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Located in the south-central part of Kansas, Wichita is the largest city in the state. Since it was founded as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s, the city has been attracting new residents all the time. If you're making a move to Wichita and you're wondering what to expect, here are five things to keep in mind. more 1. Minimal Traffic If you're coming from another major city in the United States, you might be surprised by the minimal traffic in Wichita. Even though it's the biggest city in the state, you'll rarely have to deal with major traffic delays. You might occasionally run into a slow down during rush hour or when the roads are being worked on, but almost everything in Wichita is a 15- to 20-minute drive away, which makes commuting and running errands a breeze. 2. Easy to Get Around Perhaps one reason why Wichita doesn't have to deal with major traffic issues like other cities is that the city is laid out in a grid system that's fairly easy to navigate. The interstate system also makes it simple to get around the city. If you want to avoid the heart of Wichita, Interstate 35 runs east of the city and Interstate 235 runs west of it. On the other hand, if you need to head to downtown Wichita, Interstate 135 takes you directly through the heart of the city. 3. Plenty of Things to Do When you arrive in Wichita, you'll discover you have plenty of activities to enjoy. You can check out the animals at the Sedgwick County Zoo, learn more about nature at the Great Plains Nature Center, tour the Wichita Art Museum, stroll through the lovely Botanica Wichita Gardens, and more. 4. East Versus West After you move to Wichita, you might notice people will ask if you live on the east side or west side. This is because Wichitans have a friendly East Wichita versus West Wichita rivalry. At one time, it wasn't so easy to get from one side of the city to the other. People who lived on the east side or west side typically didn't leave their side of town. While new major highways have now made it much easier to get around, this good-natured teasing about which side is best still persists. 5. Numerous Golf Courses Although places like Florida and Arizona get all the glory when it comes to golf courses, Wichita also has plenty of excellent options. If you enjoy golfing, Wichita has five premium public courses conveniently located around the city. Each course offers its own unique layout and provides a different challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Of course, these aren't the only golf courses in the area. You'll also find numerous private clubs that have some spectacular courses and other amenities. Wichita is a lovely city with a unique vibe. If you're planning a move to the city, these are just a few things you can expect when you arrive. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

If you are planning to travel within the Wichita region in August, take a load off and enjoy yourself at one of these great August events. Summer is a time to celebrate and relax, so be sure to check out these extraordinary opportunities. more 1. Wichita Taco Fest 2019 Come celebrate America's great love for tacos, tequila, margaritas, and music at this year's Taco Fest. Get ready for a ton of fun at Old Cowtown Museum located at 1865 Museum Blvd. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, from 3 until 9 p.m. Perks of this event include the sale of tacos for as little as $1 each, plenty of salsa and chips, along with desserts and smoothies galore. There will be games for the whole family, music by DJ Metiche and DJ Carbon and Box of Beats, best taco and best salsa competitions, and even a jalapeno eating competition. The host of this super gathering will be none other than celebrity chef, Jason Febres. 2. Anime Festival Wichita 2019 If you or your kids love anime, then Wichita in August is where you want to be. Come by for the annual anime festival organized by Woolfmoon Productions LLC. Special guests to this one-of-a-kind event will include voice actress Morgan Berry, writer Mary Claypool, voice actress Tara Sands, and Les E. Claypool III, audio engineer and owner of Magnitude B Post. Tickets will be $18 for Friday entry, $25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, or $45 for all three days. The Anime Festival will take place from Aug. 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. 3. Zombie Apocalypse Boot Camp Perhaps you are looking for something special to do or maybe your older kids have a lot of energy and you want to take them somewhere extra interesting? No sweat — check out the unbelievable Zombie Apocalypse Boot Camp that is taking place in Wichita this summer. In this unique boot camp game, you will find yourselves mid-apocalypse with no possibility of outside technology and none of the modern solutions we are accustomed to. Stores have been broken into and robbed and there is complete chaos. You will have no option but to learn archery, first aid, wild plant harvesting, and how to cook and fend for yourself in the wild. At the end of it all, you'll be tested in a final exam to see whether you truly can live like a survivor. The adventure takes place on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $20 for nonmembers and $15 for members, and you'll enjoy lunch and a free T-shirt. Kids between the ages of 12 and 16 are welcome to come with a participating adult. Wichita is all you thought it could be and so much more. From family fun with plentiful food and treats to innovative boot camps and shows, there is a variety to see and do. Take advantage of the fun this summer and visit a special event in Wichita. https://www.flickr.com/photos/travelbakercounty/41987775915/sizes/l Image via Flickr by TravelBakerCounty

