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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 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

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

Kansas is a wonderful state with a lot to offer tourists, from historic sites to natural attractions. If you're traveling to Wichita, make some time for a road trip around the state to check out some of its unusual attractions. These attractions are unlike any other in the country, and they will certainly make your trip more memorable. Check out these three weird attractions in Kansas. World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things Located on South Main Street in Lucas, about 100 miles northwest of Wichita, the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things is a museum that showcases small replicas of the largest structures and objects in the world. more Created by artist Erika Nelson, these replicas are handcrafted from a variety of materials. As you tour the museum, you'll see miniature versions of well-known American roadside giants such as Big Brutus in West Mineral, Kansas; Albert the Bull of Audubon, Iowa; Talking Cow in Neillsville, Wisconsin; World's Largest Strawberry in Strawberry Point, Iowa; and Talking Paul Bunyan in Brainerd, Minnesota. You can visit this museum by appointment or by chance. Truckhenge Truckhenge is an installation artwork that consists of antique trucks partly buried in the ground. Ron Lessman created this monument as a response to an order from county officials to clean up his farm. He buried the rear ends of the trucks and held them in place with heavy concrete bases, making them look like they have just burst out from under the ground. The outspoken Lessman wrote slogans such as “Freedum Isn't Lost” and “Rise Up” across the vehicles. While it was initially considered an eyesore, this American henge was later designated as a work of art. Truckhenge is located about 110 miles northeast of Wichita on Northeast Brier Road in Topeka. To visit this attraction, you need to contact Lessman in advance to schedule an appointment. World's Largest Easel About 250 miles northwest of Wichita on Interstate 70 near Goodland, you'll find the Big Easel Project by Cameron Cross. In 2001, the Canadian artist started work on a massive reproduction of Vincent Van Gogh's “Three Sunflowers in a Vase.” Measuring 32 feet high and 24 feet wide, the painting is displayed on an 80-foot easel that easily attracts the attention of drivers on the highway. It was created to honor Goodland's primary economic activity, which is sunflower production. If you want to take a closer look at the painting, you can park your car in the parking lot behind it. At night, a spotlight is turned on to make viewing possible. There are many other weird attractions in Kansas, including the world's largest ball of twine, world's largest electric shovel, world's largest baseball, the Wheat Liberty Bell, and a 50-foot concrete teepee. These attractions provide excellent photo opportunities, and most of them are free of charge. Make sure your car is in tiptop condition before you hit the road. Photo by Central Highlands Regional Council Libraries | Licensed under cc BY 2.0