Four FREE Things to Do in Wichita, KS

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.  Two and a half miles of paved trails 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.

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.

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, it's definitely not a miss while you're here.

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. 

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
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.

Pictured: Centaur and Lapith by Dimitri Hadzi is one of five sculptures that can only be seen by visiting the museum. They are on the Kouri Sculpture Terrace.

And while you're on campus, don't forget to stop by the very first Pizza Hut (founded in 1958)!

Even Leonardo DiCaprio supports Wichita and their Shockers. He is shown here with Tobey Maguire sporting a WSU hat. If that's not a reason to visit ... I don't know what is!