Disclosure: Visit Wichita sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are mine.
Wichita, Kansas, is an ever-changing city where innovation and Midwestern charm meet in the Heart of the Country. It’s the destination you’ll wish you had visited sooner for its welcoming atmosphere and a host of world-class attractions to explore.
These experiences represent Wichita’s essence, from attractions and dining to shopping and historic sites. Add five unforgettable experiences to your travel itinerary, and consider this an invitation to a city certain to exceed your expectations.
Top 5 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die
Feel the Power of Place at The Keeper of the Plains
Locals will agree that the most iconic landmark in Wichita that visitors should view firsthand is the Keeper of the Plains. Situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers, the 44-foot-tall Corten steel sculpture, designed by Blackbear Bosin, stands overlooking the downtown skyline. After dark, four cauldrons ignite at its base, creating a mesmerizing sight.
The celebration of Wichita’s rich Native American history continues with the Keepers on Parade, which are miniature replicas of the Keeper of the Plains placed throughout the city. Each one is hand-painted by a local artist.
Savor Farm-to-Table Flavor at Public
Known as a city with a robust dining scene, culinary adventurers are fortunate to have more than 1,200 restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual fare to fine dining. Public, located underground in historic Old Town, serves chef-prepared meals using locally sourced, in-season ingredients from area farms.
Dine under mason jar light fixtures surrounded by whimsical antiques, savoring appetizers like the Wichita Wings or Prairie Bison Slides. For the main course, Brisket Tacos or the Spicy Fried Chicken are solid choices, and pizza lovers will delight in the Bassano topped with wood-smoked chicken.
Stick around after dark for live music under the stars at The Brickyard, the eatery’s open-air patio voted the best one in the city.
Bring Home an Artisan Gift from The Workroom
If you’re seeking a unique shopping experience, The Workroom is a must-shop location. The two-story boutique houses more than 100 local makers’ creations, including the largest collection of Wichita swag in one place. It’s not another retail shop. It’s an award-winning destination.
Located inside a historic building that was the Carey Hotel, where hatchet-wielding prohibitionist Carry Nation destroyed the bar in 1911, patrons can sip and savor a cocktail or espresso drink at The Workroom’s Bubbles Champagne Bar. Outside, don’t leave without striking a pose with Nation’s statue.
Step Into The Past at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Of the city’s visit-worthy museums, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum is a go-to if you want to know Wichita’s story, from discovery to present day. The building, constructed as Wichita’s first City Hall in 1892, houses 80,000-plus artifacts.
Immerse yourself in the Wichita experience by learning about the heritage of the Wichita Indians who gave the city its name. Tour a replica Victorian home, watch a movie about aviation history, and admire the electric guitar that made its debut in Wichita. Afterward, take in the tranquility of Heritage Square Park beyond the museum’s doors.
Sip Craft Cocktails in Secret at Dockum
A hidden lounge awaits discovery at Dockum, an underground speakeasy at The Ambassador Hotel Wichita. Dim lighting and jazz music create an intimate, tucked-away atmosphere for sipping libations.
In 1899, Harry Dockum opened downtown drugstores, including one in the same building. Bartenders, also referred to as pharmacists, meticulously prepare small-batch cocktails using house-made bitters and fresh-squeezed juices. The Smoking Gun, a rye whiskey signature drink, emits earthy aromatics during its presentation.
To enter, follow the pharmacy signs to the hotel’s basement and knock on the door at your reservation time.
Bonus Stop: Soar Through Time at the Kansas Aviation Museum
Wichita is regarded as the Air Capital of the World, a title bestowed in 1925 for its legacy as the birthplace of Travel Air Manufacturing, founded by Clyde Cessna, Walter Beech, and Lloyd Stearman.
Aviation companies Cessna, Beechcraft, Learjet, and Stearman put Wichita on the map, and its central location made it the ideal location for a cross-country airport, Wichita Municipal Airport, now the Kansas Aviation Museum. Take note of its restored 1930s Art Deco ceiling and original terrazzo tile while appreciating indoor exhibits showcasing vintage aircraft and the Women of Aviation.
Ascend the Control Tower for a bird’s eye view of the tarmac where 600 flights took off and landed during its heyday.
Take a deep dive into Wichita by reviewing my books, 100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die and Secret Wichita: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. A native, I’m considered a go-to expert on the city’s many things to do and see.
Walk west to the clock tower, Window in Time, located at the roundabout. Its sculpted panels detail scenes from the Chisholm Trail. A time capsule is buried at its base.
I recommend downloading the PocketSights mobile app to listen to a fascinating audio tour, 
Bar drinks are served with or without booze. Add delectable bites such as chips with dip or gourmet pizza to your order.
Expect comfort classics on the menu, and if you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve come to the right place. I recommend starting a meal with brisket stuffed mushrooms to share with friends.
