Bentley KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bentley, Kansas.
1. Williams Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Williams Park is a central community gathering space located at 154 S Wichita Ave in Bentley. The park offers recreational facilities for local residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. It serves as a hub for community events and casual recreation throughout the year.
2. Nature Trails Park
SERENE OUTDOOR ESCAPE
Nature Trails Park is situated at 306 N Devinshire Avenue, providing a peaceful natural setting in Bentley. Visitors can explore walking paths surrounded by native Kansas flora and fauna. The park offers a tranquil escape from everyday life and opportunities for nature observation.
3. Chamber Music at the Barn
RURAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Chamber Music at the Barn is a unique cultural venue that offers high-quality musical performances in a rustic setting. The venue is known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere that brings classical music to the rural landscape. Visitors can experience world-class chamber music surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kansas countryside.
4. West Warren Theatre
PREMIER CINEMA EXPERIENCE
West Warren Theatre provides a luxurious movie-going experience near Bentley with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems. The theater features comfortable seating, gourmet concessions, and a wide selection of first-run films. Its distinctive architecture and premium amenities make it a destination rather than just a movie theater.
5. Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC CULTURAL MONUMENT
The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot tall steel sculpture standing at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers in Wichita. This iconic monument honors the Native American heritage of the region and is dramatically lit by the Ring of Fire each evening. The surrounding plaza features interpretive displays about Plains Indian life and culture.
6. Old Cowtown Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Old Cowtown Museum is an immersive living history museum that recreates life in Wichita during the 1870s. The museum features the restored Arkansas Valley Elevator originally from Bentley, connecting the small town's history with Wichita's preservation efforts. Visitors can explore more than 50 historic buildings and interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts and skills.
7. Riverside Park
URBAN NATURAL RETREAT
Riverside Park offers a tranquil natural setting with lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and beautiful river views. The park provides numerous recreational opportunities including picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces for relaxation. Its central location makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful escape within the city.
8. Allen House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
The Allen House is an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the Prairie House style. Tours of this historic home offer visitors a glimpse into Wright's genius and the lifestyle of the early 20th century. The house showcases Wright's innovative design principles and attention to detail that revolutionized American architecture.
9. Kansas Aviation Museum
FLIGHT HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kansas Aviation Museum, housed in a former airport terminal, chronicles Wichita's crucial role in the aviation industry. Its extensive collection includes historic aircraft, photographs, and unique artifacts highlighting the city's contribution to flight. Visitors can explore the evolution of aviation technology and Wichita's nickname as the 'Air Capital of the World.'
10. Wichita State University Campus
EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL HUB
Wichita State University's campus serves as both an educational institution and a significant part of the region's cultural identity. The grounds feature numerous public artworks and historical markers that connect visitors with the area's history. Its beautiful landscaping and architectural diversity make it worth exploring even for non-students.
11. Sedgwick County Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the largest and most respected zoos in the United States, housing over 3,000 animals of nearly 400 species. The zoo features immersive habitats including the Downing Gorilla Forest and Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley. Visitors can enjoy educational presentations and up-close animal encounters throughout the expansive grounds.
12. Exploration Place
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE DISCOVERY
Exploration Place is a premier science center featuring interactive exhibits that make learning fun for all ages. The distinctive building, designed by Moshe Safdie, sits along the Arkansas River and houses exhibits on flight, Kansas ecosystems, and medieval life. Visitors can engage with hands-on science demonstrations and explore the ever-changing traveling exhibits throughout the year.
13. Historic Delano District
TRENDY SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Historic Delano District offers a vibrant shopping and dining experience in a neighborhood once known as a rowdy cowtown at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Today, the district features unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and local eateries in historic buildings. Visitors appreciate the area's distinctive character and the blend of historical significance with modern amenities.
14. Botanica Wichita
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
Botanica Wichita encompasses over 18 acres of stunning themed gardens that showcase the beauty of plants appropriate for the Kansas climate. The gardens feature more than 4,000 species of plants displayed in settings that range from formal to wild, including the popular butterfly garden and children's garden. Seasonal events like the Illuminations holiday light display transform the gardens throughout the year.
15. Arkansas River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Arkansas River Trail provides a scenic 10-mile path along the river connecting multiple parks and attractions in the Wichita area. The paved trail is popular for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading with beautiful views of the water and cityscape. Accessible from multiple points including near Bentley, the trail serves as an important recreational corridor for the region.