Viola KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Viola, Kansas.
1. Tanganyika Wildlife Park
EXOTIC ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers visitors an interactive experience with exotic animals from around the world. Guests can feed giraffes, touch rhinos, and participate in various animal encounters throughout the park. The wildlife park focuses on conservation and education while providing a unique family-friendly destination near Viola.
2. Eagle Valley Raptor Center
BIRD OF PREY SANCTUARY
Eagle Valley Raptor Center serves as a rehabilitation facility and educational center for injured birds of prey. Visitors can observe eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls while learning about wildlife conservation efforts. The center provides guided tours showcasing their resident raptors that cannot be released back into the wild.
3. Paramount Antique Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Paramount Antique Mall features a vast collection of vintage items, collectibles, and antiques from various eras. Shoppers can browse through numerous vendor booths offering everything from furniture and clothing to toys and home décor. The mall provides a nostalgic shopping experience for antique enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
4. The Cotillion Ballroom
HISTORIC MUSIC VENUE
The Cotillion Ballroom has been hosting concerts and events since 1960, making it a legendary venue in the region. The venue features a large dance floor and hosts a variety of musical acts spanning different genres throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the intimate atmosphere that allows for close encounters with both established and up-and-coming performers.
5. Keeper of the Plains
ICONIC WICHITA SCULPTURE
Keeper of the Plains stands as a 44-foot tall steel sculpture at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers in Wichita. This iconic landmark represents the Native American heritage of the region and is surrounded by educational displays about Plains Indian culture. Each evening, the Ring of Fire ceremony illuminates the sculpture, creating a magical experience for visitors.
6. Old Cowtown Museum
LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE
Old Cowtown Museum recreates life in Wichita during the 1870s with over 50 historic and reconstructed buildings. Visitors can interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating crafts, trades, and daily activities from the era. The immersive experience provides educational insights into the cattle town days that shaped Wichita's development.
7. Riverside Park
TRANQUIL URBAN OASIS
Riverside Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat with lush greenery, walking paths, and scenic river views. The park provides numerous recreational opportunities including playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to the Arkansas River. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's serene atmosphere and opportunities for wildlife viewing close to Viola.
8. Kansas Aviation Museum
FLIGHT HISTORY SHOWCASE
Kansas Aviation Museum chronicles Wichita's significant contributions to the aviation industry through extensive exhibits housed in a former airport terminal. Visitors can explore vintage aircraft, photographs, and artifacts highlighting the city's aeronautical heritage. The museum offers educational programs and opportunities to learn about the engineering innovations that earned Wichita its title as the 'Air Capital of the World.'
9. Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House stands as a remarkable example of Prairie House design created by the legendary architect. Tours of this historic home offer visitors insights into Wright's architectural philosophy and the lifestyle of the early 20th century. The meticulously preserved interior features original furnishings and Wright's distinctive stained glass windows.
10. Wichita State University Campus
CULTURAL EDUCATION HUB
Wichita State University campus serves as both an educational institution and cultural landmark featuring numerous public artworks and historical markers. Visitors can explore the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection with over 80 works by renowned artists. The campus offers various cultural events, sporting activities, and museum exhibitions accessible to the public.
11. Sedgwick County Zoo
PREMIER WILDLIFE PARK
Sedgwick County Zoo houses over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species across beautifully designed habitats. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems including the Downing Gorilla Forest, Penguin Cove, and the Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley. The zoo's conservation efforts and educational programs provide entertaining and informative experiences for guests of all ages.
12. Exploration Place
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE CENTER
Exploration Place engages visitors with interactive science exhibits housed in a striking architectural building along the Arkansas River. The center features hands-on displays focusing on flight, geography, and natural sciences with special areas designed for young children. Rotating exhibits, a dome theater, and outdoor spaces make this attraction appealing for multiple visits throughout the year.
13. Cheney State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Cheney State Park surrounds Cheney Reservoir and offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities near Viola. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking throughout the park's diverse landscape. The park's wildlife observation areas provide excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during migration seasons.
14. Museum of World Treasures
GLOBAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
Museum of World Treasures presents an eclectic collection spanning various historical periods and cultures from around the globe. Exhibits include Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils, military artifacts, and presidential memorabilia across three floors of displays. The museum's diverse holdings provide educational entertainment for history enthusiasts of all interests and ages.
15. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
FLORAL PARADISE
Botanica showcases more than 18 themed gardens spread across 18 acres of meticulously maintained botanical displays. Visitors can wander through the butterfly garden, children's play areas, and seasonal flower exhibits that change throughout the year. The gardens host special events including the popular Illuminations holiday light display during winter months.