Voted the best Japanese cuisine by Wichita Magazine readers it’s also listed as one of the 50 Ramen Destinations by USA Today, the menu’s most popular dishes include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, but I’m partial to Spicy Yakisoba.
I’ve heard good reviews about their sandwiches, but I can’t seem to order anything other than pizza because I crave the Cajun Bacon Ranch and The Banick.
I recommend arriving when they open at 11:00 am (Monday-Friday) to secure a booth before the restaurant fills up quickly.
They often feature a seasonal drink special, and the fruit smoothies and refreshers over ice are solid choices.
Enjoy buy-one, get-one-free Junior NuWays with a purchase of a drink on Sundays.
View the records under the Local Bands section, and if you still own a CD player, you’ll appreciate their used inventory selection.
In business for decades, the hattery offers concierge services to create a custom design after taking your measurements.
Choose from Wichita merchandise, jewelry, handmade candles, hats, mugs, and more. The items are unique and unlike anything you’ll find at a big-box store.
The massive store also carries high-end outdoor furnishings, making it the go-to shopping experience if you’re ready to redo your home patio or deck setup.
I often leave having purchased Wichita postcards and refrigerator magnets. People with a sense of humor will feel at home at Vortex Souvenir.
Historic Delano is certainly a Wichita neighborhood worth exploring, whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking weekend-worthy fun.
I’m not a regular disc golf player and I’m definitely still learning how to throw. But my boyfriend is an avid player, so I’ve walked countless courses, interviewed a course designer for the blog, and I’ve attended a tournament to observe how the pros play.
Please consider this list a starter guide to disc golf courses in Sunflower State. Of course, for a comprehensive list, consult the 
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the 
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
The golf course is located close to public restaurants, drinking water, and a hiking path.
Part of the thrill of playing the amateur course is pausing to spot black squirrels running up and down trees amongst the fairways.
The moderately challenging course is designed among beautiful trees of nearly every variety. Concrete tee pads and highly visible red baskets make it idyllic for a round of 18 holes.
Due to the 12-acre lake, novice players will find a couple of holes challenging, so I recommend they pack a retriever or floating disc.
Each hole of the 18-hole course has three tee pad options, some fairways are considerably tree lined or tree covered while others are open and easier to play.
Parts of the fairways meander adjacent commercial-use buildings and the sound of traffic hums.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the course includes dirt pads and golfers will need to be watchful of the pond in the center.
Established in 2016, the course includes concrete pads and wide fairways make for relaxing play. Pause between holes to rest on a nearby bench under a canopy of trees or snap pictures of a nearby waterfall.
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are considered easy to moderate. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.
The 
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3.
Scott City is also home to a second course, Lake Scott State Park, which is located outside of town. You need to pay for a $5 park day pass or use your Kansas State Parks Vehicle Pass to enter the area. Established in 2019, the course is uneven terrain with dirt tee boxes.
My journey to discover more about disc golf culture has only begun. I look forward to improving my skills as I travel to more courses throughout Kansas and elsewhere.
From the breakfast menu options viewable within the glass bakery case, I chose a slice of Farmers Quiche to go with a steaming cup of cappuccino. It was made from delicious ingredients and had a flaky crust. It hit the spot.
PRO TIP: Order a dessert to go. I recommend a soft snickerdoodle cookie.
The café is student hangout between classes, so expect college-aged patrons to chat amongst themselves and play billiards. If you’re hoping to use a laptop to concentrate on work or read a book, I recommend using the overflow lounge space in the next room.
I recommend sticking with the Mexican cuisine theme by adding a Dirty Horchata with espresso drink to the Two Tamale Meal. Who knows, you may spot a vibrant piece of pottery to purchase before you leave.
I sipped a steaming chai latté from one of a handful of seats before shopping next door for bargain finds. Most visitors choose to order a portable to-go coffee, but I enjoyed relaxing at one of the refurbished tables watching people come and go.
Cozy up with your laptop or a book in the comfy lounge or shop for gifts after coffee and a meal. If traveling with kids, board games and puzzles keep it entertaining.
The guest WI-FI and copious sunshine are complimentary. Kids will appreciate watching fish at the koi pond.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
I sipped a specialty coffee, The Feathered Frenzy, and enjoyed a scratch-made scone from the espresso bar. As we talked, I noticed several locals sitting together in small groups, talking over coffee. You’ll feel a sense of community at café.
Part of the fun of travel is discovering new-to-you experiences, which can include enjoying a cup of java in a unique setting. Consider adding one of these tucked-away Kansas coffee shops to your travel plans.
Established in 1974, the campus museum continues to wow each time I visit. After perusing its second-floor galleries, I highly recommend taking a walk on campus to discover 86 permanent works displayed in the Martin H. Bush Sculpture Collection.
PRO TIP: Cut costs by ordering the sandwich only with curly fries for $4.49.
