There’s a rich aviation story in Wichita, which is why Kansas’ largest city proudly celebrates National Aviation Day every August 19 – and claims its well-earned title as the Air Capital of the World all year long.

Whether you’re a lifelong plane buff or just curious about flight, Wichita is the perfect place to experience aviation.

Why is Wichita the Air Capital of the World? 

Wichita’s population saw a major surge during World War II as the city became a hub for commercial aircraft production, particularly with the rise of Boeing operations. Today, Wichita remains a key player in global aviation manufacturing, and it’s not uncommon to meet locals who are employed in – or are passionate about – the aviation world. The city is the birthplace of legendary aircraft companies like Beechcraft, Cessna, and Stearman. Today, major names such as Airbus Americas, Bombardier, Spirit AeroSystem,s and Textron Aviation continue the legacy by designing and building aircraft and components in Wichita.

Aviation experiences

The Kansas Aviation Museum takes aviation history to new heights. Housed in the city’s first municipal airport, the museum honors the legacy of air travel by showcasing Kansas aviation history with a special focus on Wichita’s influence. You can expect to see a fascinating collection of restored aircraft and aviation artifacts, including a 1920 Laird Swallow, a 1945 Beech Bonanza B-35, a Cessna T-37B, and a Model 73 Stearman. Kids will love the museum’s hands-on activities, including a dedicated children’s play area and interactive exhibits where they can climb into cockpits and pretend to be pilots. Be sure to take in the stunning 360-degree views of the city from the historic airport tower and listen in on live air traffic control for a truly immersive aviation experience.

Continue your journey through history by making a visit to B-29 Doc Hanger, Education and Visitors Center to get an up close look at one of only two airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress aircraft left in the world, Doc. The restored warbird attracts visitors to the permanent hangar who are eager to learn about the history of aviation engineering and design. For a truly unforgettable experience, visitors can even purchase a ticket to ride along in this historic aircraft. When not at home in the hangar, Doc and its crew take to the skies to make fly-in appearances at air shows. Make sure to check Doc's schedule to see if it is in the hangar prior to your arrival.

Hands-on aviation adventure

If you’re in search of a hands-on learning experience, then Exploration Place is where you should land. The award-winning Design Build Fly exhibit gives guests the chance to run a rivet gun, prove their paper airplane skills, and step inside a jet’s cockpit.

Opening in fall 2025, the Textron Aviation Flight Adventure will be an immersive outdoor experience spanning 6.5 acres and featuring 10 themed playscape areas, with Aviation Play Grove as the centerpiece. Kids can climb a dramatic Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane sculpture perched atop a towering control tower or explore inside a life-size Cessna Citation business jet – complete with climbing structures, slide,s and even a functioning cockpit replica.

Memorials to visit

Piatt Memorial Park is a poignant and quietly powerful tribute to the tragic KC‑135 crash that devastated the Piatt Street neighborhood on January 16, 1965. Nestled within a park, the memorial features a striking black granite sculpture shaped like an aircraft, engraved with the names of the 30 lives lost – seven Air Force personnel and 23 civilians.

Honor the Wichita State University football players, administrators, and supporters who lost their lives in a plane crash in 1970 at the History of Memorial 70. It is a place of remembrance on the WSU campus and is open to visitors year-round.

Murals and public art

Keep your eyes peeled for airplanes! Much of Wichita’s street art references the city’s love of flying. The mural located west of the Garvey Center displays a massive aircraft. Rosie the Riveter is the star of the mural at 2609 E. Douglas Avenue, the Wright Brothers are honored on the exterior of Hutton at 111 N. Sycamore, and “Fly In For Fun” at 1824 E. Douglas celebrates flight. Plan a self-guided mural tour here. While downtown, stop by Naftzger Park to take your picture in front of an actual airplane wing on display.

Aviation-themed dining

For aviation enthusiasts, there is no place better to enjoy a meal than Stearman Field Bar & Grill. The open-air patio draws a crowd excited to watch the traffic of the private airport while dining on tasty bites like Pilot’s Fried Pickles or the Flyover Philly Cheesesteak.

It’s not every day that you get to taste a delicious meal and have a cocktail with aviation artwork as the backdrop, unless you’re dining at 6S Steakhouse. The memorable dining room honors the city’s heritage with aviation-inspired decor. For those looking to experience fine dining on the city’s east side, the Scotch & Sirloin impresses with its world-class interior featuring aviation references.

Settle in at Flight 1868 and sip creative aviation‑themed cocktails while lounging in real American Airlines seats. It's the perfect pre‑dinner or late-night destination.

Where to stay

Even the lodging in Wichita reflects the city’s love for aviation. Impressive artwork donning aircraft can be found at the Homewood Suites by Hilton @ The Waterfront in east Wichita and the Wingate by Wyndham Wichita Airport. The third floor of the Hotel at Old Town is dedicated to Wichita’s aviation legacy, featuring museum-quality displays, historic photographs, and curated art sourced from local aviation companies and museums. DoubleTree by Hilton Airport features a Control Tower Suite, and the Ambassador Hotel Wichita subtly integrates aviation artwork and design touches throughout the property.

As Kansans, we’re proud of our aviation history and the many places in Wichita and around the state that preserve it. Find more high-flying inspiration for your next trip to Kansas by learning about other aviation museums in the state.

Aviation Museums in Kansas

Visit Wichita

Download their spring/summer 2025 visitor guide for more inspiration and ideas.