While Wichita, Kansas, certainly has its fair share of popular and renowned attractions, there are plenty of unique and lesser-known attractions that are worth seeking out. With a rich history and an Old West vibe paired with a thriving cultural scene, there's much to explore. more Old Cowtown Museum Take a stroll through the past at the Old Cowtown Museum. The open-air living history museum covers 23 acres and includes 54 historic structures that demonstrate an Old West town. Step inside the Smith House and Blood Family Homestead, two frame houses that were built in the late 1800s. The houses include period furniture, clothing, and memorabilia. The recreated Southern Hotel is a 19th-century rooming house complete with a dining room and lobby on the first floor. Aside from homes, you'll also find retail establishments such as a general store, livery stable, blacksmith, saloon, and saddle and harness shop. Historical interpreters in costume offer insight into the daily life during that period, and you can opt for a self-guided or guided tour of the museum. Old Cowtown Museum is located at 1865 Museum Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Kansas Firefighter's Museum The historic Engine House Number 6 is home to the Kansas Firefighter's Museum. The museum features equipment used in the 1800s as well as Model-T and Model-A fire trucks. You'll also find a hand-operated water pump, uniforms, ladders, buckets, and helmets that were once used to fight Wichita's fires. Head upstairs to see the firefighters' beds, the brass pole they used to slide down in an emergency, and a variety of other memorabilia from firefighters across the state. After touring the museum, pay your respect at the nearby Kansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The memorial includes a statue of a firefighter in debris, a brick plaza, memorial wall, and a meditation area. The Kansas Firefighters Museum is located at 1300 S. Broadway St. and is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mid-American All-Indian Center Learn about Native American history at the Mid-American All-Indian Center, which is found in central Wichita on the east bank of the Arkansas River. The facility is a museum and cultural center featuring artwork, artifacts, interactive exhibits, and more. Wander the halls to see displays of sculpture, paintings, beadwork, and handicrafts. Have a seat and watch one of the videos about Indian culture and heritage. Head outside to see a full-size Plains Indian tipi, traditional gardens of edible and medicinal plants, and supply carts. Guided tours are available, or you can also take a self-guided tour at your own pace. Mid-American All-Indian Center is located at 650 N. Seneca St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When you're eager to find Wichita's hidden gems, you won't need to look far. Scattered around the city are numerous attractions that are certainly worth visiting. Spend the day discovering Wichita's unique attractions and you'll walk away with not only a deeper knowledge, but also a deeper appreciation. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

With a rich history and culture, there's no shortage of educational experiences in Wichita, Kansas. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy taking in the sights and museums to learn more about the area's past. more Kansas Firefighter's Museum All kids love the fire station and now they can take a tour of one while learning about history at the Kansas Firefighter's Museum. The museum is home to the state's largest collection of firefighting memorabilia and includes a Model-T, a Model-A fire truck, hats, uniforms, ladders, buckets, and more. Get an up-close look at a 1930s fire engine, as well as a functioning steam-powered water dispersion system. Kids will get a kick out of seeing the brass pole that was once used to slide down when the firefighters were called out to an emergency. After touring the museum, head to the nearby Kansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial, which includes a memorial wall, statue of a firefighter in debris, brick plaza, and a meditation area. Kansas Firefighters Museum is located at 1300 S. Broadway St. and is open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kansas Aviation Museum There are only two air-worthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft left in the world, and