over 200 buisnesses in a ten block area create the largest concentrated shopping, dining and entertainment area in Kansas.

Wichita, KS Historic Districts

Museum of World Treasures

Experience a trip through time at one of the most interesting and exciting museums in America. You'

Wichita, KS Museums

Coleman Factory Outlet and Museum

You will find everything for the outdoors at the world's original factory outlet store of the internationally known, Wichita based, Coleman Company. At the museum are displays of vintage Coleman products.

Wichita, KS Museums

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

The Mid-America All Indian Center

The Mid-America All-Indian Center preserves the heritage of the American Indian tribes of North America and is located at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, on land where the Wichita tribe camped more than 100 years ago.

Wichita, KS Museums

Things to do near Wichita, KS