Wichita KS

Wichita, KS – The Heart of the Plains, where Midwestern charm meets innovation and culture. From aviation history and vibrant arts to peaceful parks and hearty local eats, Wichita blends small-town comfort with big-city attractions. Whether you're exploring the riverfront, visiting a world-class museum, or catching a live show, Wichita offers a warm welcome and endless things to discover.

• Population: ~395,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; hot summers (70–95°F), cold winters (20–45°F), and mild spring and fall.
• Places To Visit: Botanica Wichita, Old Cowtown Museum, Keeper of the Plains, Sedgwick County Zoo, Exploration Place.
• Top Activities: Walking along the Arkansas River, shopping in Old Town, attending the Wichita Riverfest, exploring aircraft museums, visiting farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Kansas-style BBQ, bierocks, chicken fried steak, local brews, and sweet cinnamon rolls.

Wichita, Kansas is the largest city in the state and a major center for manufacturing and aviation. Known as the "Air Capital of the World," Wichita also has growing sectors in healthcare, education, and energy. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in this dynamic Midwest city.

Top 5 Jobs in Wichita, KS

Wichita, Kansas, may be known as a laid-back city, but it's surprisingly packed with great spots where students can unwind, socialize, and enjoy their free time. From trendy coffee shops to outdoor parks and entertainment hubs, Wichita offers plenty of chill locations to enjoy with friends.

Old Town – With its vibrant nightlife, fun eateries, and live music venues, Old Town Wichita is a popular student hub. Grab dinner, indulge in some ice cream, or simply stroll around and enjoy the city's energy in this lively district.

Keeper of the Plains Plaza – This iconic spot at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers is perfect for hanging out. Students often gather here in the evenings to catch the beautiful sunset and watch the nightly fire ring display.

Riverside Park – Need somewhere relaxing to hang out outdoors? Bring your hammock, toss around a frisbee, or have a picnic at Riverside Park. With spacious grassy spots, walking trails, and access to the river, it's the ideal chill-out location.

Revolutsia – This cool container-based retail development is home to unique cafes, boutiques, and eateries. Revolutsia is a trendy place to sip specialty coffee, enjoy delicious food, and hang out with friends in a laid-back atmosphere.

Chicken N Pickle – Want to combine drinks, food, and games? Chicken N Pickle is your go-to spot. Students enjoy playing pickleball, cornhole, ping-pong, and enjoying delicious food and drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The Alley Indoor Entertainment – Bowling lanes, arcade games, go-karts, and laser tag are all available here, making it a popular gathering point for student groups looking to relax and have fun year-round.

Cocoa Dolce Chocolates – This delightful sweet spot is one of Wichita’s best places to treat yourself. The atmosphere is peaceful and cozy, perfect for chatting with friends while enjoying gourmet chocolates, gelato, pastries, or an exceptional cup of coffee.

Overall, Wichita’s diverse selection of chill spots makes it an inviting place to unwind, socialize, and relax after a busy study session or stressful exam week.

Wichita, Kansas, is a thriving educational hub, offering a range of public and private colleges and universities. These institutions provide quality education and training in fields such as aviation, business, healthcare, and engineering.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Wichita

Wichita State University (WSU) – As the largest public university in Wichita, WSU is renowned for its engineering, business, and innovation programs. The university is also home to the National Institute for Aviation Research, creating strong industry ties and research opportunities.

Wichita Area Technical College (WSU Tech) – A leader in workforce development, WSU Tech offers technical and career training in health sciences, aviation, and manufacturing. Its programs are designed to meet the needs of local industries and prepare students for high-demand careers.

Friends University (Public/Private Partnership Programs) – While Friends is primarily a private school, it has established joint public programs with partners like WSU to provide affordable and flexible degrees, especially in adult education.

Cowley College – Wichita Downtown Center – This community college satellite campus offers general education, business, and healthcare programs to students seeking cost-effective pathway degrees and training close to home.

Butler Community College – Andover/Wichita Campus – Serving students in the Wichita area, Butler Community College offers high-quality associate degrees and transfer programs in liberal arts, nursing, and information technology.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Wichita

Newman University – A respected Catholic university known for its excellent nursing, health sciences, and education programs. Newman combines quality academics with a focus on service and ethics.

Friends University – A private Christian university with strong programs in business, education, fine arts, and psychology. Known for its adult and graduate education options, Friends offers flexible learning formats and personal attention.

University of Phoenix – Wichita Campus – Offering online and evening courses tailored to working professionals, this institution helps students earn degrees in business, healthcare management, and technology.

Vatterott College (formerly in Wichita) – Although now closed, Vatterott was once a popular private technical college that provided training in electronics, HVAC, and medical assisting.

Heritage College (Wichita Campus – closed) – Previously known for medical and wellness career training, Heritage College served many students pursuing healthcare fields before its closure in 2016.

