South Haven KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near South Haven, Kansas.
1. NDGA National Glass Museum
UNIQUE GLASS COLLECTIONS
The NDGA National Glass Museum showcases an impressive collection of vintage and antique glassware in South Haven. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring rare glass pieces from various time periods and manufacturers. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into American glass-making history with knowledgeable staff providing context for the collections.
2. Top of Oklahoma Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Top of Oklahoma Museum preserves the rich history of South Haven and the surrounding region through diverse exhibits. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers and community development. The museum provides an educational experience for all ages interested in Kansas frontier history.
3. South Haven City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
South Haven City Park serves as the recreational heart of this small Kansas community. The park features playground equipment, picnic areas, and open green spaces for families to enjoy outdoor activities. During summer months, the park hosts community events and gatherings that showcase local culture.
4. South Haven Community Swimming Pool
SUMMER COOLING SPOT
The South Haven Community Swimming Pool provides a welcome respite during hot Kansas summers. The public pool features swimming areas suitable for various age groups and abilities. Local residents and visitors alike enjoy this refreshing community gathering place during the summer season.
5. Antique Shops Downtown
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
South Haven's downtown antique shops offer treasure hunters a chance to discover unique vintage items and collectibles. The stores feature an eclectic mix of furniture, housewares, and memorabilia from various eras. Browsing these shops provides visitors with a glimpse into the area's past while supporting local small businesses.
6. Local Café
HOMESTYLE KANSAS DINING
The local café in South Haven serves as both a dining establishment and community gathering spot. Visitors can enjoy homestyle cooking featuring classic American and regional Kansas dishes prepared with care. The café offers a friendly atmosphere where locals and travelers can experience authentic small-town hospitality.
7. Tulsa Underground Tunnels
HIDDEN HISTORICAL PASSAGEWAYS
The Tulsa Underground Tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's prohibition-era history just a short drive from South Haven. Visitors can explore the network of passageways that once connected downtown buildings and served as secret routes. The guided tour reveals stories of bootleggers, oil barons, and the city's colorful past beneath the streets.
8. Exploration Place
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE CENTER
Exploration Place in nearby Wichita delivers an immersive science education experience for visitors of all ages. The center features interactive exhibits covering topics from aviation and Kansas ecosystems to human body systems. With hands-on activities and rotating special exhibitions, Exploration Place makes learning engaging and memorable for families visiting the South Haven area.
9. Sedgwick County Zoo
DIVERSE WILDLIFE COLLECTION
The Sedgwick County Zoo houses over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species on 247 acres near South Haven. Visitors can explore exhibits organized by geographical region, including the popular Downing Gorilla Forest and Cessna Penguin Cove. The zoo emphasizes conservation education through immersive habitats and educational programming throughout the year.
10. Botanica Wichita Gardens
LUSH BOTANICAL PARADISE
Botanica Wichita showcases over 18 acres of stunning gardens featuring more than 4,000 species of plants within driving distance of South Haven. Visitors can wander through themed areas including the butterfly garden, children's garden, and Shakespeare garden. The gardens host seasonal events like the Illuminations holiday light display and spring tulip showings that draw visitors from across the region.
11. Strataca Underground Salt Museum
SUBTERRANEAN MINING ADVENTURE
Strataca offers visitors the unique experience of descending 650 feet below the surface to explore an active salt mine near South Haven. The museum features exhibits on mining history, salt formation, and the scientific applications of the mine's pristine environment. Visitors can take underground train rides and collect their own salt sample as a souvenir of this one-of-a-kind attraction.
12. Kansas Cosmosphere
SPACE EXPLORATION MUSEUM
The Kansas Cosmosphere houses one of the world's most significant collections of U.S. and Russian space artifacts just a short drive from South Haven. Visitors can view authentic spacecraft including the Apollo 13 command module and experience immersive exhibits chronicling the Space Race. The facility offers educational programs including planetarium shows and astronaut training experiences for aspiring space explorers.
13. Wichita Art Museum
AMERICAN ART COLLECTION
The Wichita Art Museum houses the largest collection of American art in Kansas within easy reach of South Haven. Visitors can explore galleries featuring works from the 19th century to contemporary pieces, including significant Prairie School and Great Plains artists. The museum's beautiful grounds feature outdoor sculptures and a scenic art garden perfect for contemplation.
14. Old Cowtown Museum
LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE
Old Cowtown Museum recreates 1870s pioneer life with over 50 historic and recreated buildings near South Haven. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts, cooking methods, and daily life on the frontier. The immersive experience includes gunfight reenactments, blacksmith demonstrations, and seasonal events highlighting Kansas' Wild West heritage.
15. Haven Tennis Courts
COMMUNITY SPORTS FACILITY
The Haven Tennis Courts provide recreational opportunities for sports enthusiasts in the South Haven region. The well-maintained facility features multiple courts available for public use throughout much of the year. Local tennis programs and casual players alike enjoy this community asset that promotes active lifestyles and social interaction.