Potwin KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Potwin, Kansas.
1. 1917 Community House & Park
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY
The 1917 Community House is a historic building located at Miller & Violet Street that has served multiple purposes including a church, jail, library, and city hall. It was restored and updated to modern standards in the late 1990s through a grant received by the city. Today, the building serves as an entertainment facility with a meeting area, kitchen, and theater upstairs, while the old jail is located downstairs.
2. Potwin Public Library
HISTORIC LIMESTONE BANK BUILDING
The Potwin Public Library is housed in a 1904 Old Limestone Building that once served as Potwin's first bank. This historic rock building at 126 N Randall still maintains its unique character with the original restroom located inside the former vault. The library provides essential services to the Potwin community while preserving an important piece of local history.
3. Haw Ranch Feedlot
MASSIVE CATTLE OPERATION
Haw Ranch Feedlot is a large custom feeding operation located west of Potwin on Highway 196 that houses between 12,000 to 15,000 head of cattle. Visitors can schedule guided tours of the impressive agricultural facility by appointment. This working feedlot offers a glimpse into the modern cattle industry that remains central to the region's economy.
4. Vickers First Refinery
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL SITE
The Vickers First Refinery, established in 1915, is located at Anita & Kellogg Street in Potwin. Though most operations ceased in 1964, the crude oil gathering portion of the facility remains active. This industrial landmark represents Potwin's connection to the petroleum industry that helped shape the region's development.
5. Potwin Sink Hole
NATURAL GEOLOGICAL WONDER
The Potwin Sink Hole is a natural geological feature located 1½ miles west of Potwin on Highway 196 that appeared in 1937. This impressive natural formation measures 250 feet long by 200 feet wide, with a depth of 58 feet and water located 15 feet below the surface. Visitors interested in viewing this unique landmark are advised to call ahead for a guide.
6. Sedgwick County Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
The Sedgwick County Zoo is a renowned wildlife facility located near Potwin in Wichita. The zoo features hundreds of animal species from around the world in naturalistic habitats designed for both animal welfare and visitor enjoyment. As one of the top attractions in the region, it offers educational programs, special events, and conservation initiatives throughout the year.
7. Kansas Star Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Kansas Star Casino is a premier gaming and entertainment destination located nearby in Mulvane. The facility features a wide selection of slot machines, table games, and regular poker tournaments for gaming enthusiasts. Beyond gambling, the venue offers multiple dining options, live entertainment, and special events that attract visitors from throughout the region.
8. Towanda Area Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Towanda Area Historical Museum preserves and exhibits the history of Towanda, Potwin, and surrounding communities. The museum houses collections of photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of the area's development and the people who shaped it. Visitors can learn about local landmarks like the old Morgan School and other aspects of the region's heritage.
9. El Dorado State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
El Dorado State Park is centered around the 8,000-acre El Dorado Reservoir and offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities near Potwin. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife observation throughout the park. The diverse habitats within the park support numerous plant and animal species, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts.
10. Exploration Place
SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTER
Exploration Place is an interactive science museum located in Wichita that offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. The distinctive building, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, sits along the Arkansas River and houses permanent and traveling exhibitions focused on science, technology, and Kansas history. The museum features a dome theater, miniature golf course, and interactive zones that make learning engaging and fun.
11. Old Cowtown Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Old Cowtown Museum is an immersive living history museum that recreates life in Wichita during the 1870s. The 23-acre site features more than 50 historic and reconstructed buildings, including a working farm, business establishments, and residences staffed by interpreters in period costume. Visitors can experience blacksmithing demonstrations, stagecoach rides, and special events that bring the frontier era to life.
12. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens encompasses over 18 acres of stunning botanical displays that showcase more than 4,000 species of plants. The gardens feature themed areas including a butterfly garden, children's garden, rose garden, and seasonal displays that provide year-round interest. Special events, educational programs, and the popular Illuminations holiday light display make this attraction a destination throughout the year.
13. 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, created by Blackbear Bosin, celebrates the area's Native American heritage and is surrounded by a plaza featuring displays about the Plains Indians. Each evening at sunset, the Ring of Fire surrounding the statue is lit for 15 minutes, creating a dramatic and spiritual experience for visitors.
14. Museum of World Treasures
GLOBAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Museum of World Treasures houses an eclectic collection of artifacts spanning world history from ancient civilizations to modern times. Visitors can view Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils, military artifacts, and cultural items from around the globe across the museum's three floors. The diverse exhibits make this Wichita attraction appealing to history enthusiasts of all ages and interests.
15. Tanganyika Wildlife Park
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers visitors unique interactive animal experiences unlike traditional zoos. The facility specializes in breeding rare and endangered species while allowing guests to feed giraffes, hold lemurs, swim with penguins, and interact with other animals through various encounter programs. This family-owned park near Wichita focuses on conservation education through memorable hands-on experiences with exotic wildlife.