At the meeting point of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers is a weathered steel statue by American Indian sculptor, Blackbear Bosin. The Keeper of the Plains was installed in 1974 to celebrate the nation's bicentennial. Standing tall at 44 feet (13.41 meters), it is set on a huge headland and is considered a sacred site by the Native American tribes. Encircling it is a plaza with many displays, describing the lives of local American Indians who dwelt here. There are walking bridges to access the area. Fire drums on bluffs at the foot of the sculpture light almost every night, giving a dramatic effect to its surroundings.
The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the state. A major tourist attraction, this zoo is home to more than 3000 animals of about 400 different species. Along with areas to view the animals, the site includes a children's play area, boat rides, and trams. Between Penguin Cove, the Tiger Trek and the Downing Gorilla Forest, there's enough to see that you'll want to spend a whole day here.
Featuring several lakes where you can fish, Sedgwick County State Park is a must-visit for fishing aficionados. Even if fishing isn't your thing, there's plenty to do for the whole family. Hike or bike along a trail, taking in the sights of wildlife. If you're into sports, head to the softball field or basketball court for a game. In the winter, the sledding hill is tons of fun!
Opened in 1987, these gardens were a collaboration between the Wichita Area Garden Council and the City of Wichita. They include an aquatic collection, a butterfly garden, a butterfly house, a greenhouse for tropical plants, a rock garden, a rose garden, a sensory garden, a Shakespearean garden, and more. They opened a children's garden in 2011 that features several themed areas for kids.
The Wichita Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in all of Kansas. Opened in 1935, it has a sterling collection of American art. The art collection of approximately 7,000 works spanning over three centuries includes sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. It boasts works by illustrious artists like Mary Cassat, Winslow Homer, and many more. The museum has a unique area known as The Living Room where visitors can try their hand at creating their art. The museum also features a cafe and a store where gift items made by local artists are available.
The mission at Exploration Place is to make learning about science fun and interesting for kids and adults alike. Exhibits are creative and interactive, like the Big Mouth, where you can walk up to a huge, anatomically correct replica of the human mouth and learn about teeth, gums and good oral hygiene. There's plenty of rental space available here for meetings or a special event. Kids love birthday parties here!
At the meeting point of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers is a weathered steel statue by American Indian sculptor, Blackbear Bosin. The Keeper of the Plains was installed in 1974 to celebrate the nation's bicentennial. Standing tall at 44 feet (13.41 meters), it is set on a huge headland and is considered a sacred site by the Native American tribes. Encircling it is a plaza with many displays, describing the lives of local American Indians who dwelt here. There are walking bridges to access the area. Fire drums on bluffs at the foot of the sculpture light almost every night, giving a dramatic effect to its surroundings.
The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the state. A major tourist attraction, this zoo is home to more than 3000 animals of about 400 different species. Along with areas to view the animals, the site includes a children's play area, boat rides, and trams. Between Penguin Cove, the Tiger Trek and the Downing Gorilla Forest, there's enough to see that you'll want to spend a whole day here.
Featuring several lakes where you can fish, Sedgwick County State Park is a must-visit for fishing aficionados. Even if fishing isn't your thing, there's plenty to do for the whole family. Hike or bike along a trail, taking in the sights of wildlife. If you're into sports, head to the softball field or basketball court for a game. In the winter, the sledding hill is tons of fun!
Opened in 1987, these gardens were a collaboration between the Wichita Area Garden Council and the City of Wichita. They include an aquatic collection, a butterfly garden, a butterfly house, a greenhouse for tropical plants, a rock garden, a rose garden, a sensory garden, a Shakespearean garden, and more. They opened a children's garden in 2011 that features several themed areas for kids.
The Wichita Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in all of Kansas. Opened in 1935, it has a sterling collection of American art. The art collection of approximately 7,000 works spanning over three centuries includes sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. It boasts works by illustrious artists like Mary Cassat, Winslow Homer, and many more. The museum has a unique area known as The Living Room where visitors can try their hand at creating their art. The museum also features a cafe and a store where gift items made by local artists are available.