Best Things to Do in Wichita, Kan.

This family-owned and -operated barbecue joint is a local institution. You’ll find classics like chopped brisket, pulled pork, ribs and smoked sandwiches on the menu. If you’re in the mood for a stiff drink, don’t leave without trying the Bloody Mary.

Dempsey’s delivers a premium burger experience in a traditional Irish pub setting. It offers different upscale meat options like Waygu beef patties or black Angus burgers that you can pair with toppings like bleu cheese, bourbon-candied apples or shallot marmalade, as well as classics like house pickles and bacon.

Scotch & Sirloin has been a Wichita mainstay since it first opened in 1968. It’s on the pricier side, but a primo steakhouse with an impressive selection of cuts — prime ribs, filet mignon, rib-eyes and Kansas City strip, among others. The steakhouse also has its own butcher shop.

Sumo by Nambara is a Japanese restaurant with a modern feel. You’ll find a mix of classic Midwest fare with menu items like Kansas City strips or filet mignons and some traditional Japanese dishes like teriyaki salmon, yakisoba calamari or hibachi shrimp.

Watch for Neives’ Taco Truck during your stay in Wichita! It’s one of the best food trucks around. It’s a local favorite for street tacos, but you can also get other inexpensive items like tostadas or enchiladas. 

The owner uses traditional Mexican recipes handed down by family members.

Il Vicino is a local franchise with wood-fired pizzas. You can find classic pies like margheritas or campagnolas or opt for original creations with toppings like spicy shrimp or pine nuts. It’s also an excellent spot for local microbrews, cannoli and cheesecake.

Picasso’s Pizzeria is a local institution and a go-to for New York-style thin crust, calzones and sandwiches. If you don’t feel like eating an entire pie, you can get pizza by the slice and choose from over 30 different toppings.

Stop by Harry’s Uptown Bar & Grill if you’re looking for a bar with a laid-back atmosphere. Besides classic pub fare, you’ll find strong drinks at a reasonable price.

A local fave, Lucky’s Everyday has a brunch menu, pool tables, a great selection of beer on tap and some live music.

First opened in 2004, The Anchor is known for its craft cocktails, huge selection of craft beers and gastropub menu. There’s a sister business called Anchor Meat Market right next door that sells locally sourced meats, cheese, gourmet goods and more. 

Old Town is old school. It refers to the eastern portion of the Downtown area and includes Douglas Avenue, one of the busiest spots for dining and shopping options in Wichita. In the 19th century, residents conducted most of their business in Old Town. Today, you’ll find several old warehouses transformed into places of business, along with plenty of restaurants, bars and live music venues.

Downtown is hectic and where you’ll find event venues, art galleries and many entertainment options. It’s busy but worth visiting for the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, the Orpheum Theatre or the Kansas City Sports Hall of Fame. You can take a stroll to see old buildings like the Carnegie Library Building or the Market Centre.

Take a stroll through College Hill, which you’ll find to be a quieter residential area, and take in the historic houses. You can find trolley and walking tours for this neighborhood if you want to learn more about the history of Wichita and see some of the unique homes. College Hill Park is an ideal spot for relaxing, sunbathing or having a picnic.

One of the best destinations in Wichita for breweries, but you’ll also find some unique eateries and lots of businesses that offer products and services related to art and design.

The Museum of World Treasures is a fascinating place between its old brick building and the vast collection of artifacts from all over the world. You’ll find curiosities like a fossil gallery, a rocks and minerals exhibit and a section dedicated to the Civil War. There is a Hall of Presidents with unique memorability, an Ancient Egypt section and even a piece of the Berlin Wall.

You can’t visit Wichita and not see the Old Cowtown Museum. It tells the city’s history through 54 recreated buildings along the bank of the Arkansas River. You can travel back in time and visit an Old West barbershop, schoolhouse, jail, trapper’s cabin and so much more.

The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Highlights include the orangutan and chimpanzee habitat, gorilla forest and impressive collection of Australian and South American animals. There are even boat and tram tours. 

The city stopped using its old airport terminal in the 1950s. The terminal is now a museum dedicated to the history of one of the industries that shaped Wichita. The terminal features a unique Art Deco style, and you’ll love this museum if aviation is your thing. There is a collection of old engines, a WWII exhibit and some sections dedicated to legendary manufacturers like Cessna and Beechcraft.

The Wichita State University basketball team, the Shockers, are a big deal in these parts. Even if you’re not a huge NCAA fan, catching a Shockers game at Charles Koch Arena is a Wichita experience with an electric atmosphere.

Botanica, the Wichita Gardens is a series of impressive community gardens spawning over more than 17 acres. There is a gorgeous butterfly house, a collection of junipers with more than 30 different species, a rock garden, a Shakespeare garden and a lot more to discover. Walking through the community gardens and discovering something new around every corner is a delightful experience and the perfect way to spend an unforgettable afternoon in Wichita.

Here’s a retro experience: Wichita is one of the few cities that still has a drive-in movie theater. Catch one of the latest releases from the comfort of your car.