Wichita Tractor Company

Wichita's culture and horticulture coexist brilliantly at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens. Whether it's the seasonal wonders that draw you in, like the Summer Annual Display featuring of 25,000 flowers, the Butterfly House with it's unique collection of fascinating species, or the Tuesdays on the Terrace outdoor event that features attractions, live music and great company, there's always something blooming at Botanica. And like the flowers that populate it, the results of such cultural cultivation are nothing less than beautifully breathtaking.

Some of the world's best-loved stories are told through the artistry of the Ballet Wichita. Combining classical masterpieces as its soundtrack, such notable productions like Alice in Wonderland, Swan Lake and La Boheme are presented by some of the area's most accomplished performers. Their skills are only accentuated all the more by the stellar musicianship of their accompanying orchestra, the sets and backdrops that help tell the story, and the tireless work of many stage managers, costumers and directors. The Wichita's clever slogan is true when they say that every year is a leap year for them and their audiences.

How about taking a really close look at the planets and the stars? The kids will love seeing Saturn's rings through the 16-inch telescope at the Lake Afton Public Observatory. Once you go through the whole Solar System, enjoy some great interactive exhibits and attractions in the observatory's museum area. The exhibits will describe what you just saw through that ultra-powerful telescope in greater detail.

The Old Cowtown Museum makes it possible to really travel back in time without the aid of a time machine! Return to the Old West as Wichita and Sedgwick County are recreated between 1865 and 1880. Take a ride in a covered wagon, dress up in the costumes of the day to take an old-style photograph, and see genuine artifacts from the era in the museum. And don't forget to see the historic buildings on your way to the gift shop to take home a memento of your time in Old Cowtown.