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Introduction
Sedgwick County in Kansas is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Sedgwick County has something to offer. This comprehensive travel guide will take you on a journey through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions
Sedgwick County Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers. With over 3,000 animals from 400 different species, the zoo is home to rare and endangered animals from around the world. The zoo also offers educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events throughout the year.
Botanica Wichita
Botanica Wichita is a 17.6-acre botanical garden that features more than 30 themed gardens, including a butterfly garden, a Chinese garden, and a sensory garden. The garden also hosts special events, including concerts, festivals, and art exhibits throughout the year.
Hidden Gems
Keeper of the Plains
The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot tall steel sculpture that stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. The sculpture was designed by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin and represents the spirit of the Wichita people. The Keeper of the Plains is a must-see attraction at sunset when the sculpture is illuminated.
Old Town Wichita
Old Town Wichita is a historic district that features brick-lined streets, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The district is home to the Museum of World Treasures, which features exhibits on world history, natural history, and American culture.
Food Scene
Central Standard Brewing
The Central Standard Brewing is a craft brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also hosts food trucks and live music events throughout the year.
Doo-Dah Diner
The Doo-Dah Diner is a popular breakfast and brunch spot that serves classic American dishes, including biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and omelets. The diner also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum offers free admission on Saturdays, making it a great budget-friendly attraction. The museum features American art, including works by Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, and Winslow Homer.
Exploration Place
Exploration Place is a science museum that offers interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator, a planetarium, and a hands-on science lab. The museum offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month.
Outdoor Adventures
Great Plains Nature Center
The Great Plains Nature Center is a 240-acre wildlife preserve that features hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and educational programs. The center is home to more than 240 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Arkansas River Trail
The Arkansas River Trail is a 10-mile trail that follows the Arkansas River through Wichita. The trail is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading, and offers beautiful views of the river and downtown Wichita.
Historical Landmarks
Cowtown Museum
The Cowtown Museum is a living history museum that features exhibits on the history of Wichita and the American West. The museum includes a reconstructed frontier town, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse.
Mid-America All-Indian Center
The Mid-America All-Indian Center is a museum that celebrates the history and culture of Native Americans in the Great Plains. The museum features exhibits on Native American art, music, and history, as well as a gift shop that sells Native American crafts.
Family-Friendly Activities
Sedgwick County Park
Sedgwick County Park is a 648-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also features a playground, a petting zoo, and a mini-golf course.
Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center
The Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center is a nonprofit organization that offers theater and dance classes for children of all ages. The center also hosts plays, musicals, and dance performances throughout the year.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is a museum that features exhibits on the history of Wichita and Sedgwick County. The museum includes artifacts from the Native American and pioneer eras, as well as exhibits on Wichita’s aviation history.
Old Cowtown Museum
The Old Cowtown Museum is a living history museum that features exhibits on the history of Wichita and the American West. The museum includes a reconstructed frontier town, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse.
Natural Wonders
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a 10,000-acre preserve that features one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the world. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and coyotes, as well as more than 500 species of plants.
Cheney State Park
Cheney State Park is a 9,500-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is home to Cheney Reservoir, which offers boating and swimming opportunities.
Vibrant Nightlife
Wichita Brewing Company
The Wichita Brewing Company is a brewery that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery also hosts food trucks and live music events throughout the year.
Club Rodeo
Club Rodeo is a nightclub that features live country music, line dancing, and drink specials. The club is popular among locals and visitors alike, and offers a fun and lively atmosphere.
Local Markets
Old Town Farmers’ Market
The Old Town Farmers’ Market is a farmers’ market that features locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and live music. The market is open on Saturdays from May through October, and is a great place to support local farmers and artisans.
Wichita Flea Market
The Wichita Flea Market is a flea market that offers a variety of vintage and antique items, as well as handmade crafts and artisanal foods. The market is open on weekends throughout the year, and is a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind items.
Beaches and Mountains
Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a mountain range that spans several states, including Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. The mountains offer a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is a lake that offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Cultural Immersion
Ulrich Museum of Art
The Ulrich Museum of Art is a museum that features contemporary art from around the world. The museum offers educational programs, lectures, and special events throughout the year.
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
The Wichita Symphony Orchestra is a symphony orchestra that performs classical and contemporary music. The orchestra also hosts special events, including concerts and holiday performances.
Art and Music Scene
Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum features American art, including works by Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, and Winslow Homer. The museum hosts special events, including lectures, concerts, and art exhibits throughout the year.
The Cotillion
The Cotillion is a music venue that hosts concerts by national and local acts. The venue features a large dance floor, a full bar, and a balcony overlooking the stage.
Walking Tours
Wichita Walking Tours
Wichita Walking Tours offers a variety of guided walking tours that explore the history and culture of Wichita. The tours include a historic downtown walking tour, a haunted Wichita walking tour, and a river walk tour.
Wichita Public Library
The Wichita Public Library offers self-guided walking tours that explore the history and architecture of downtown Wichita. The tours include the Art