Wichita Area, Kansas
Along the banks of the Arkansas River stretches Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, and one of the most colorful. This "River City" was once a cowtown, where cowhands from the Chisholm Trail and settlers heading west stopped for supplies, hospitality, culture and entertainment. The same could be said for travelers today. Wichita, with its charming neighborhoods, a vibrant Old Town District, zoo and Western Heritage, is still one of the best places to stop for first-class cultural attractions, shopping, irresistible food and fascinating festivals. There is plenty to discover on the outskirts of the big city, too. Quaint little towns are waiting with museums and parks and hand-crafted treasures. That's why so many people gather at the river every year and have a grand time.
Explore Wichita Area
Aley Mansion
The Aley Mansion was built in 1887 by William Henry Sternberg and is notable for its high-style Queen Anne Architecture. The home's prior occupants and history is well documented as are the works of W.H. Sternberg who not only built the Aley Mansion but built buildings across the country (
Wichita, KS Historic HomesThe Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre in Wichita, Kansas represents one of the finest remaining examples of atmospheric school of theatre architecture which was developed during the first part of the 1900's. There were two major schools of design:
Wichita, KS TheatresOld 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 DistrictsLake Afton Public Observatory
See the moon, planets, stars and galaxies through a 16-inch telescope. There are also, astronomy-related exhibits. Monthly programs are scheduled with instructional guidance to observe stellar occurances at the moment. 316
Goddard, KS ObservatoriesThe 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 MuseumsExploration Place
One of the signature attractions in Kansas, Exploration Place is a center for creativity, fun and imagination on the banks of the Big Arkansas River. Discover hundreds of hands-on exhibits for people of all ages. Explore four unique theme areas, including flight; health and human life;
Wichita, KS Discovery CentersKansas Aviation Museum
The Kansas Aviation Museum is housed in the aerodrome historical district of the original Wichita Municipal Airport, in the "Air Capital of the World,"
Wichita, KS MuseumsHistoric Church Tour
St. Mary's Cathedral "Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception" is the proper name of this church which is the direct successor of the First Catholic Church in Wichita built in 1872. The building you will see was laid in 1906. The tour takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Please call (316) 263-6
Wichita, KS ToursSedgwick County Zoo
Visitors to the 247-acre Sedgwick County Zoo can see more than 2,500 amazing animals in eight imaginative and naturalistic exhibits including the African Veldt, a North American Prairie, Children's Farm, Koch Orangutan & Chimpanzee Habitat, a Herpetarium, and Jungle.
Wichita, KS ZoosKansas Sports Hall of Fame
The KSHOF formerly housed in Abilene, Kansas is now located in Wichita, Kansas. The tour begins with a dynamic 3-screen video highlighting many Kansas heroes and greatest moments. Next is the basketball gallery where visitors come face-to-face with some of the most legendary figures in the sport.
Wichita, KS Halls of FameThe Wichita Scottish Rite
Spanning over one hundred years of Wichita's proud history, the Wichita Scottish Rite was designed by noted Architects, Proudfoot and Bird, and boasts one of the most ornate surroundings in the downtown area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Wichita, KS Historic Buildings