Disclosure: The Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview sponsored this post; however, all opinions are my own. I took all of the photos.
To enjoy an overnight stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita is more than your average hotel experience. It’s a step back in time, a historic glimpse into the city’s history while surrounded by luxury. Today, the hotel provides 200 guest rooms and a host of comfortable amenities for travelers.
As a native Wichitan, I appreciate learning about the people and places that make the city unique. Owned by George Siedhoff, The Broadview Hotel’s grand opening took place on May 15, 1922. Originally built to give railway passengers added convenience when traveling, it was the premier hotel of the Midwest. In fact, you can still see the train depot’s stone archway entrance on the east side of the building.
Additionally, travelers along the Chisholm Trail also stopped at the building’s horse and buggy station for respite from their journey. Much of the building’s original design has been preserved including the front entrance, lobby elevator, crown moldings, ornate chandeliers, and an authentic mail drop station. The grandeur of the lobby is impressive and immediately takes you back to a moment in time.
During my recent stay at the hotel, I gazed upon the building and wondered how many people must have passed through its front door. Upon entering my room, I was greeted with contemporary furnishes and a plush king-size bed. I originally chose a two-room king suite for my accommodations, but quickly switched rooms simply because I wanted a room with the expansive view of the Arkansas River and the Keeper of the Plains iconic statue at sunset. For me, it was worth it.
My room came with a TV, microwave, refrigerator, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and free WiFi. A pet-friendly hotel, I was happy to be able to bring our pup along with us for a comfortable overnight stay. The oversized bathroom included marble floors and granite countertops with complimentary toiletries provided.
Like me, exhausted travelers will appreciate the extra comfy bedding and mattress that promises a good night’s sleep. The blackout curtains were a bonus that helped me to fall asleep fast. The rooms must be well insulated because I hardly heard any hallway traffic from within my room. I loved the peace and quiet.
The rest of the hotel was equally impressive. The Drury Hotel Plaza Broadview features an indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, fitness center, guest pantry, and outdoor hot tub. Soon after checking in the hotel, I made my way to their free 5:30 Kickback®, a “happy hour” kind of event open to guests every evening. I presented my Kickback® card to the bartender and was given three complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or cocktails) to accompany self-serve appetizers. You’ll love this amenity.
Should you desire upscale dining instead, AVI Seabar & Chophouse is connected to the hotel. The steakhouse will also deliver food to our room for a $2 surcharge from 10 am-9 pm.
Located in the heart of downtown Wichita and only a short walk from shopping and dining, its prime location is perfect for adventure seekers who want to enjoy the city. Using downtown transit is easy and there is a map available online to plan your Douglas Avenue route here.
Later, I visited another historic building down, River City Brewing Company, where I enjoyed a craft beer on their second-floor patio overlooking Old Town. I can’t think of a better way to top off your stay at a historic hotel than by also walking the brick streets of this downtown district to admire the 19-century architecture. If you prefer a martini, I recommend claiming a table at a local patio bar, Mort’s Martini Bar.
The next morning, I made my way to the second-floor mezzanine where an elaborate breakfast buffet awaited my arrival featuring a full lineup of delicious menu options. Adjacent to the buffet was a cereal station, coffee counter, and make your own waffle setup. I chose biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage. The freshly brewed coffee was just what I needed to give me a boost for the day.
Later at the hotel, I continued my historical journey by viewing the framed prints adorning the lobby’s walls. Did you know the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview once had a basement and rooftop that was the place to be in the 1920s? In fact, the hotel had a secret speakeasy in the basement where drinking and gambling took place.
The promenade offered guests a 360-degree view of the city while they dined and danced into the late hours of the evening. The hotel’s original name, The Broadview, is a nod to the view that people enjoyed from the top floor. The 8th floor that you see today when visiting the hotel was added during its renovation.
If given the chance to walk into one of the hotel’s larger event spaces, the ballroom, you can view a mosaic designed by American Indian artist, Blackbear Bosin. He is the same artist who designed the city’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture that stands proudly amongst the downtown skyline. The 1,550 square foot mosaic is the largest continual mural in Kansas. Ask the front desk attendant if the ballroom is accessible to view it.
All in all, I adored my experience as a guest at Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview for the comfortable stay and its historic value. It’s an ideal lodging destination for individual guests, groups, and business travelers. I believe that to truly appreciate a city’s history, you have to walk inside its buildings, talk to residents, and visit its significant spaces. Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview offers all of that and more for people who want to travel happy.
