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.
Learn about local plants and wildlife at the Great Plains Nature Center. Inside, exhibits like Kansas Wildlife and Prairies of the World are educational for both kids and adults. Outside, trails provide the perfect opportunity to view some of the flora and fauna you learned about inside. Remember your trip here with something from the gift shop - it offers a variety of books, toys, and other fun memorabilia.
The Prairie Sunset Trail is gorgeous and the perfect way to experience nature. The trail is gentle and approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) long running through open grassy meadows, farmlands, densely forested areas, lakes, and ponds. It's perfect for biking, hiking, bird watching, jogging, and just enjoying the serenity of nature at its best. The trail is suitably named and offers spectacular views at sunset making it a must visit when in the city.
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.