Downtown Wichita — a How-To Guide
Photo: Visit Wichita
Photo: Wichita Downtown Development Corporation
As the weather warms, many are looking to shake off their winter coats and get outside. Look no further than downtown Wichita! All hours of the day, it's a great place to enjoy entertainment, whether it's food, shopping, music, sporting events or even exercise you're after. Read on to get some fun ideas on ways to enjoy downtown for a perfect Kansas spring day.
Zoom, zoom
There are hundreds of rentable scooters scattered throughout downtown. Just download one of the apps (VeoRide or Bird) and use the map to locate a nearby scooter. Once you've found one, scan the QR code to unlock your scooter and you're ready to ride. You’ll pay for your scooter usage through the app, and an average ride is $2 to $5. Only one person per scooter; riders must be 18 or older. Slide on over to visitwichita.com/visitor-info for more details.
Bike Share ICT lets you cruise downtown on a bike. With over 200 bikes at 40 stations around Wichita, it's easy to find one. Just download the Movatic app and purchase a pass. The app helps you find an available bike and unlock it to ride. When finished, return the bike to any Bike Share ICT station and lock it for the next person. Riders must be 18. Check out bikeshareict.com.
See the Keeper
At the junction of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, the 44-foot tall Keeper of the Plains is a must-see for Wichitans and visitors alike. Park off of McLean Boulevard in the parking lot adjacent to Exploration Place, or at the smaller north parking lot near Central and Nims. You can cross the river on the suspended foot bridge and access the steel sculpture’s base. Each night the fire pots around the Keeper — known as the RIng of Fire — are lit for 15 minutes. It happens at 9 p.m. in spring and summer and 7 p.m. in fall and winter. Find more Keeper facts at visitwichita.com/listing/keeper-of-the-plains/28029.
Kayak the Arkansas
See Wichita from an entirely different point of view by kayaking or pedal boating on the Arkansas. Boats & Bikes at River Vista, on the west bank between Douglas and First St., rents out bikes, pedal boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from May to October. Follow the link to see pricing and make reservations: wichita.edu/athletics/rowing/boats_and_bikes.php. The city of Wichita also rents kayaks and even offers kayak tours, like the Glow Tour that takes you on a moonlight tour of the river on a lighted kayak to see the Keeper's Ring of Fire from the water. Visit wichita.gov/ParkandRec/Pages/RiverRecreation.aspx.
Old Town Farm & Art Market
Open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through December, this farmers’ market boasts a variety of local flavors, including fresh produce, baked goods, locally roasted coffee and freshly squeezed juice, as well as artisan goods. Located at First and Rock Island, you can even catch live music! Visit
oldtownfarmandartmarket.com
for more details.
Nafztger Park
This recently reinvented park can be found on the scenic corner of Douglas and St. Francis. The inviting green space is a perfect spot for outdoor concerts, fairs and other events. The area includes a dog park, splash pad, a stage with a giant screen, and plenty of walking and sitting areas, all bordered by shops and restaurants. Begin your day downtown with a delicious brunch or end it with some tasty pie. To see upcoming events click over to:
visitwichita.com/listing/naftzger-park/32386.