Blog

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

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

When you're on the lookout for somewhere in Wichita, Kansas to spend a nice day with the kids, we have some suggestions. Enjoy the best family day filled with adventures at one of these fun and educational places. Museum of World Treasures What do you call a fascinating venue filled with ancient treasures from around the world? The Museum of World Treasures, of course. Touting a diverse collection of unique objects from military history to dinosaur bones and Egyptian mummies, the museum offers a glimpse into ancient civilizations long turned to dust. more Join museum staff on the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. for family night. For just $5, everyone 5 and older gets to meet a variety of dinosaurs, including Ivan, a 38-foot skeletal model of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Fun activities and projects add even more delight to the experience. Located at the Wichita Public Schools, the mission of the Museum of World Treasures is to inspire, entertain, and educate visitors. It's truly a wonderful way to spend the day with family, and it's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Botanica — Community Gardens of Wichita Open year-round, Botanica — Community Gardens of Wichita is a terrific way to get the whole family outdoors. A center for horticulture, it now encompasses 30 separate gardens over 17 lush acres. Each unique area offers sculptures, streams, fountains, and waterfalls, in addition to more than 4,000 plant species that change over the seasons. There's also a library, as well as the Beverly R. Blue Teaching Garden dedicated to raising awareness. The Downing Children's Garden opened in 2011 and offers more than an acre of child-themed activities. The jewel of the children's garden, a beautiful carousel donated by Joyland Amusement Park, is a must-ride. Enter monster woods if you dare, explore the tree house and pond, and then have a seat in the enchanted glen for story time. Sedgwick County Zoo What family doesn't love a wild adventure at the zoo? Sedgwick County Zoo is home to 400 species of animals and 3,000 individuals grouped geographically based on their natural habitats, from Asia to Africa, from elephants to tigers. Learn more about the apes that reside at the zoo with a keeper chat at 3:30 p.m. every day or get eye to eye with a giraffe and feed him some veggies. Embark on a behind-the-scenes encounter your little ones will never forget, such as at the Cessna Penguin Cove. Get inside the enclosure and venture out into the habitat to meet the animals. Recognized for its successful breeding program of rare and endangered species, Sedgwick County Zoo recently announced the birth of orangutan Lily, who was delivered via C-section on Sep. 7. Grab the kids and enjoy the best family day in Wichita. With a visit to the Museum of World Treasures, botanical gardens, and zoo, it's sure to be an exciting excursion for all your family members. Image via Flickr by CrankyPK

If you're a cultural buff, you'll find virtually endless opportunities to satisfy your passion in Wichita, Kansas. This wonderful city is also home to many excellent museums, which collectively provide a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of south-central Kansas and beyond. Visit to these three museums while you're in Wichita. Wichita Art Museum Wichita Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in Kansas. Since its establishment in 1935, its permanent collection has grown to over 8,000 items, with a particularly strong representation of American art. The museum's core collection is the Roland P. Murdoch collection, which includes works by famous artists such as John Singleton Copley, Thomas Eakins, Edward Hopper, and Arthur Dove. In addition, it has impressive holdings in Pre-Columbian art, art of the American West, and 19th- to 21st-century glass art. more Wichita Art Museum is on Museum Boulevard. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for students with ID. Museum of World Treasures Founded in 2001, Museum of World Treasures is a three-story museum that houses an extensive collection of interesting artifacts from around the world. On the main floor, you'll see dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, Egyptian mummies, and antiquities from the Far East. The second floor is dedicated to American history, featuring presidential memorabilia and autographs, and artifacts from the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. On the third floor, there are displays relating to famous athletes, musicians, performers, and authors. The museum also has a children's activity center that includes a castle, moonwalk, puppet theater, and toys. Situated on East First Street, Museum of World Treasures is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $8.95 for adults, $7.95 for seniors, and $6.95 for children 4 to 11. Kansas Aviation Museum Kansas Aviation Museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of aviation in Wichita, the “Air Capital of the World.” During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to walk on the floors where aviation legends such as Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, and Charles Lindbergh had walked and view a wide selection of historic and modern aircraft. There are also exhibits devoted to aircraft makers such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Stearman, as well as computer simulators that artificially recreate the experience of flying an airplane. Kansas Aviation Museum is on George Washington Boulevard. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission fees are $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, and $7.50 for children aged 4 to 12. Visiting museums in Wichita will make your vacation more fun and meaningful. Whether you're interested in art, nature, transportation, or sports, you'll be able to find a museum in the city that suits your taste. Photo by Rosedale7175 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0