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 Allen-Lambe House was built in 1917 by the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was one of the last Prairie style houses he designed. Originally designed for statesman Henry J. Allen and his wife, it was later sold to the Allen-Lambe House Foundation. The building is now a museum that conducts tours for visitors. Some of the best examples of the Prairie style of architecture as well as Frank Lloyd's distinct style of interior design can be seen in this house. By his own admission, it was one of the best houses he designed.
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.
Feel like you've traveled back in time at this museum, where costumed actors recreate the lifestyle of a cattle town from the 1870s. This sprawling museum is designed as a working town complete with residential houses, an industrial area, a farm and various other elements that comprised a town back in the day. Well-thought-out re-enactments of scenes from daily life make this an interesting attraction for kids as well as adults. The Hunter Area, Drovers Camp, DeVore Farm and the Industrial Area are some of the prominent living exhibits of the museum. In addition to this, the Empire Hall showcases an extensive collection of historical artifacts. The gift shop on site has unique souvenirs and tours are available.
Old Town Wichita is one of the cultural centers of the city. This historic area is now lined with restaurants, shopping, nightlife destinations, museums, and more. There are plenty of great hotels around for visitors passing through town, and it has become a luxurious area to live in. If you're looking to get a feel for the city, Old Town Wichita is not to be missed.
Enjoy a great meal and a world-class performance at Crown Uptown Theatre. This historic building was originally a vaudeville theater, and some of the elements of the antique design still remain. The performances range from Broadway-style musicals to comedies. You'll be able to choose between two entrees and three sides, all prepared fresh and with quality ingredients.
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 Allen-Lambe House was built in 1917 by the celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was one of the last Prairie style houses he designed. Originally designed for statesman Henry J. Allen and his wife, it was later sold to the Allen-Lambe House Foundation. The building is now a museum that conducts tours for visitors. Some of the best examples of the Prairie style of architecture as well as Frank Lloyd's distinct style of interior design can be seen in this house. By his own admission, it was one of the best houses he designed.
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 Kansas African American Museum is a historical museum, dedicated to the lives, ordeals and experiences of the African-American community in the State of Kansas. The building was first built in 1917 as the Calvary Baptist Church, which was considered to be the cornerstone and an important landmark of Wichita's African-American community. In 1972, the church was relocated and the first National Black Historical Society was set up to safeguard the historical building. In 1993, the building was added to the National Register of Historical Places and by 1997, it was renamed the Kansas African American Museum. This museum is especially renowned for its annual celebrations and events, including the Cranford Village Celebration, Doris Kerr Larkins Brunch and Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.