3 Days In Wichita: Who Knew There Was So Much To Dos
Planning a short trip to Kansas? Spending 3 days in Wichita is the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s history, vibrant food scene, museums, and unique attractions. From walking downtown to wandering Old Town and visiting local museums, Wichita offers a mix of culture, fun, and local flavor that will leave you inspired.
I visited Wichita as part of a travel bloggers conference and had an absolute blast. The city was not what I expected at all—friendly locals, fantastic food, and so much to see and do. This trip was part of a nine-day adventure touring south-central Kansas, where I also explored charming towns like Lindsborg, Cottonwood Falls, Ellinwood, and more.
Wichita quickly became one of my favorite stops on the route, offering a mix of mid-west culture, history, and local flavor that surprised me at every turn. I was even able to do some birdwatching on my visit.
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Where Wichita Is & Getting There
Wichita is located in south-central Kansas and is easily accessible by plane or car. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport connects the city to major hubs like Dallas, Denver, and Chicago, making it easy for travelers coming from other cities. Once in town, renting a car or using rideshares and local buses is the easiest way to navigate between downtown, Old Town, and museums.
Day 1 – Downtown & Walking Around
Start your first day exploring Wichita on foot. Head to the river and follow the Riverwalk along the Arkansas River. Take a short detour to Sweet and Sauce, which is a candy and soda shoppe that has over 300 bottles of unique sodas and 350+ bottles of different sauces and salsa. Make sure you try one of the bottles of soda.
Next, head back to the river and walk towards the Wichita Veterans Memorial Park, a landscaped tribute honoring veterans, featuring monuments, plaques, and walking paths.
Just past the park, you’ll find a hidden gem—the whimsical Troll Statue, a well-kept secret in Wichita. Created as part of a public art initiative, it celebrates the city’s quirky side and adds a playful surprise for those exploring downtown. Snap a photo of the troll statue and make sure you share it on!
Continue along the river till you eventually reach the iconic Keeper of the Plains, an iconic sculpture and scenic spot. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to see it at night, especially when they have the fire lit around it.
Make your way over to Old Town, where you can enjoy a late lunch at Nortons Brewing Company, where I loved the Key Lime Crush and Chop House Burger. It was one of my favorite restaurants to eat it, and it’s one of the top restaurants in Wichita.
Spend the rest of the day walking around the streets of Old Town, exploring shops, historic architecture, and enjoying the vibrant local atmosphere.
While I didn’t visit personally, the Delano District is worth adding to your itinerary if you have extra time. Known for trendy shops, local restaurants, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great neighborhood for strolling and enjoying Wichita’s modern vibe. Historical touches remain, like the Delano Clock Tower, honoring Jesse Chisholm of the Chisholm Trail.
End your day with drinks and live music in Old Town. One of the best places to visit is Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar. I promise you will love it!
Day 2 – Arts, Food & Wildlife
Your second day can focus on arts, museums, and wildlife. Head 15 minutes out of Wichita to Karg Art Glass, where you can see live glassblowing demonstrations. You can also do glass blowing and create your own piece of art to take away. Don’t worry, if you aren’t in town when it is ready to pick up, they will ship it to you. This was one of the best things to do in Wichita, and I loved every part of it!
If you can schedule in advance, book a visit to the Mark Arts Center, check out the rotating exhibits, and participate in one of the culinary workshops. I was able to participate in one, where we learned about the diverse culinary influences in Wichita, including Mexican, Lebanese, and Vietnamese. We got to cook a meal with dishes from each of these cultures.
For a sweet treat, stop by Cocoa Dolce, once a Coleman’s factory, turned into a chocolate factory and café with delicious handcrafted sweets and drinks. I promise you it is worth it. The salted caramel martini and chocolates are amazing. Don’t worry, you deserve it after walking around the previous day!
Next, you must make a stop at Nifty’s Nuthouse! Many snacks and treats you never thought you would see again. Nuts, candy, chocolate, and more. It was worth the stop to satisfy the sweet tooth even more!
In the afternoon, spend some time with the animals. Visit Tanganyika Wildlife Park, which offers a hands-on animal experience like no other. Feed giraffes or lemurs, touch kangaroos, and maybe even swim with penguins. I had the opportunity to feed lemurs and see the pygmy hippos, which was a very cool experience!
Another option is to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo. Depending on the time of year, you may get to see some baby elephants (like I did). I was also thrilled to learn that they had African painted dogs, my favorite animal I saw when I visited Tanzania.
Once you’re done exploring, head to River City Brewing for dinner and drinks. Relax and reflect on the amazing day you spent exploring the area.
Day 3 – Old Town & Museums
Start your final day with breakfast or brunch at The Rusty Nail (depending on when you start your day, check if they are open). It may look like a dive bar from the outside, but I promise you that the food is great and worth visiting.
There are many options for museums to visit, depending on what your interests are. Choose 1 or 2 to visit and explore:
Museum of World Treasures: Contains a mixed collection of items from WWI, American Civil War artifacts, dinosaurs, and ancient Egyptian displays.
Exploration Place: A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.
Wichita Art Museum: Showcases an impressive collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions.
Old Cowtown Museum: Brings 19th-century Wichita to life with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and live demonstrations.
Ulrich Museum: Features contemporary art and rotating exhibits, providing insight into modern artistic trends and local creativity.
Kansas Aviation Museum: Highlights the history of flight with aircraft displays, educational exhibits, and aviation artifacts. Did you know Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World?
Once you are finished exploring museums, head to your final place for a meal. Some other local favorites are Public Brickyard, Larkspur, Bite Me BBQ, and Grow Plant Bar. Every restaurant has a different thing they focus on – so check them out and find your favorite.
Where to Stay in Wichita
Choosing the right hotel can make your trip seamless. Some of our favorite options (where I stayed or was recommended by other travelers) include:
Hyatt Regency Wichita – Central location, modern amenities, and comfortable rooms. This is where I stayed and thought it was a great base while visiting Wichita.
Drury Plaza Hotel – Convenient downtown location with complimentary breakfast and evening socials.
Hotel at Old Town – Walk to Old Town attractions, boutique style, and cozy feel. Excuse the glare of the lights in the picture below!
Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town – Spacious rooms, fitness center, and close to restaurants and nightlife.
FAQs About Visiting Wichita
Final Thoughts
With this itinerary, 3 days in Wichita can offer a perfect balance of history, art, food, and outdoor fun. From exploring museums and wildlife parks to walking around Old Town, you’ll experience everything this vibrant city has to offer. Whether visiting as a couple, a family, or solo, Wichita promises a memorable adventure in the heart of Kansas. Wichita did not disappoint, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
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