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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

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