Discover the real Wichita, Kansas, with Adam from Destination Deca! In this epic travel guide, we count down the TOP 10 Things to Do in Wichita—plus reveal two bonus must-see spots you won't want to miss. Get full travel tips, fun facts, and insider secrets for each attraction:
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens – Wander 17 acres of brilliant blooms, themed gardens, and kid-friendly fun.
The Keeper of the Plains – Snap iconic riverfront photos under the fiery night sky at Wichita's legendary sculpture.
Wichita Whimsy Old Town & Downtown Hunt – Explore murals, scavenger clues, and public art in a playful self-guided adventure.
Exploration Place – Dive into Kansas' premier science center, packed with interactive exhibits and a jaw-dropping 360° dome theater.
Great Plains Nature Center – Hike wild prairies, spot wildlife, and learn about the Midwest's vibrant ecosystems.
Old Cowtown Museum – Live out classic cowboy tales in a walkable, 1800s village brought to life by costumed interpreters.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park – Feed, touch, and even swim with animals at one of America’s top interactive animal parks.
Nifty Nut House – Snack your way through 4,500 candies, nuts, and treats in this retro, family-run Wichita icon.
Orpheum Theatre – See a show in America’s oldest atmospheric theater, rich with vaudeville history and glamorous interiors.
Chicken N Pickle / River City Brewing Company – Play, eat, and mingle in Wichita’s modern fun-zone, or savor craft beers and local eats in Old Town.
BONUS:
Sedgwick County Zoo – Tour one of the nation’s largest zoos, home to elephants, gorillas, and hands-on animal encounters.
Museum of World Treasures – Marvel at T. rex skeletons, Egyptian mummies, rare artifacts, and more in Wichita’s top curiosity museum.
Whether you're planning your first trip or a local looking for new favorites, these Wichita highlights promise adventure, discovery, and plenty of Insta-worthy moments. Like, subscribe, and comment below with your favorite spot or top Kansas tip!
#Wichita #TravelGuide #Kansas #DestinationDeca #FamilyFun #Midwest #BucketList
#WichitaKS
#VisitWichita
#WichitaAttractions
#DestinationDeca
#AdamTravels
#Top10Wichita
#BotanicaWichita
#KeeperOfThePlains
#OldTownWichita
#ExplorationPlace
#GreatPlainsNatureCenter
#OldCowtownMuseum
#TanganyikaWildlifePark
#NiftyNutHouse
#OrpheumTheatre
#ChickenNPickle
#RiverCityBrewing
#WichitaFoodAndDrink
#FamilyFunWichita
#KansasTravel
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens – Wander 17 acres of brilliant blooms, themed gardens, and kid-friendly fun.
The Keeper of the Plains – Snap iconic riverfront photos under the fiery night sky at Wichita's legendary sculpture.
Wichita Whimsy Old Town & Downtown Hunt – Explore murals, scavenger clues, and public art in a playful self-guided adventure.
Exploration Place – Dive into Kansas' premier science center, packed with interactive exhibits and a jaw-dropping 360° dome theater.
Great Plains Nature Center – Hike wild prairies, spot wildlife, and learn about the Midwest's vibrant ecosystems.
Old Cowtown Museum – Live out classic cowboy tales in a walkable, 1800s village brought to life by costumed interpreters.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park – Feed, touch, and even swim with animals at one of America’s top interactive animal parks.
Nifty Nut House – Snack your way through 4,500 candies, nuts, and treats in this retro, family-run Wichita icon.
Orpheum Theatre – See a show in America’s oldest atmospheric theater, rich with vaudeville history and glamorous interiors.
Chicken N Pickle / River City Brewing Company – Play, eat, and mingle in Wichita’s modern fun-zone, or savor craft beers and local eats in Old Town.
BONUS:
Sedgwick County Zoo – Tour one of the nation’s largest zoos, home to elephants, gorillas, and hands-on animal encounters.
Museum of World Treasures – Marvel at T. rex skeletons, Egyptian mummies, rare artifacts, and more in Wichita’s top curiosity museum.
Whether you're planning your first trip or a local looking for new favorites, these Wichita highlights promise adventure, discovery, and plenty of Insta-worthy moments. Like, subscribe, and comment below with your favorite spot or top Kansas tip!
