8 Things You Can't Miss in Wichita, Kansas
I’ve lived about three hours from Wichita for most of my life, yet until recently I’d never spent much time there beyond just passing through. It’s funny how “close” places can sometimes stay in the shadows until you make a point to visit. After a recent trip to the largest city in Kansas, I found Wichita is brimming with underappreciated charm, great food, and memorable stops. If you’re planning a weekend, or even just a day trip, here are the must-experience places I’d build your itinerary around.
WICHITA - QUick facts
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas by population, and it’s nicknamed the “Air Capital of the World” due to the prominence of aviation companies like Cessna, Beechcraft, and others.
It’s the birthplace of Pizza Hut and White Castle (yes, really).
The city enjoys over 220 sunny days per year, more than 100 miles of walking and biking trails, and a lively arts & food scene.
Its name honors the Wichita Indigenous people; some sources interpret it as “painted faces” or “scattered lodges.”
These elements make Wichita more than just a mid-Kansas hub - it has its own energy and identity worth exploring.
🗺️ The List: 8 Things You Can’t Miss in Wichita
Below is your checklist of places I’d absolutely include when planning a visit to Wichita.
1. Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Just west of Wichita in Goddard, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a hands-on, immersive animal experience. You can feed giraffes, hold baby animals, interact with lemurs, and more. It’s more than a zoo - it invites you to explore and engage with wildlife in a way that’s ethical, fun, and educational.
Why go? For the unique up-close animal interactions you won’t always find in larger, more conventional zoos.
2. Sedgwick County Zoo & the Baby Elephants
The Sedgwick County Zoo hosts over 3,000 animals across nearly 400 species. Among its highlights is the elephant exhibit with a large habitat and pool. This zoo is home to 4 baby elephants born in 2025 - the only zoo with this many babies at one time. These babies were the highlight of my recent trip, but this zoo is well worth a visit in general.
3. Pennant Coffee in Delano
Delano is one of Wichita’s most charming neighborhoods, right along the Arkansas River. Here you’ll find Pennant Coffee at 930 W Douglas Ave. They operate daily (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and have a full café menu of espresso drinks, seasonal creations, toast, pastries, and more. It’s a great place to slow down, plan your day, or just enjoy a nice break.
4. Coffee Daze
On the other side of town, Coffee Daze is a local favorite coffee shop (3236 E Douglas Ave, Suite 100). It offers a cozy vibe, friendly service, and a good menu of coffees, matcha, baked goods, etc. It’s a solid stop if your route carries you through the east side of Wichita.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen–Lambe House
Wichita is one of the few cities in the U.S. to host a Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home: the Allen–Lambe House (also known as the Henry J. Allen House). Built circa 1915–1917, it’s a gorgeous Prairie style work incorporating horizontal lines, Japanese design influences, and a respect for its surroundings.
You can take guided tours through the Allen House Foundation, which help you appreciate Wright’s architecture in a local context.
6. Exploring Old Town Wichita
Old Town is the heart of Wichita’s historic entertainment district. Think brick storefronts, art galleries, bars, restaurants, and a walkable charm. I loved wandering its alleys, peeking into shops, and just soaking up the ambience, especially in the early evening, when lights, patios, and mellow live music gently mingle.
7. Cocoa Dolce Chocolates
You cannot skip Cocoa Dolce when in Wichita. Their downtown lounge (235 N St. Francis Ave) offers artisan chocolates, gelato, pastries, dessert drinks, and a cozy space to linger. It’s perfect for a sweet pause between explorations or as the capstone to your evening.
8. Dinner at Lottē
For a dinner highlight, go to Lottē (320 S Market St, Suite 101 in downtown Wichita). Lottē is a seasonal, farm-to-table dining concept by Chef Josh Rathbun, offering elevated comfort food and a warm, refined ambiance. I have been talking about my dinner here for weeks. It’s one of the best meals I’ve had in Kansas! Their menu change with seasonality, so there is always something new to try.
Tips & Extras (for locals or return visitors)
Check hours & seasonal changes before you go — places like Lottē, Allen House tours, or Cocoa Dolce may shift with the season.
The Arkansas River runs through Wichita and adds nice scenic walks, bridges, and river access points.
Wichita has a thriving arts scene — depending on timing, see whether there’s a performance at Century II or a gallery walk in Old Town.
If you have extra time: check out the Keeper of the Plains statue and its nightly “Ring of Fire” light show, or museums like the Wichita Art Museum or Mid-America All-Indian Museum.