Wichita, KS, is home to several outstanding high schools that offer excellent academic programs, caring faculty, and strong preparation for college and beyond. Whether you're considering public or private education, Wichita offers top choices for families looking to give their students the best opportunities.

Top Public High Schools In Wichita, KS

• East High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, East High provides a challenging curriculum focused on global education and academic rigor.
• Northwest High School – Offers advanced placement (AP) courses and a strong career and technical education (CTE) program, preparing students for both college and the workforce.
• Northeast Magnet High School – A specialized magnet school offering focused programs in visual arts, science, and law. The school is highly selective and promotes academic excellence.
• Maize High School – Located just outside Wichita, Maize High School delivers a well-rounded education with strong academics, extracurriculars, and sports.
• Wichita Collegiate Public School Program – Though commonly associated with private education, Wichita also offers public programs that foster high achievement through enriched curriculum and strong mentorship.

Top Private High Schools In Wichita, KS

• Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School – A premier Catholic high school focused on academic success, personal faith, and service. Known for a rigorous college-prep curriculum.
• The Independent School – Offers small class sizes and individualized instruction. Emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in a nurturing environment.
• Trinity Academy – A Christ-centered school that pairs academic excellence with strong moral development. Offers AP courses and rich fine arts and athletics programs.
• Bishop Carroll Catholic High School – A top-rated Catholic school that focuses on academic achievement, spiritual growth, and character formation.
• Sunrise Christian Academy – Offers a values-driven education with a strong emphasis on academic disciplines and athletics, including a nationally recognized basketball program.

Wichita, Kansas may not have teams in the major professional leagues like the NFL or NBA, but it proudly supports several successful minor league and semi-professional sports teams across various disciplines. These teams play an essential role in the local sports culture, drawing loyal fans and providing high-level competition.

⚾ Baseball – Wichita Wind Surge (MiLB)

• Wichita Wind Surge – The Wind Surge are a Minor League Baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Playing at beautiful Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita, the team began play in 2021 after relocating from New Orleans. The Wind Surge compete in the Texas League and quickly became a local favorite for fun, family-friendly baseball action throughout the summer.

🏀 Basketball – Wichita Sky Kings (TBL)

• Wichita Sky Kings – Part of The Basketball League (TBL), the Sky Kings are a professional basketball team that launched in 2023. They aim to bring high-energy play and community involvement to Wichita's hoop scene. While relatively new, the team has already made an impact and is helping to grow professional basketball interest in the region.

🏈 Football – Wichita Force (Arena Football)

• Wichita Force – Competing in the Arena Football Association, the Wichita Force bring fast-paced indoor football to the community. Founded in 2014, they have built a strong fan base and even won the Champions Indoor Football title in 2016. Their games offer a thrilling, high-scoring alternative to traditional football experiences.

⚽ Soccer – Wichita Wings (MASL 2)

• Wichita Wings – The current Wings team plays in the Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL 2) and carries the legacy of earlier pro indoor soccer teams that bore the same name. Known for their competitive style and community outreach, the Wings bring excitement and tradition to indoor soccer in Wichita.

🏁 Other Sports – Wichita Thunder (Hockey, ECHL)

• Wichita Thunder – A key part of the city’s sports scene, the Thunder play in the ECHL, a professional minor league ice hockey conference. They've been entertaining fans since 1992 at the INTRUST Bank Arena. As an affiliate of the San Jose Sharks (NHL), the Thunder provide a high level of competition and help develop future NHL talent.

Wichita, Kansas is a heartland city with a charming mix of rich history, aviation legacy, and cultural gems. From its cowboy roots to quirky attractions, here are some fun facts about Wichita:

1. Air Capital of the World – Wichita earned this title thanks to its long history in aircraft production, home to aviation giants like Boeing, Cessna, and Beechcraft.
2. The Birthplace of Pizza Hut – The first Pizza Hut opened in 1958 near Wichita State University by two college brothers.
3. Home to the Keeper of the Plains – This iconic 44-foot steel sculpture stands tall at the junction of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers.
4. Western Film Inspiration – Wichita's Wild West heritage helped inspire countless Western films and stories.
5. Underground Tunnels – Wichita has a series of underground tunnels downtown, built in the early 1900s for deliveries and Prohibition-era secrets.
6. Home to the First Electric Guitar – Gage Brewer of Wichita played the world's first electric guitar during a live performance in 1932.
7. Biggest City in Kansas – With over 397,000 residents, Wichita is the largest city in the Sunflower State.
8. Big on Cattle – Wichita was once a major cowtown and rail hub during the cattle drive days of the 1800s.
9. Colorful Art Scene – With over 30 public murals and a thriving local art culture, Wichita is a vibrant canvas in the prairie.
10. Wichita Riverfest – Wichita hosts Kansas' largest annual festival each June with concerts, food trucks, and fireworks.