How To Spend 2 Days In Wichita, Kansas Travel Itinerary Arriving At The International Airport

January 16, 2026

Wichita is served by the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), located about 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown. It primarily offers domestic flights, with connections to major hubs for international travel. A rental car is the best way to get around the city efficiently.

Transportation from

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

The airport has a consolidated rental car facility, and car services are easily accessible.

Rental Car: Highly recommended for exploring the city’s diverse attractions. The drive to downtown Wichita is a short 10-15 minutes via US-400 E/US-54 E.
Rideshare/Taxi: Services like Uber, Lyft, ABC Taxi, and American Cab are available. A taxi ride to the center of Wichita takes about 11 minutes and costs around $22–$27.

2-Day Wichita Travel Itinerary

This itinerary balances Wichita’s rich history as a cowtown with its modern identity as the “Air Capital of the World”.

Day 1: History and River Views

Morning (Arrival & Check-in): Arrive at ICT, pick up your rental car, and check into your accommodation (consider the historic Old Town area for central access to restaurants and nightlife).
Afternoon: Old Cowtown Museum & The Keeper of the Plains
- Old Cowtown Museum: Step back in time to 1865-1880 at this living history museum, featuring costumed interpreters and historic buildings.
- The Keeper of the Plains: Drive over to the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers to see the iconic 44-foot steel sculpture by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin. Stay until dusk to experience the “Ring of Fire” lighting ceremony (weather permitting).
Evening: Old Town District
- Explore the vibrant Old Town neighborhood, known for its red-brick buildings, unique shops, and diverse dining options.
- Enjoy dinner at a local favorite like The Keeper of the Plains restaurant or The Pennant.

Evening: Keeper of the Plains & Old Town Dining

Visit the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. The 44-foot-tall sculpture is a powerful tribute to Native American heritage. Stay until dusk to see the “Ring of Fire” light up (weather permitting).
For dinner, head to the lively Old Town entertainment district. This area is packed with restaurants and bars.
- Dining options: Consider Public at the Brickyard for lunch or dinner, or explore the various craft breweries in the area.

Day 2: Aviation, Science, and Gardens

Morning: Air Capital History

Start your day at the Kansas Aviation Museum, housed in Wichita’s original 1935 Art Deco airport terminal. This museum highlights Wichita’s rich history as the “Air Capital of the World”.
If time and interest permit, you can also visit the B-29 “Doc” Hangar, home to one of only two airworthy B-29s left in the world.

Afternoon: Exploration and Gardens

Visit Exploration Place, a hands-on science center located across the river from the Keeper of the Plains. It features hundreds of interactive exhibits and a large outdoor playscape.
Stroll through Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, an 18-acre botanical paradise with over 30 themed gardens, including a butterfly garden and carousel.

Evening: Downtown Arts and Departure

Explore the Douglas Design District to view the extensive street art and murals by local artists.
Enjoy a final dinner at a local favorite like the Doo-Dah Diner (known for great breakfast/brunch, but has a full menu) or Tanya’s Soup Kitchen.
Head to the airport for your departure, ensuring you allow enough time for check-in and security. It’s a small, easy-to-navigate airport, but arriving about an hour early is generally sufficient.

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