#Wichita #TravelGuide #Kansas #DestinationDeca #FamilyFun #Midwest #BucketList
#WichitaKS
#VisitWichita
#WichitaAttractions
#DestinationDeca
#AdamTravels
#Top10Wichita
#BotanicaWichita
#KeeperOfThePlains
#OldTownWichita
#ExplorationPlace
#GreatPlainsNatureCenter
#OldCowtownMuseum
#TanganyikaWildlifePark
#NiftyNutHouse
#OrpheumTheatre
#ChickenNPickle
#RiverCityBrewing
#WichitaFoodAndDrink
#FamilyFunWichita
#KansasTravel
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TravelTranscript
00:00Hey, it's Adam from Destination Deca, and today I'm your guide to Wichita, Kansas,
00:05the beating heart of the Sunflower State. If you've never been, Wichita might surprise you
00:11with its mix of world-class attractions, local icons, unique eats, and a community spirit that
00:16makes every visitor feel welcome. Whether you're a culture vulture, an outdoor explorer, a curious
00:23history buff, or just here for Insta Snaps and Unforgettable Food, this top 10 list, plus two
00:30epic bonus spots, will start your Kansas adventure off right. So make sure to hit like, subscribe,
00:37and buckle up as we cruise through the 10 things you absolutely can't miss in Wichita, Kansas.
00:43Let's get started. Number 10. Botanica, the Wichita Gardens location,
00:50701 North Amidon Street. First up, let's slow down and breathe in the beauty at Botanica,
00:56the Wichita Gardens. Spanning over 17 acres, Botanica is more than just a garden.
01:03It's an all-season sanctuary and one of Wichita's pride and joy attractions.
01:08Fun fact. Botanica is home to over 4,000 plant species, from Kansas natives to exotic specimens
01:15you'd never expect in the Midwest. It opened in 1987 with just four gardens. Now it has over 30
01:23themed gardens, each with their own charm. Trip tips. Spring is jaw-dropping, with more than 120,000
01:31daffodils and 50,000 tulips blooming in waves of color. But don't skip summer for the wildflowers or
01:39winter for over 12,000 pansies and thousands of lighted holiday displays. Families. The Downing
01:46Children's Garden is pure magic, think giant musical mazes, waterfall play streams, towering treehouses,
01:53and butterfly-friendly trails for hands-on fun. Number 9. The Keeper of the Plains location,
02:01confluence of big and little Arkansas rivers, central Wichita. Ready for one of the most iconic
02:06landmarks in the Midwest? The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot-tall steel sculpture by Kiowa Comanche
02:14artist Black Bear Bosun 5. Towering over the city at the meeting point of two rivers, it's Wichita's
02:22symbol of unity, spirit, and Native American heritage. Fun fact. Every evening, five fire drums ignite in a
02:30dazzling display called the Ring of Fire Ceremony, a tribute to the four elements and the sacredness of
02:36the land. Trip Tips. Visit at sunset for the best light and plan your trip around the fire ceremony,
02:457-7.15 p.m. in fall, winter, 9-9.15 p.m. in spring, summer. The surrounding plaza offers detailed
02:54exhibits about Native American history, sacred plants, and the culture of the Plains tribes.
03:00Free and open to the public year-round. Number 8. Wichita Whimsy. Old Town and
03:09Downtown Hunt location. Self-guided, starting in Old Town or Downtown looking to unlock Wichita's
03:15modern creative side? Book the Wichita Whimsy Old Town and Downtown Hunt, a smartphone-powered
03:22scavenger adventure that takes you through the most colorful, quirky, and art-soaked corners of the
03:27city. Fun fact. The Hunt will send you and your group on a puzzle-solving journey past 99 words and
03:35AMP. Phrases coined by Shakespeare, murals, neon-lit alleyways, larger-than-life pop art,
03:42Hygiene Simmons mural, and hands-on interactive sculptures. You'll learn local trivia, snap fun photo
03:49challenges, and discover surprise gems along the way. Trip tips. Hunts are self-guided, so start
03:57anytime, day or night, using the app. The route is about 1.5 to 2 miles, taking you past icons like
04:05the old Sedgwick County Courthouse, Scottish Rite Centre, Gallery Alley, and the legendary Orpheum
04:11Theatre. Challenge friends, family, dates, or team building groups for the top spot on the leaderboard,
04:19photos and banter highly encouraged. Most hunts last 1.5 to 2 hours. Bring comfy shoes and a phone
04:27with a charged battery for snapping pics and scanning clues. Number 7. Exploration Place
04:34Location. 300 North McLean Boulevard, on the west bank of the Arkansas River. For families, science geeks,
04:43and curious minds. Exploration Place brings STEM to life, mixing hands-on fun with world-class design.