For more Wichita activities, visit my books’ pages, “100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die” and “Secret Wichita: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.”
Even though I don’t exercise much (she inspires me to get moving!), Jennifer and I share quite a bit. We’re native Wichitans, and our pride for the city runs deep. We both appreciate making the most of each day and seeking adventure in everyday life. It’s that inner spirit that drives us to make life more delightful.
Did we inspire you to explore the city? Wichita is nestled between two rivers and linked by several bike trails. Building your own adventure and finding your favorite fuel around town is easy and fun.
Once you’ve stocked your reusable bag with Kansas-made products, I recommend taking a walk around Madison Avenue Central Park and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. If you’re a parent with kids in tow, visiting the like-new playground is a must.
What makes this museum special? It has more unique and hard-to-curate items than I’ve seen in a Kansas museum. For example, they don’t just have one antique typewriter or camera – dozens of all sizes and colors. I told everyone I’ve met since I visited the museum about its impact on me. And I must admit, the more I learned about the town’s history, the more I wished I had gone to school in Derby. “Go, Panthers!” I’ll return to the museum with friends and family in tow.
During my visit, the park hosted youth softball and baseball tournaments. With every crack of a bat and roar of the crowd, the atmosphere erupted with a competitive spirit. It was a good day to visit the park for the first time. The energy was infectious, and it was certainly a place to enjoy the sounds of summer.
I devoured tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls served with perfectly crispy tater tots. Seated in the cool air conditioning while enjoying a scrumptious meal was just what I needed to escape the summer heat.
Touring the park is an immersive experience. Where else can you walk amongst life-sized prehistoric creators and hear their natural sounds? Don’t miss visiting all of the activity stations. Each one keeps novice paleontologists learning and engaged.
I visited the pool on one of the hottest days on record in Derby. It was the best place to wind down and relax in the shade near the water. It made for great people-watching, too! Everyone was smiling and enjoying the day. If you want to learn more about Rock River Rapids Aquatic Center, the premier water park in South-Central Kansas, view their hours and events via their F
Upon arrival, the town rolls out the red carpet and welcomes you. Located a short drive from Wichita, Pratt offers many must-see places to explore and dine. A large part of the appeal of visiting Pratt is getting to know its residents as you stroll in and out of local businesses. They treat you like they’ve known you for years.
From unique boutiques and Western wear shops to art museums and restaurants, there is more than enough fun to be had in a day.
The space is decorated with eclectic furniture, ornate chandeliers, and colorful artwork reminiscent of a big-city coffee shop. N’Cahoots rear lounge will remind you of the coffee shop from the TV show Friends.
A repeat customer, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ordered, no matter the hour of the day. You can’t go wrong with a frothy vanilla latte or hot chai tea. Hungry? Order a slice of delicious quiche or a breakfast sandwich on a biscuit for an indulgent early-morning meal.
And if you’re craving a midday sweet treat, order a root beer float served in a towering tumbler glass with double scoops of vanilla ice cream.
While I didn’t see the lunch or dinner menu, the diner is open until 8 p.m. and serves bottled beer.
PRO TIP: Leave room for a slice of pie. Check the dry-erase board for nearly a dozen available flavors. Don’t like pie? Ask about homemade cinnamon rolls.
It’s the best place to eat lunch in town while watching sports or chatting with friends. Every inch of the restaurant was decked out in memorabilia and the sports-themed Tiffany lamps.
The Japanese-inspired menu features sushi rolls, bento boxes, hibachi, and yakisoba noodle bowls. My order of edamame and Rainbow Roll was satisfying; however, I regret not ordering another sushi roll for a larger dinner meal.
PRO TIP: Customers are expected to pay at the counter.
The owners prepare burgers, chicken tenders, and loaded burger bowls at a permanent food-truck spot. Patio tables are nearby, but it was a windy day, so I chose to dine in my car.
A married couple has been serving pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and hot link sandwiches and dinners to hungry barbecue fans since 2017. Her homemade cole slaw is scrumptious.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the Clearance shelves at the back of the store for deep discounts on seasonal merchandise.
Step up to the beauty bar and ask about their extensive line of LipSense by SeneGence while learning about upcoming 
Carrying sizes small through extra-large, the inventory is suited for women who prefer to dress up a casual outfit with patchwork blouses or Western-themed pieces paired with a statement necklace. The owner’s style is country-meets-Southwestern chic, which is reflected in the store’s inventory.
PRO TIP: Not able to shop at the retail store? 
