I originally posted this article for Traveling Mom. Make sure you check out my other articles on the website.
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When was the last time you heard someone say, "We're going to Wichita, Kansas" in total excitement? Probably never. Why on earth would anyone want to go to a place known mostly for its cattle-flecked prairies and acres of wheat in the middle of nowhere? It may not be a top vacation pick for most, but I'm here to say that it's so much more than what people think.
Not only is it Kansas's largest city, but it's also the AirCapital of the World. It's home to the Wichita State Shockers. It's where Kirstie Alley calls home and where Emma Stone states she's from in the movie Zombieland. If you're into Rock & Roll, you may remember The White Stripes went to Wichita to "work the straw" in their Grammy award winning song, "Seven Nation Army". Then there's Glen Campbell's popular song, "Wichita Lineman". That's just a drip in the bucket of some of Wichita's shoutouts.
In the Wichita metro area, there are 36 museums, more than 24 attractions, 20 live theatres, 35 art galleries, and 32 golf courses. Most which come with a "Midwestern price". But if you're looking for some quick free fun with the family, I've come up with a list of a few must-see FREE things to do while you're in Wichita.
1. Great
Plains Nature Center
The
GPNC offers opportunities for children (of all ages) and adults to learn more
about natural resources, especially the wildlife and plant species, of the
Great Plains Region. The nature center is surrounded by the 282 acre Chisholm
Creek Park with 2 ½ miles of paved trails which cross native and restored
prairies, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands.
Special
features of the Great Plains Nature Center include the Koch Habitat Hall, the
Coleman Auditorium, a 2,200 gallon aquarium with native Kansas fish, a wildlife
observatory, the Owl's Nest Gift Shop, and a classroom.
All
of the trails are handicapped accessible.
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2. Old
Town Wichita
Located
in the heart of Wichita is Old Town Wichita where you'll find
brick-lined streets, historic lampposts, and converted brick warehouses dating
back to the mid-1800's. The Old Town redbrick warehouse district undergoes a
daily metamorphosis. The area full of day jobs and retail shops transforms into
the centerpiece of the city's nightlife. Old Town features more than 100
businesses including restaurants, shops, clubs, galleries, theatres, and
museums. In the heart of Old Town is also two of Wichita's finest hotels.
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Among
some of the free things to do in Old Town Wichita is the Coleman Factory Outlet and Museum. The
museum fills about two hundred square feet in the front corner of the Coleman
Factory Outlet store. While it's not large enough to make a "special"
trip to Wichita for, it's definitely not a miss while you're here.
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3. The
Keeper of the Plains
The
Keeper of the Plains is a 74-foot tall steel sculpture standing at the point
where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers join together in downtown Wichita.
This land between the two rivers is considered sacred ground to the Native
American people and is also home to the All-American Indian Center (admission
fee). The icon of Wichita was erected in 1974 to celebrate the United States
Bicentennial and has kept a watchful eye on the city ever since. Surrounding
the base of the statue are multiple displays which describe the local tribes
that used to inhabit this area, as well as several fire pits which sometimes
light up to illuminate the statue at night. The fire pits, which are known as
the Rings of Fire, are lit manually for public safety and run in 15-minute
increments. They are generally lit 2-3 times a night. Click here for hours.
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BONUS: Find the Troll!
South of the Keeper of the Plains, under a grate on the east side of the
Arkansas River, sits a whimsical troll sculpture created by artist Constance
Ernatt. Some legends believe that trolls come alive at night, turning to stone
in the daytime. This particular troll is shackled to the walls beneath the
grate, with green lights illuminating him by night.
4. Ulrich
Museum of Art at Wichita State University
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The
Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University offers direct encounters with
modern and contemporary art. The best part of the Ulrich Museum of Art's
collection is outside which features the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture
Collection. More than 70 statues spread across Wichita State University's
campus.
Click
here for hours and dates of operation.
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And
while you're on campus, don't forget to stop by the very first Pizza Hut
(founded in 1958)!
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Even
Leonardo DiCaprio supports Wichita and their Shockers as shown here sporting a
WSU hat to game one of the LA Lakers with Tobey Maguire.
If
that's not a reason to visit ... I don't know what is!
(photo
courtesy of TheInsider.com)
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So
now you know there's more to Wichita than just cows, tractors, and tornadoes.
Wichita is home to countless family fun activities and many exciting
attractions year-round for every age, whim, and passion.
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