04:51Fun Fact. Housed in a stunning, futuristic building designed by world-renowned architect
04:57Moshe Safdie, Exploration Place appears to float on the riverbank, especially beautiful when lit up at night.
05:04History. Exploration Place was conceived in the 1990s by blending Wichita's two beloved science museums.
05:13Opened in 2000, it's now Kansas' premier science center, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
05:21Number 6. Great Plains Nature Center Location. 6232 E29th Street North. Ready for a reset?
05:32Welcome to the Great Plains Nature Center, where Kansas wildlife and native ecosystems are always in season.
05:38Fun Fact. The center is home to the region's stunning Coke Habitat Hall, a vast interactive museum with
05:46dioramas of tall grass prairies, wild wetlands, and vibrant woodlands.
05:51Just outside? 240 acres of trails through Chisholm Creek Park, a birdwatcher's paradise.
05:58Trip Tips. Start indoors in the Habitat Hall to see bison, prairie dogs, owls, and even box turtles all under one roof.
06:10Sign up for free programming, family nature walks, wildflower gardening clubs, wildlife talks, and fun kids activities year-round.
06:18Stroll the trails for a good chance to spot herons, ducks, and, in spring and fall, dozens of migratory bird species.
06:28Admission is free.
06:31Donations help fund conservation.
06:34Bring binoculars, a camera, and a reusable water bottle.
06:37Most trails are paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
06:43Check the event calendar.
06:45Annual, walk with wildlife, festivals, and wildflower workshops are especially popular.
06:52Number 5.
06:54Old Cowtown Museum Location.
06:571865 W Museum Boulevard.
06:59Along the Arkansas River y'all ready to step back in time?
07:02Old Cowtown Museum is like visiting an open-air movie set where 19th-century Wichita comes to life.
07:11Fun fact.
07:12This living history museum covers 23 acres and features over 50 painstakingly preserved or reconstructed buildings,
07:19including a saloon, blacksmith, period homes, and even the original Munger House from 1868,
07:26Wichita's oldest residence.
07:29Trip Tips.
07:30Costumed interpreters bring history to life.
07:34Witness a real blacksmith at work, watch Wild West gunfights, with full safety rules,
07:40or catch a lively wagon ride.
07:43Don't miss the farm with sheep, shorthorn cattle, and more.
07:48Number 4.
07:49Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
07:52Location.
07:531000 South Hawkins Lane, Goddard, about 15 miles west of Wichita.
07:57If you've ever dreamt of getting nose-to-nose with a giraffe, otter, or sloth,
08:04Tanganyika delivers the wildest animal encounters this side of the Serengeti.
08:09Fun fact.
08:11Tanganyika was named one of the top animal encounters in the U.S. by Newsweek and is famous for hands-on experiences.
08:18Like feeding ring-tailed lemurs, touching the rhinoceros, or even swimming with penguins.
08:22Trip Tips.
08:26Your basic ticket gets you up close with more than 9 animal feeding encounters.
08:30Think kangaroos, lorikeets, pygmy hippos, and more.
08:35Level up with unique, best day bundle.
08:38Passes for all-inclusive food, feeds, beverages, and unlimited entry to Tanganyika Falls Splash Park.
08:45A summer highlight for kids.
08:46Upgrade to once-in-a-lifetime animal interactions.
08:51Sloth meet and greets, okapi backstage tours, or, yes, getting in the pool with African penguins, booking in advance recommended.
09:01Visit May to September for the full splash park.
09:05Tanganyika is open March through November.
09:08Check the website for seasonal hours and ticket bundles.
09:12Number 3.
09:14Nifty Nuthouse.
09:15Next, sink your teeth into decades of tradition at the Nifty Nuthouse, the ultimate Wichita snack stop loved by locals, celebs, and food network's Alton Brown, who declared it a, national treasure.
09:30Trip Tips.
09:32Sample roasted nuts, try the cinnamon pecans, handmade fudge, salty or sweet snacks, sour gummies, and old-school candies you haven't seen in years, moon pies, anyone?
