When you’re visiting a new city, the first thing you do is ask the locals what’s good, right? Where the best spots to eat are, where you should stay, and most importantly what you should do while you’re there. Equity Bank has been serving residents of Wichita for over two decades, and in that time, we’ve developed a pretty strong feel for what makes this community so unique, and what newcomers should experience first.
We’ve come up with a list of places and things to see and do in Wichita that we feel give the best sense of our city. We’ll cover museums, cultural landmarks, and activities that are accessible and entertaining for visitors of all ages.
The Keeper of The Plains & Mid-America All-Indian Center
Wichita, Kansas is situated along the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. At their confluence in the city’s center stands The Keeper of The Plains, a statue commemorating the various Native American tribes who have called the Great Plains home. The statue has become one of Wichita’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks, and serves as a reminder of the unique culture and heritage of the area.
Adjacent to the statue stands the Mid-America All-Indian Center, a museum dedicated to the preservation of Native American culture and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of dozens of tribes, as well as their special connection to the Great Plains.
Exploration Place
Wichita’s Exploration Place is Kansas’ largest science center, and is an opportunity for guests of all ages to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for all kinds of science and technology. Exploration Place has a set of permanent exhibits aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers, as well as special events that coincide with natural phenomena and cultural milestones.
For example, this year Wichita experienced a solar eclipse on April 8th. Exploration Place hosted a watch party, providing safety gear and interactive exhibits to teach attendees more about the eclipse and other celestial phenomena. The center will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking album “Dark Side of the Moon” throughout the year, with planetarium shows meant to provide a total visual and auditory experience.
You can visit the center’s site to learn more about limited-time shows or to book tickets ahead of time.
Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum is located in the River District, is free to all visitors, and houses works by some of America’s greatest artists. The collection includes works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keefe, and Mary Cassatt, as well as many others. A rotating set of exhibits showcase art from different time periods and areas of the world.
The museum also boasts an impressive display of sculptural works in the outdoor Art Garden. Visitors are free to walk outside the building to view monumental sculptures and enjoy the wonderful weather when conditions permit. You can view current and upcoming exhibitions on their site.
Bonus Tip: Visit The Best Bank in Wichita
If you’re looking to partner with a bank in Wichita, then look no further. Equity Bank has locations all over the city, and you can stop by anytime to open an account or learn about what we have to offer. If you have questions or need advice, contact us and let an Equity Bank team member help.