The owner stocks a variety of merchandise, from essential oils and seasonal decorations to collegiate gifts and Jelly Cats products.
PRO TIP: 
PRO TIP: Plan your visit early in the day to enjoy the breakfast or lunch menu at its Garden Cafe.
An avid art museum-goer, I was impressed by the museum’s sophistication and knowledgeable staff. During my most recent visit, I admired Kansas landscape photography shot by WenDee Rowe and the handiwork of the sculptor artist Linda Fleming.
The corridor exhibit featuring Rachel Hirt’s stunning paintings of nature inspired me to walk outside to Joe’s Garden and courtyard, where an ever-evolving installation of statues invites viewing. The museum encourages guests to bring a lunch and enjoy it outdoors.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the retail gift store to shop for artists’ pottery, prints, and gift items. Check the 
The Pratt Army Air Field (P.A.A.F.) was constructed in 1943 and included a hangar, barracks, a dental clinic, a chapel, a theater, a school, and other buildings for enlisted military personnel. Military crews worked arduously to assemble B-29s. P.A.F.F. trained the first B-29 group to see active service overseas.
My self-guided tour of the B-29 Museum sparked my curiosity about how Pratt’s military base operated and the B-29’s impact on the war effort. The main gallery’s walls are covered in informational displays, and glass cases house airmen’s personal artifacts.
The space is more or less organized chronologically, with bonus displays honoring female aviation workers and pilots, as well as Kansans who served in the P.A.A.F.
I recommend watching an introductory film in the cinema before exploring the museum. I especially admired the Parachute Room’s collection of B29 artifacts, including a radial engine.
Later, I walked the one-mile paved path leading to the B-29 All Veterans Memorial. The retired airfield was quiet, as I stopped periodically to read signage detailing where airfield buildings once stood.
The B29 All Veterans Memorial honors those who served, including Lt. Col. Earl Ellis, a Pratt High School graduate. He gave his life while seeking additional information on the Japanese military’s intentions about Pearl Harbor.
My mouth dropped in awe at the quality of the exhibits’ design, the artifacts documenting its Native American history in the Hartman Gallery, and the replica buildings.
This isn’t a museum with dusty, old relics and framed documents. It’s an immersive experience you can feel (touch the meteorite!), hear (listen to the old-timey music!), and see (use the museum’s touchscreen video and QR codes!).
I had about an hour for a self-guided tour, but could easily have spent another hour exploring the museum and visiting with its enthusiastic volunteers.
PRO TIP: The museum is decorated for the holidays, so planning a visit near Christmas is recommended.
Turtles swam excitedly as I approached the glass. A catfish locked eyes with me. In the amphibians room, I kept a respectful distance while observing them.
The nature center is an ideal stop for families because it often hosts events for all ages on nature-themed holidays, like World Wildlife Day. Who’s ready for a bird walk?
Locals mingled pre-show before taking their seats at VIP Tables and in the balcony, pausing to order drinks and popcorn at the concessions stand. Once the music started, they got up and danced in their cowboy boots as the band sang cover songs.
Locals know to keep an eye on the rink’s 
During the 1950s, high school students painted the temperature labels on the towers. Now, the water towers are a great place to savor a picnic lunch, surrounded by seasonal flowers and newly planted trees.
The 33-acre complex consists of four diamond turf fields for tournament play. Sports fans travel to Green Sports Complex to watch local, state, and national games.
At first glance, I thought the course was well-maintained for golfers pulling a cart. Tee boxes are paved, and if you’re traveling with a dog, they’re allowed to tag along.
Not only does it offer guests amenities such as an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a hot breakfast, but the lobby lounge is designed to promote relaxation with oversized couches and travel reading materials. I saw a group of travelers getting to know one another over conversation in the dining area.
My room was a King Bed Suite, Non-Smoking, with like-home amenities and a complimentary sunrise view. In the morning, the free breakfast included hot and cold menu items, and free popcorn was available mid-day.
PRO TIP: Traveling with a dog? The hotel accepts pets for a one-time $75 fee.
Pratt offers so much to do and see that it is hard to fit a full itinerary into an afternoon. Plus, the town’s sporting events, concerts, the 
For me, the heart and soul of a town are its people, and the residents of 
I recommend asking the friendly employees about their high-end coffee selection and kombucha on tap. Visiting on a good weather day? Take your coffee outdoors to enjoy the view of Main Street on the front patio under string lights. View Craft Coffee Parlor’s hours 
