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
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South

If you're spending some time in South, Arkansas River and Chapin Dog Park are top sights worth seeing.

South
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
The price is ¥12,781 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥12,781
¥14,885 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & 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! (1,088 reviews)
"Excellent service"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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
The price is ¥14,823 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥14,823
¥17,262 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & 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! (1,012 reviews)
"I really enjoyed the shower pressure, and this is probably the first hotel I've been too in all of my travel that gives you a warm cookie upon arrival. I thought it was a nice touch!"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wichita Airport
Wyndham Garden Wichita Downtown

Wyndham Garden Wichita Downtown

3 out of 5
221 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS
The price is ¥9,924 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥9,924
¥11,557 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wichita. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.4/10 (1,075 reviews)
Good price
"Hotel is older but remodeled just there for one night would stay again good for the price"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Wyndham Garden Wichita Downtown
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 INTRUST Bank Arena and Phyllis ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
Great one-night stay
"The inside of the home is perfect! Nice and clean, comfortable beds. Plenty of space for 2 adults and 2 teens. The outside of the home could use some cleaning up. The grass was pretty tall and the trees really needed trimming. This did not affect our stay at all. I also had a little trouble with ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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 INTRUST Bank Arena and Museum of World Treasures are located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (25 reviews)
Prairie Fire Spring Half Marathon
"Nice place to stay for a half marathon weekend."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Central ICT.Z
Massive Peck Home w/ Woods & Creek to Explore

Massive Peck Home w/ Woods & Creek to Explore

Peck
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Peck. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attraction Kansas Star Casino is located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Family vacation
"We had a great time. Lots of room for 15 of us. The pool was great but the slide wasn’t really working. Also the trampoline was not in the best shape. The bath tubs did drain slow which was little hard when given baths to the little ones. But I think it was in a great location. I would stay there ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Massive Peck Home w/ Woods & Creek to Explore
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.