Walk On The Wild Side, Wichita

Over your lunch break, after dinner, with a pet, your friends or your family — no matter how you join in, getting out and walking has tremendous benefits, such as reducing stress and improving heart health. The American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to get outside and join in on National Walking Day, April 2. Need suggestions on where to go? Check out our ideas below!

Parks

Chisholm Creek Park — This park is home to the Great Plains Nature Center just off of 29th Street North between Oliver and Woodlawn. The park contains two-and-a-half miles of paved trails that take you through native and restored prairies, wetlands, ponds and woodlands. The park is home to 125 species of wildflowers, 20 species of mammals, 160 species of birds and more. Stop by the Great Plains Nature Center after your walk for educational opportunities and information about events and clubs. You can find a map of the trails at gpnc.org. 

Sedgwick County Park — Encompassed by a three-mile outer paved loop for walkers, runners and bike riders, this park has several paved paths winding throughout. Sedgwick County Park is a great place to walk with your family, where you can finish your walk at the massive playground. 

Pawnee Prairie Park — Located in southeast Wichita near Eisenhower National Airport, Pawnee Prairie Park contains more than 400 acres of natural parkland. The park is filled with a number of trails for hikers, walkers, runners, bike riders and equestrians, and offers five informational kiosks to help you find and plan your route. 

Walking Paths

K-96 Path — This paved path is eight miles long, running along K-96 from 127th Street East and Central to North Oliver. It connects McAdams, Dr. Glen Dey and Chisholm Creek parks in north Wichita.

Arkansas River Trail — Just shy of 11 miles long, this trail follows the Arkansas River through town from Garvey Park in south Wichita to around I-235 and 13th Street in west Wichita. The stretch that cuts through downtown Wichita is the most popular, starting near Riverfront Stadium and winding up through Exploration Place and the city’s picturesque Keeper of the Plains. 

Redbud Trail — Redbud Trail is an 11.5-mile path through east Wichita running from Hydraulic and I-135 east to Andover. The entire path would take about three and a half hours to walk, but you can easily access the trail at any point where the path crosses a main road. Portions of the trail are paved and the rest is gravel.

Other Places

Oldtown — If you enjoy the hustle of downtown Wichita, Oldtown is a great place to get in some steps. Check out historic buildings and grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of Wichita’s local restaurants and bars when you finish your walk. 

Sedgwick County Zoo — What better way to enjoy an outdoor walk than surrounding yourself with animals? The Sedgwick County Zoo’s massive 115 developed acres house more than three thousand animals and offer educational events and activities almost any day of the week. Walk a few exhibits or the entire zoo. 

Botanica — If the colors of spring flowers is your preference, explore twenty acres of more than four thousand unique plant species on your walk at Botanica. The gardens feature quiet corners with calming fountains and an interactive kids area for your family. Keep walking into the weekend for Botanica’s Tulip Festival on the first three Saturdays in April, where you can enjoy live music, crafts, food trucks, and of course, tulips.