the Kansas Aviation Museum is home to one of them. Manufactured during WWII, the B-29 has been restored to its full glory and is now a flying museum. When not in the air, it's on display at the museum's B-29 Doc Hanger & Education Center. Aside from the B-29, you'll also see a 1927 Swallow, 1929 American Eagle, and more. Sit inside these stunning aircraft and imagine soaring through the sky. Browse exhibits that tell the tale of these mighty aircraft and the history of aviation. Educational programs are offered throughout the year for all ages. The Kansas Aviation Museum is located at 3350 George Washington Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Old Cowtown Museum Learn about the history of the Old West at the Old Cowtown Museum. Spanning over 23 acres, the open-air living history museum features 54 historic structures that depict an Old West town. Inside the Smith House and Blood Family Homestead, which are frame houses that were built in the late 1800s, you'll find period clothing, furniture, and memorabilia. The Southern Hotel is a recreated 19th-century rooming house with a dining room and lobby. In addition to period homes, you can also tour retail establishments such as a saloon, general store, blacksmith, livery stable, and saddle and harness shop. The interactive exhibits also feature costumed historical interpreters that offer further insight into the daily life of the past. Guided tours are available, or you can opt for a self-guided tour. Old Cowtown Museum is located at 1865 Museum Blvd. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Spend the day exploring Wichita's museums to learn about the city's past and present. With so many educational experiences available for all ages, you'll no doubt have fun while learning a little something. https://www.flickr.com/photos/neuwieser/5965760870/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Neuwieser

With spring quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning out some fun-filled, outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get out of the house and start enjoying the weather again after the long Wichita, Kansas, winter. more 1. Sedgwick County Zoo With over 3,000 animals and 400 species, the Sedgwick zoo offers hours of fun for the whole family. Visitors can check out Michael the lion, Stephanie the elephant, Daisy the ape, and a host of other animals that will amaze, entertain, and educate. The exhibits are specifically designed to be educational so children and adults alike can learn all about the animal's natural behaviors and lifestyle. There are also special events held throughout the year, a gift shop, and food vendors to provide a quick bite to eat. The Sedgwick County Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For ticket information, you can either visit their website or give them a call at (316) 660-9453. 2. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens Located in Sim Park, the Wichita Gardens is a beautiful display of flora that provides the perfect ambiance for a leisurely stroll. The designers have cultivated themed gardens like the Butterfly Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and the Sally Stone Sensory Garden that will keep visitors captivated for hours. There are also special children's events throughout the year as well as educational programs. Botanica: The Wichita Gardens is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For tickets and membership information, you can visit their website or give them a call at (316) 264-0448. 3. The Keeper of the Plains Standing at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, this landmark stands as a tribute to the Native American influence on the area. Originally built in 1974 by renowned Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, the 44-foot tall Keeper stands proudly with his hands outstretched in supplication to the Great Spirit. With its memorial plaque to the Native tribesmen of the Great Plains, newly renovated walkway, and nightly "Ring of Fire" celebration, The Keeper of the Plains plays host to thousands of visitors yearly. For more information on the Keeper of the Plains, visit their website or give them a call at (316) 350-3340. 4. Old Cowtown Museum This 23-acre, open-air museum is dedicated to the history of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas, during the latter half of the 19th century. Everything and everyone on the premises is dressed up to resemble the period, including costumed museum staff who demonstrate everyday chores and activities like cooking, gardening, and tending to livestock. The mission of the museum is to educate people about what life was like in the area during that time and how the area slowly transformed into what it is today. The Old Cowtown Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, either visit their website or give them a call at (316) 350-3323. With spring on its way, now is the time to start planning some fun-filled outdoor activities. Make sure to check out these and all the other outdoor activities you can do in Wichita. Image via Flickr by Fireboat895