Midwest Getaway: 48 Hours in Wichita

Wichita might be the Midwest’s best-kept secret for weekend getaways. Nestled between Kansas City and Oklahoma City, this city blends culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you're into nature, art, or food, there’s something for everyone. With its warm Midwestern charm and variety of activities, Wichita offers an unforgettable weekend adventure.

Downtown Wichita, Kansas.Photo byDepositphotos.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Wichita is a fantastic weekend destination. There’s no shortage of nature-filled fun, from beautiful botanical gardens to unique, up-close wildlife encounters.

Botanica

Start your weekend with a peaceful walk through Botanica. This 17-acre oasis features over 30 themed gardens that change with the seasons. Enjoy tulips in the spring, a butterfly house in the summer, and festive lights in winter.

Chinese Garden of Friendship at Botanica.Photo bySage Scott.

Sedgwick County Zoo

A short drive from Botanica, Sedgwick County Zoo houses over 3,000 animals across 400 species. Explore exhibits like Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley or the Downing Gorilla Forest. For a unique view, hop on the zoo train or take a boat tour.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

At Tanganyika Wildlife Park, you can feed giraffes, rhinos, and lemurs, or even swim with penguins. The park offers hands-on animal encounters perfect for families and animal lovers alike.

Feeding lorikeets at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.Photo bySage Scott.

Great Plains Nature Center

The Great Plains Nature Center is a 280-acre park with diverse ecosystems and paved trails. Visitors can spot native wildlife and explore exhibits, including aquariums showcasing Kansas fish and wildlife.

Embrace Wichita’s Culture, Art, and History

Whether you like stunning sculptures or fascinating museums, there are plenty of fun things to do in Wichita if you are an art enthusiast or history buff. Check out these must-visit spots in Wichita’s museum district, the Douglas Design District, and beyond.

Keeper of the Plains

No trip to Wichita is complete without visiting the iconic 44-foot Keeper of the Plains statue at the confluence of two rivers. While it’s not as famous as the Statue of Liberty, this American Indian sculpture by Blackbear Bosin boasts a stunning view of Kansas.

Keeper of the Plains.Photo bySage Scott.

Mid-America All-Indian Museum

If the Keeper of the Plains inspires you, visit the Mid-America All-Indian Museum to see more of Bosin’s work. Learn about Native American history and culture, including the Wichita tribe.

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

On the east bank of the Arkansas River, you’ll find the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum. In a native stone castle that once housed the first city hall, there are exhibits that celebrate Wichita’s growth from a trading post to the largest city in Kansas.

Kansas Aviation Museum

Wichita earned its title as the Air Capital of the World here, and the Kansas Aviation Museum showcases that history. Located in the old airport terminal, it features historic planes and aviation exhibits.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House.Photo bySage Scott.

Exploration Place

Exploration Place, Wichita’s top science museum, offers hands-on exhibits ranging from space exploration to human anatomy. The Design Build Fly exhibit lets you design airplane seats, test landing gear, or pretend to board a luxury jet.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House

Admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style design at the century-old Allen House. Once home to Kansas Governor Henry Allen, the century-old house gives visitors a peek into Wright’s architectural genius through long horizontal lines, nature-inspired stained glass, and golden earth tones.

Wichita Art Museum

Art lovers will find their haven at the Wichita Art Museum, which houses a collection of American art. Don’t miss the stunning Chihuly Bridge, a glass installation that adds a burst of color and creativity to your visit.

Douglas Design District

For urban culture, check out the Douglas Design District. This downtown area features vibrant murals, sculptures, and local shops. It’s a perfect spot to explore Wichita’s creative side.

Breakfast at Doo-Dah Diner.Photo bySage Scott.

Where to Eat in Wichita

Wichita’s 1,200+ restaurants prove the Midwest is more than corn and cows, although they do those well, too. Here are a few of my favorite spots.

Doo-Dah Diner

Before you enjoy the best things to do in Wichita, fuel up with breakfast at Doo-Dah Diner. Named after one of Wichita’s charming nicknames, this cozy spot is famous for its hearty breakfast offerings. Be sure to pair your morning cup of coffee with their banana bread French toast, a local favorite that’s the perfect start to your day.

HomeGrown

With three locations in Wichita, HomeGrown serves up delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Pair a flaky homemade Pop-Tart with locally roasted coffee, or enjoy a hearty breakfast with a mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Old Mill Tasty Shop

One of the oldest restaurants in Downtown Wichita, Old Mill Tasty Shop has been serving locals and visitors for decades. I recommend inquiring about the daily Blue Plate Special and pairing whatever you order with a chocolate malt from the old-fashioned soda fountain.

Prost

For a taste of Germany, head to Prost, where you’ll find everything from Bavarian pretzels to schnitzel. Try Kansas’s local Volga German dish, bierock, a savory pastry filled with beef and cabbage.

Elderslie Market & Creamery

For a fine dining experience, visit Elderslie Market & Creamery just outside the city. Enjoy a seasonal prix fixe dinner, or grab artisan cheese from the creamery if you're short on time.

Wrapping Up Your Weekend in Wichita

From beautiful gardens and museums to tasty dining spots, Wichita offers a delightful weekend getaway. Pack your bags and get ready to explore all this city has to offer.