With a population of over 350,000, Wichita, Kansas is the most populous city in the state. It is located on the Arkansas River and is the county seat of Sedgwick County.

The climate in Wichita is considered humid subtropical. Summers can be hot and humid, but winters are cold and dry. Spring and summer see dramatic thunderstorms and occasional tornados.

Wichita is the medical, communication, cultural, financial and entertainment hub of Kansas. Manufacturing and healthcare are the leading employers, but oil refining and farming are also important economic activities in the area. Several colleges and universities are located in Wichita and contribute to the economic base as well.

Wichita offers a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities to its residents and visitors. Home to a professional opera, symphony and ballet, Wichita attracts arts lovers from around the region. Movie and performance theaters provide a wide range of films and plays and Wichita’s museums, art galleries and public gardens are well-known for their variety, scope and quality.

Wichita’s annual River Festival is famous for its arts and craft exhibits. Centered on the banks of the Arkansas River, it is a large and well-attended event. Garden shows, book festivals, Renaissance fairs and an annual celebration of Wichita’s place in aviation history are among the many activities available.

Known for its Western heritage, Wichita maintains over 100 historic sites. A popular local attraction is the The Old Cowtown Museum which re-creates the town as it was in the 1870s. There is a preserved log home that belonged to the founder of the Wichita Eagle, a newspaper that is still in print today. Cattle drive and shoot-out re-enactments are conducted on the site.

Music lovers will find choices in Wichita that range from classical to contemporary. Blues, jazz, chamber music, classical, metal, indie, oldies…if you can name it, Wichita can play it. Wichita’s vital downtown is home to clubs, bars, cafes, halls and theaters where you can hear the latest bands or listen to world-famous symphonies.

Wichita loves sports. Whether you’re watching or participating, there is a something for everyone. College sports, a rugby league, golf, tennis, soccer, fishing, hunting…there is even a cricket club in Wichita! Wichita has over 100 miles of on-street bicycle routes as well as many off-street riding options mountain bikes. Runners, walkers and hikers can take advantage of the many trails and scenic routes, and boaters have their choice of river or lake recreation.

Retail stores – from mom-and-pop shops to large shopping malls, Wichita has a shopping option for everyone. Antique shops, avant-garde boutiques, large chains…Wichita’s many shopping choices fuel a vibrant retail economy.

Wichita is often used as a test market for the restaurant industry. Wichita residents know their food – and it shows in the wide variety of restaurants that call Wichita home. Contemporary bistros, barbeque joints, fast food drive-throughs and upscale dining are available across Wichita.