Discover Sedgwick: Nature, Wildlife and Culture

Sedgwick County combines impressive wildlife, open landscapes and Wichita’s diverse culture. Those who want to combine nature experiences with urban history will find a range of options for planning their days here. A holiday rental in Sedgwick can serve as a base for a trip where you can choose between wildlife observation, walks, science and historic architecture.

Wildlife, Water and Expansive Parklands

One particular attraction is Sedgwick County Zoo. It is home to 3,000 individual animals from nearly 400 species. The zoo grounds also include a ride on the Martha C. Buford Safari Express, which travels across the entire zoo grounds. The Giraffe Feeding Station offers giraffe-feeding experiences. Another perspective is provided by a boat ride on the Conservation Cruise. These different activities make the zoo a destination where families can organise their time according to their individual interests.

The parkland also offers several clearly distinct options. Lake Afton Park covers 720 acres. Northeast Sedgwick County Park consists of around 650 acres of grassland and wooded areas. In Wichita, Pawnee Prairie Park encompasses more than 400 acres of natural parkland. It has walking trails, the Plumlee Trail for horseback riding and an open butterfly garden surrounded by a fence made of split wooden slats. Paved concrete paths in Pawnee Prairie Park lead towards Air Capital Park and Prairie Sunset Trail. Depending on the type of day you want to plan, you can therefore focus on a wildlife park, open nature or a trail with its own distinctive theme.

Wichita Between History, Architecture and Science

Wichita was an important cowtown in the 1870s. Traces of this development can be seen in the 800 West Douglas Historic District, one of the few surviving reminders of Delano’s once-thriving historic business district. The city was once known as the “Air Capital of the World.” Its aviation history also includes the Travel Air Manufacturing Company, founded by Clyde Cessna, Lloyd Stearman, Walter Beech and Olive Ann Mellor Beech.

Architecture enthusiasts can take note of the former Administration Building, which became the Kansas Aviation Museum in 1991. The building was also nominated as an example of Art Deco architecture and for its contribution to the transportation history of the United States. The Henry J. Allen House is the only residence in Kansas designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Wichita Art Museum additionally offers guided and self-guided tours.

Exploration Place provides a playful introduction to science with permanent interactive science exhibits. These include opportunities to rivet an aircraft wing, fling bison dung, view a miniature 1950s Kansas, command a medieval castle and sit in a giant meadowlark nest. The Great Plains Nature Center is one of three institutions with the shared aim of providing the public with opportunities for recreation, interpretation and environmental education.

River Landscape and Suitable Trip Planning

The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big Arkansas River and the Little Arkansas River. The Keeper of the Plains fire burns for 15 minutes every evening. With support from the Arkansas River Corridor Access Plan, the National Park Service designated the Arkansas River as a National Water Trail. Those looking for accommodation can therefore first consider whether they want to focus on wildlife, parkland, aviation history, art or the river landscape. This decision helps structure the trip thematically without trying to fit every experience into a single day’s itinerary.

More Places for Your Search

For further trip planning, you can also view the pages for Wichita, Derby, Eastborough, Haysville, Park, Goddard and Peck. Another comparison option is Pratt County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kansas.