Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Wichita Attractions for the Transportation Obsessed

Wichita is an awesome place to get your kids out to see all types of transportation.  We may be the Air Capital, but things are pretty great on land too.  The following are some top spots to see everyone’s favorite vehicles first hand.

Where to See Airplanes in Wichita

Exploration Place’s Design, Build, Fly :: This permanent exhibit is a treasure trove for airplane loving kids (and kids at heart). Try your hand at one of the simulators or learn a little physics and aviation history while you’re at it.

Kansas Aviation Museum :: The museum is housed in the original Wichita Municipal Airport and is the perfect showcase for exploring the wonder of flight and Wichita’s role in aviation history.

Stearman Field Bar & Grill :: Located on the bustling runway of Stearman Field in Benton, KS, this restaurant is the perfect place to grab a burger, beer and front row seat to take-offs and landings. 

Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport :: Wichita’s newly renovated airport has been delighting travelers since its opening in Spring 2015. If you don’t have a getaway planned you can still visit to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the airport and grab a bit in the pre-security Aviator’s Cafe.

Wichita Radio Control Club :: RC enthusiasts and plane lovers will love watching a Club Fly-In at venues around town. Interested in getting into radio controlled flying hobby yourself? They can help with that too.

Where to See Trains in Wichita

Botanica Wichita- Gene E. Spear Railroad Garden :: This garden is a must-see on your visit to Botanica. Weather permitting model trains chugga-chugga through a darling scene, usually decorated for the season.

Exploration Place – Kansas in Miniature :: Two model trains criss-cross the 1950s Kansas tableau in this permanent exhibit. Observe trains on the go and appreciate the animations, vehicles and buildings too.

Great Plains Transportation Museum :: Railfans are in for a treat at this museum. It is a step back in time with the relics from the heydeay of train transportation including an outdoor display locomotive.

Mulvane Historical Museum :: On the west end of Main Street Mulvane sits the repurposed Mulvane Depot.  Complete with a restored, walk-through caboose and pull-car.

Newton :: Newton’s reputation as a railroad heavyweight dates back to the 1800s. Visit the Newton Station (modeled after the Shakespearean Satfford-upon-Avon) where the Southwest Chief Amtrak line passes through twice daily. It sits across from Depot Park. The Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum is fundraising now to soon be able to display vintage railroad equipment.

O.J. Watson Park :: The miniature ride-on train is fun for all ages. A $2 ticket includes a ride throughout the park that includes two tunnels. 

Panhandle Railroad Museum :: This Wellington, KS museum features a private collection of train and rail travel memorabilia.  Across the street there’s also a decommissioned Santa Fe engine that you can climb inside.

Sedgwick County Zoo Tram Tour :: I know it’s a tram, not a train, but close enough. Even better, riding it around the zoo is included in your admission.

Wichita Toy Train Club & Museum :: For thirty years this club has been delighting children with their model trains.  Visit their site for information about upcoming area model train shows too.

Where to See Automobiles in Wichita

All Star Sports & All Star Adventures ::  Go-Karts and Kiddie Karts fulfill your need for speed at East and West Wichita locations.  Minimum height/age requirement of 36″ and 4 years.

Car Shows :: Too many to list! Nearly every weekend you have the opportunity to get out and admire classic and vintage cars. KEYN keeps a great resource calendar for upcoming shows.

81 Speedway ::  81 Speedway is a dirt track auto racing venue in Park City, KS. Check the schedule to see a variety of championship racing events throughout the year.

Q-Line :: This free trolley has stops throughout Old Town and downtown. Use it when going to area events or just to take a ride through these exciting neighborhoods.

Wichita Transit :: If your daily commute doesn’t include the city bus, it can be a fun excursion for your children. Our system runs on a fixed schedule and transfers (mostly) at the Wichita Transit Center downtown. Grab an inbound bus near your home, get off downtown for a quick meal or snack and an hour later you can catch the outbound home. 

WSU Shuttle System :: These wonderfully Wu Shock adorned buses make the rounds at Wichita State during the school year.  They’re perfect for sporting event transportation or for a campus adventure.

Where are your favorite area spots to enjoy planes, trains & automobiles?

Ginny Ellis
Ginny Ellis is a hometown girl who happily resides in East Wichita with her husband, two young sons, two rowdy dogs, and one spoiled tortoise. Together they enjoy taking part in all our city has to offer, especially if it involves being outdoors, supporting the arts, or is particularly delicious. She is a WAHM who serves as WMB's Events Director as well as holding volunteer positions in Junior League of Wichita, on her neighborhood elementary school's PTO Board, and for United Way of the Plains. Ginny is a podcast enthusiast, laundry folding procrastinator, and insatiable reader who loves the Shockers, theme parties, and her margaritas on the rocks.

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