The Arkansas River

Spending the Day along the Wichita section of the Arkansas River

It is no secret that the Arkansas River is a massive beauty that has a far following stream. The Arkansas River flows through the city of Wichita and at either side of the Arkansas River in Wichita, there is a wide arrangement of spectacular places, sights, and events that can be found along the Arkansas River. 

• Wichita River Festival

The Wichita River Festival, which goes by the name Riverfest is an annual festival held along the Wichita section of the Arkansas River. The people of Wichita sees this festival as a way of brings people together and it has had a long standing history. The Wichita River Festival began in 1970; at its inception the Riverfest ultimate goal was to bring the entire community together, to build community pride and focus on Wichita’s beautiful natural resource, the Arkansas River. Some of the events at the festival are “Don’t Let Them Get in Your Head” Concert, 1 million cups, the funnel cake eating contest, and kids day. 

• Mid-American All-Indian Center

The Mid-American All-Indian Center is located in close proximity to the Arkansas River and has within its facilities a museum, a gallery of nations and a gift shop. The Mid-America All-Indian Center was created to educate people about the heritage of the American Indians while preserving it. At the Mid-American All-Indian Center visitors are afforded the opportunity to experience a popwow, see traditional American Indian artifacts and contemporary artwork, shop for authentic clothing, jewelry, and gifts.
​

• Keeper of the Plains Plaza

The Keeper of the Plains Plaza is also found along the Arkansan River; its location is where the big and Little Arkansas Rivers join. The land between the two Arkansas Rivers is seen as sacred ground to the Native American people, efficiently making it the ideal spot for The Keeper of The Plains sculpture; which is a steel sculpture of an Indian Warrior and was created by the Wichitan and Native American artist Blackbear Bosin who died in 1980. 

The iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture was erected on May 18, 1974, to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. In recent years The Keeper of the Plains sculpture has seen a complete renovation and the installation of The Keeper of the Plains Plaza. The renovations made to The Keeper of the Plains sculpture has resulted in the sculpture being 30 feet higher and the source of a ring of fire show each night. 

The Keeper of the Plains sculpture ring of fire performance can be seen during the daylight savings time at 9 pm and 7 pm during the standard time, The Keeper of the Plains sculpture ring of fire performance always last a total of 15 minutes. The renovations to the Keeper of the Plains sculpture and the creation of the Keeper of the Plains Plaza has effectively increased the foot traffic in the area, making the Keeper of the Plains Plaza one of the ideal spots along the Arkansas River to spend the day.
​
More Arkansas River activities in Wichita, KS

Directions to Wichita Tree

Directions from Wichita Tree