Today, 
PRO TIP: Stop to appreciate one of several Keepers on Parade, small scale versions of the city’s iconic sculpture, Keeper of the Plains. In the Historic Delano District, Credit Union of America and Hutton Construction display a Keeper on Parade.
PRO TIP: Find choice parking at
Each meal is prepared to order using fresh ingredients, and if you ask me, they serve the creamiest, most delicious hummus in town. It’s consistent food quality and service is why I also included it in a blog post about the city’s thriving 
Visitors of all ages will appreciate the on-site activities, including the Magical Forest Ice Skating Trail and Glacier Slides Snow Tubing. You don’t have to be athletic to participate in either one. Schedule your arrival time, sign the waivers, and give it a go.
Although I’m not much of an ice skater, it was fun to try it. Finding a pair of skates that fit me was a bit of a challenge, but it was worth the experience once we snapped photos as the sun set and the holiday lights became aglow.
We watched families defy gravity at Glacier Slides Snow Tubing, which offers two options for ascending to the bottom: a kid-friendly “bunny hill” and a 30-foot-tall slide.
Participants screamed with glee as they slid downhill, and kids often begged their parents for a second run. Chris loved the speed and thrill of the descent.
Afterward, we listened to a pianist play and sing holiday tunes inside the Bah Humbug Sing-A-Long Piano Bar. I sipped spiked cider and, yes, found myself singing popular jingles. I felt the Christmas spirit.
We perused vendor booths before entering the second floor’s Tipsy Tree Lounge; we enjoyed another cup of holiday cheer while watching families explore the park below.
The festive experience concluded after selecting an ornament for our tree from the gift shop, a memento of our date night experience.
PRO TIP: Upgrading your tickets to include the VIP Pass is worth it, providing access to lounges, fast pass lanes, a welcome drink, a $10 gift certificate, and a to-go swag bag. 
We made a beeline for a tented room where Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome families. To my surprise, we had them to ourselves, so we chatted joyfully about their holiday duties before I requested a photo with them. A jolly time, indeed.
The Renaissance-themed holiday fun continues throughout the park as hobbyists perfect their craft.
Knights of Lights is designed to be a fantastical experience. 
You may love it so much that you’ll want to return when all vendors are available during the 
PRO TIP: Planning a date night? Purchase a 
A directory of apparel stores includes brands such as Kate Spade, J. Crew, Michael Kors Outlet, and dozens more. During a recent visit, we purchased three pairs of sneakers at Adidas for under $100.
Not only do many of the stores advertise low prices, but some offer additional coupons and clearance merchandise.
Specialty shops such as Gamestop, Claire’s, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory make shopping for kids a breeze. I never miss a chance to shop for seasonal gifts at Home Goods.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite for holiday shopping, stop for a meal at one of over 20 
It’s our tradition to stop at the massive Christmas tree for a photo for our holiday card. Bringing kids? They can drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox at AMC Legends 14 Theater.
PRO TIP: Participate in the 
I recommend ordering two breakfast burritos per person, and the carne asada burritos are excellent. If you’re extra hungry, consider ordering the Torta Memo, a stuffed bread sandwich with peppers, grilled steak, and cheese.
PRO TIP: The green salsa is mild, and the orange salsa is extra spicy.
I recommend ordering the shareable Poke Nachos for an appetizer, which our server told us is the restaurant’s most popular request. Layers of marinated ahi tuna, peppers, truffle sauce, and Asian-inspired ingredients sit atop crispy wonton chips.
For lunch, I chose the Baja Shrimp Taco and Vampire Taco with a side house salad, a delicious balance of spicy seasoning and fresh ingredients. Our table also enjoyed a juicy Truffle Cheeseburger with truffle fries, a decadent combo.
Yard House is an excellent choice for dining, especially if you want to watch the game from a bar television.
For over 25 years, guests have ordered seafood stuffed po’boys, crawfish étouffée, and plates of pasta swimming in Creole-spiced cream sauce.
We sat at the bar to avoid a wait at the hostess desk, where two bartenders introduced themselves and told us about the three-piece live jazz band playing on the second floor. Expect live music every night of the week starting at 6:00 pm.
I ordered Shrimp & Scallops Pontchartrain, which was so rich in flavor and seasoning that I mopped up every bite of the tequila cream sauce with complimentary baguette bread. A bite of my boyfriend’s seafood fettuccini proved too spicy for my palette but so tasty.
PRO TIP: Although it’s not a sports bar, Jazz bartenders confess it’s a great place to enjoy a meal during a televised Kansas Chiefs football game because there is never a wait.
As an IHG Hotel Rewards member, I expect the hotel’s comfortable amenities, including a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and high-speed free Wi-Fi.
PRO TIP: Pack earplugs and a sleep mask for a guaranteed night’s slumber.
I’m a big fan of the 
But there’s more! If you extend your holiday vacation in Kansas City, Kansas, consider reading my blog posts 