09:43Buy nibbles by the quarter pound, perfect for travelers or gifts.
09:50Prices are wallet-friendly.
09:52Even a few dollars gets a great haul.
09:55Look for the mural on the old shop next door, a selfie spot.
10:00Gift boxes are a local favorite and ship anywhere.
10:04Open Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays.
10:07Park in their lot or on nearby streets.
10:12Number 2.
10:13Orpheum Theater.
10:16Step out for a night on the town at Wichita's Orpheum Theater, the first atmospheric theater in America, and the oldest still standing.
10:25Trip Tips.
10:25Scan the calendar for concerts, classic films, comedy headliners, and national touring acts.
10:32Over 100 shows each year.
10:35Even if you're not catching a show, peek inside for lobby tours during select hours.
10:42The Orpheum is walkable for most downtown hotels, eateries, and bars.
10:46Make it a centerpiece for your night out.
10:48Look for rumors of ghostly activity.
10:52Many believe the Orpheum's ghost light flickers be on curtain call.
10:58Number 1.
10:59Chicken and Pickle, River City Brewing Company.
11:02What's modern Wichita all about?
11:05Community, quirky fun, and serious food.
11:09That's why our number 1 spot is a choice.
11:12Spend a day at the energetic Chicken and Pickle,
11:14or roll into River City Brewing Company for Kansas-brewed craft beer and a meal that captures the city's soul.
11:22Chicken and Pickle.
11:23Fun Fact.
11:25Chicken and Pickle is the Midwest's newest obsession,
11:28a massive indoor-outdoor complex with pickleball courts, cornhole, ping pong,
11:34life-size battleship and Jenga, food markets, and more.
11:38Play Pickleball, one of America's fastest-growing sports for all ages and levels.
11:44Or just hang out for brunch, watch live music, and soak in the yard games.
11:50River City Brewing Company.
11:53This is Wichita's first post-prohibition brew pub since 1993,
11:58located in a historic old-town warehouse with soaring timbers and local memorabilia.
12:03Over 16 hand-crafted beers on tap, including seasonals and specialty ales.
12:10Sample in $2 tasters or grab a growler to go.
12:14The menu celebrates Kansas beef, made from scratch pizzas, local ingredients, and hearty Midwest flavors.
12:20Fun Fact.
12:23River City Brewing occupies a National Historic Site,
12:27and much of the furniture and even the entryway was upcycled from legendary Kansas buildings.
12:33Pull up to the bar after your old-town scavenger hunt and toast to your Wichita adventure.
12:39Bonus.
12:40Two must-see spots if you want more.
12:42Bonus number one.
12:44Sedgwick County Zoo.
12:45Welcome to the Wild.
12:47Kansas' largest outdoor attraction and one of America's top-ranked zoos.
12:52Fun Fact.
12:54Sedgwick County Zoo sprawls over 247 acres and is home to over 3,000 animals representing 400-plus species,
13:02including elephants, gorillas, tigers, kangaroos, and rare Mexican wolves.
13:08The elephant habitat is the largest in the U.S. by water volume, with a 550,000-gallon pool.
13:16Bonus number two.
13:18Museum of World Treasures.
13:19You don't need a passport for adventures through time.
13:23The Museum of World Treasures is a three-story showcase of jaw-dropping artifacts from prehistoric,
13:29ancient, and modern history.
13:32So there you have it, my picks for the top 10 things to do in Wichita,
13:36plus two bonus stops that will make your trip unforgettable.
13:39Whether you're exploring city art, feeding a lemur, cheering at a downtown show, hiking
13:45prairies, or sampling Kansas' tastiest fudge, Wichita has more to discover at every turn.
13:51This city's Midwest heart, innovative spirit, and rich history are impossible to miss, but the ultimate experience?
14:01It's sharing these adventures with people you love, or even travelers you just met.
14:05So, what do you think?
14:08Which place are you headed to first?
14:11Comment below with your favorite Wichita must-see, or tag us in your best Kansas travel photos for a chance to be featured.
14:18Don't forget to subscribe to Destination Dekka for more travel secrets, guides, and hidden gems from every corner of the USA.
14:28Hit that notification bell for new videos weekly, and trust me, there's a lot more coming.
14:35Until next time, I'm Adam, happy wandering, adventurers!
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