Wichita, Kansas, has long been a hub of activity from its early days as a cattle town to being a major player in aircraft manufacturing. With a rich Wild West history and a thriving economy nowadays, Wichita is an exciting city to visit and explore for people of all ages.
Getting to Wichita is pretty easy. You can fly into Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport or drive in on Interstate 35. I-135 and I-235 provide transportation routes in and around the city.
Before you even you arrive in Wichita, you will want to book a good place to stay. This Midwestern gem has great hotels in many parts of the city. However, if you are looking for a well-appointed, centrally located hotel, one of the most popular options is the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Located in downtown, the Hyatt Regency is directly adjacent to the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. Its central location places it right by other popular destinations like Intrust Bank Arena, the Orpheum Theatre, Historic Old Town, and the Exploration Place.
Plenty of Things to Do
Downtown Wichita is the place to be for concerts and sporting events. The Intrust Bank Arena hosts sporting events and concerts of all sorts. It often plays host to NCAA tournaments and is the permanent home to the ECHL Wichita Thunder and the CIF Wichita Force. The Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center hosts many nationally-touring bands and artists as well as providing convention space to various parties.
Wichita has a rich history that dates back to the Wild West. Jesse Chisholm established a trading post as part of what is now known as the Chisholm Trail. New settlers started to arrive and eventually the town incorporated in 1870. In the 1870s, Wichita became a major hub for cattle drives looking for railroad lines headed to the east. You can see traces of this history in historic sites like Old town, the Old Cowtown Museum, and the Historic Delano District.
Despite its rich history, Wichita is very much a modern city. It embraces a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Wichita Art Museum focuses on the work of artists from across America with works by Winslow Homer and Mary Cassatt included in their collections.
Family-Friendly
Families love to visit Wichita because there’s plenty of family-friendly places to visit year-round. The Sedgwick County Zoo is a fun place to see and learn about a wide variety of animals. They offer frequently changing exhibits so there is plenty of reasons to visit again and again. Exploration Place is an interactive museum dedicated to teaching kids of all ages about science.
Botanica: The Wichita Gardens brings natural beauty and peaceful surroundings to the hustle and bustle of urban living. Themed gardens offer something for everyone from butterflies to roses to wildflowers. The Botanica hosts the stunning Festival of Lights during the holiday season.
If you are looking for something a bit different, Wichita offers visitors a few off-beat options. Pizza Hut first opened in Wichita and visitors can explore the original restaurant. The Kansas Aviation Museum explores the rich aeronautical history of Wichita and the state of Kansas. For architecture lovers, a stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House is a must. The Music Theater Wichita brings Broadway plays and local productions to town.
Planning your next vacation? Make sure you have a good amount of time set aside. Wichita is definitely a place worth exploring.
