Wichita Attractions

	*Attractions*

			Wichita Old Town Old Town is nestled in the heart of Wichita. Among the brick-lined streets and historic lamp posts are a collection of vintage brick warehouses, converted into a modern hub. More than 100 restaurants, shops, clubs, theaters, galleries, museums, and businesses have found their niche here under the wide Kansas sky.

	Sedgwick County Zoo Founded in 1971, the zoo has quickly become recognized both nationally and internationally for its support of conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species. With over 2,500 animals of nearly 500 different species, the zoo now ranks as the number one outdoor tourist attraction in the state.

			Keeper of the Plains This statue, a 44-foot-tall steel structure created by Native-American artist Blackbear Bosin, is a tribute to the Wichita Indian tribe that inhabited the area before the first settlers came to the area in the 1860's. The statue is situated at the convergence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, in the heart of downtown.

	Old Cowtown Museum A living history museum located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Old Cowtown focuses on life in Wichita during the late 19th century. The museum contains over 26 historic buildings, daily reenactments, and a large number of live animals including a full working farm.

			Botanica, The Wichita Gardens This beautiful, ten-acre arboretum showcases much of the flora native to the southern Great Plains. Features include a 2,800 square foot butterfly house, fountains, waterfalls, and a Shakespearean garden with over 350 individual rose plants.

	Wichita River Festival Held each May in the downtown and Old Town areas of the city, RiverFest is one of the longest-running and heavily-attended events in Kansas. It features over 70 events, including musical entertainment, sporting events, traveling exhibits, block parties, and fireworks.

			Museum of World Treasures Located in Old Town, this museum houses a collection of artifacts unlike any other. From a large collection of dinosaur fossils to authentic Egyptian mummies, there is something for every interest. The exhibits include a hall of Presidents, military artifacts from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam, music and Hollywood memorabilia, and sports memorabilia.

	Kansas Aviation Museum Located in the former Wichita Municipal Airport at 31st Street South and Oliver, the Kansas Aviation Museum gives a tribute to Wichita as the Air Capital of the World.

			Exploration Place Exploration Place is a center for informal, enjoyable, creative learning. With many interactive exhibits, this kid-focused museum fits the bill for family fun.

	Wichita Art Museum As the largest art museum in the state of Kansas, the Wichita Art Museum houses one of the nation's finest collections of American art spanning three centuries.

			Wichita Symphony Orchestra One of the few professional symphonies in Kansas, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1944 and is tightly associated with the Wichita State University School of Music. The symphony plays regularly at the Century II Concert Hall.

	Mid-America All-Indian Center The center is a multi-purpose facility, available for special events. It houses a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of, and educating people about, the American Indian.

			Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum Located in the old Wichita City Hall, a building constructed in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historical museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the colorful history of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

	Music Theatre of Wichita As the major performing arts company in southeast Kansas, the Music Theatre of Wichita premiers at least five full-length shows every year. Performances are at Century II Convention Hall.

			Wichita Flight Festival This annual event showcases both aircraft and the aviation industry with exhibits of over 50 aircraft, from modern business jets to vintage warbirds, as well as a live airshow.

	Kansas Sports Hall of Fame As one might guess, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history of sports in the state of Kansas. The museum showcases exhibits, archives, and activities to honor those whose achievements brought distinction to their communities and to the state.

			Intrust Bank Arena Wichita's newest addition, the Intrust Bank Arena will become the home of the Wichita Thunder hockey team, and will host many major musical and entertainment acts. The list of inaugural acts include Brad Paisley, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Billy Joel, Nickelback, and Daughtry.

	Wichita Ice Center The only facility of its kind in the area, the Wichita Ice Center provides a venue for local hockey leagues, a competitive figure skating academy, a speed skating training facility, as well as a public-access ice rink.

			Wichita Wingnuts The Wingnuts are Wichita's AA baseball program. The team plays its games in Lawrence-Dumont Stadium across the river from Century II. The Wingnuts continue Wichita's long and storied baseball tradition.

	Wichita Thunder The Thunder are Wichita's minor-league hockey team, who will begin playing their home games in the new Intrust Bank Arena in 2010. As part of the Central Hockey League, the team enjoys a loyal following.

			Wichita Wild The Wild are Wichita's arena league football franchise. The team was founded in 2007, and is now part of the IFL. The team plays its games in Hartman Arena, located a few miles north of Wichita.

	Great Plains Renaissance Festival This annual event is held in one of Wichita's many city parks. It is the largest event of its kind in the region, and includes historical information about the Middle Ages, activities for families, food, reenactments, and replica merchandise.

			Wichita Golf Courses Wichita is home to many award-winning golf courses, including many public courses. Wichita's public courses are: Pine Bay, Tex Consolver, Auburn Hills, L.W. Clapp, MacDonald, Sims Park, Braeburn, Sierra Hills, Echo Hills, and Hidden Lakes. Local private courses include: Rolling Hills, Reflection Ridge, Wichita Country Club, Tallgrass, Crestview, Willowbend, Twin Lakes, Terradyne, and Flint Hills.

	All Star Sports Wichita has two of these family-friendly entertainment hubs; one east and one west. All Star has something for everyone - driving ranges, batting cages, arcades, and go-carts are just some of the attractions.

			Warren Theatres The Warren Theatres are Wichita's marquis movie venues. The elegant buildings house state-of-the-art high-definition projectors and THX surround-sound audio systems for an unforgettable movie experience.

	Wichita State University Baseball The Shockers have been a perennial national baseball power since winning the College World Series in 1989. The team plays in the Missouri Valley Conference, and home games are played at Eck Stadium on the college campus.

			Wichita State University Basketball The WSU basketball program has seen vast improvement over the last decade, including a trip to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2006. Under proven head coach Gregg Marshall, the Shockers are again atop the Missouri Valley standings. Home games are played at Charles Koch Arena, commonly referred to as the Roundhouse, located on the Wichita State campus.