2 days of tallgrass prairie and a river city in Kansas

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   Morning

   Keeper of the Plains

   A steel sculpture about 44 feet tall by the Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, standing where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet. Panels around the base tell of the tribes who lived in this area. Fire pits around it are lit on some evenings, so check ahead. Treat it with respect, as a place that matters to many people.

   Go when Morning, or evening (about 7:37 PM), when the light is low on the steel.

   Local tip Walk the path around the base and read the panels. The fire pits are lit on some evenings, so check ahead. It stands on the river, so wind and heat can both be strong.

   About 14 min walk0.7 mi
2. 2
   Midday

   Old Cowtown Museum

   An open-air history museum on the river with dozens of historic and re-created buildings, showing how Wichita grew from a frontier settlement to a cattle town in the late 1800s. Costumed interpreters, farm animals and Texas Longhorns are part of it. Much of it is outdoors, so take sun cover and water, and check ahead on the season and the opening.

   Go when Midday into afternoon, with sun cover.

   Local tip Most of it is outdoors on the river, with little shade on a hot day. Take water, wear walking shoes and ask the costumed staff about the buildings. Check ahead on the season and the opening.

   

3. Lunch

   Bierocks

   A bierock is a baked bread pocket filled with seasoned ground beef, cabbage and onion, a German-Russian dish common across the plains. It is easy to eat by hand.

   Local tip Eat it hot, and try it with a little mustard.

   About 6 min walk0.3 mi
4. 3
   MiddayIndoor

   Wichita Art Museum

   A museum given wholly to American art, with a collection of more than 12,000 items, begun with a bequest in 1915 and first opened in 1935. Choose the galleries that catch your eye rather than trying to see everything. Check ahead on the opening.

   Go when Midday, as an indoor stop.

   Local tip It shows only American art, so choose the galleries that catch your eye. Check ahead on the opening and on what is on show.

   

   About 10 min walk0.5 mi
5. 4
   AfternoonIndoor

   Exploration Place

   A science museum on the west bank of the Arkansas River, in a building by the architect Moshe Safdie, with a reflecting pond between its two halves. A good fit for children, and for anyone who wants an indoor hour. Check ahead on the opening.

   Go when Afternoon, as an indoor stop.

   Local tip Walk out to the reflecting pond between the two halves of the building and look back at the roof. Check ahead on the opening and on any special exhibit.

6. Dinner

   Kansas barbecue and burnt ends

   Slow-smoked pork, brisket and ribs, with burnt ends, the dark, crusty, smoky pieces cut from the end of a brisket. Served with beans, slaw and white bread.

   Local tip Order a mixed plate to share, and ask for the sauce on the side.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Exploration PlaceAbout 1 h 24 min by car53.8 mi

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   Morning

   Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

   A National Scenic Byway on K-177, the stretch from Interstate 35 at Cassoday north to US-56 at Council Grove. It runs through rolling hills and some of the last tallgrass prairie in North America. This stop is Matfield Green, a very small town on the road. Fill the tank before you leave Wichita, and pull off only where it is safe.

   Go when Morning, with a full tank and water.

   Local tip It is a two-lane country road with long gaps between towns. Pull off only where it is safe, watch for farm and ranch traffic, and do not climb fences into private grazing land. Check the road and the forecast before you go.

   

   About 42 min by car18.9 mi
3. 2
   Afternoon

   Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

   A preserve in the Flint Hills north of Strong City, protecting an example of the tallgrass prairie that once covered much of the continent. It has a ranch headquarters, trails, and a bison herd since 2009. Walk a short trail, take water and sun cover, and keep well away from the bison. Check ahead on the visitor area and any bus tour.

   Go when Afternoon into evening (about 7:37 PM), as the grass catches the light.

   Local tip Take a short trail to feel the prairie and the wind. Keep well away from the bison, wear closed shoes, check for ticks, and carry water. There is little shade, so check ahead on the visitor area and any bus tour.

   

4. Lunch

   A fried chicken dinner

   Crisp fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and a roll, the Sunday dinner of small-town Kansas. Often served with green beans or corn.

   Local tip Eat it early in the day, before a long walk, and drink water.

5. Dinner

   Chicken and noodles

   Thick homemade noodles and chicken in a rich broth, served over mashed potatoes. A Midwestern comfort dish for a day outdoors.

   Local tip Ask for the noodles to be on the side if you want a lighter meal.