In most places, airplanes are something you watch overhead. In Wichita, they're something you can climb into, build, explore and even enjoy lunch beside.

Whether you're traveling with a future pilot, an aviation enthusiast or kids who simply love things that fly, Wichita offers hands-on experiences that celebrate its rich aviation heritage while showcasing an industry that's still thriving today.

Why is Wichita called the Air Capital of the World?

Wichita didn't just earn the title Air Capital of the World; it continues to live up to it.

Legendary aircraft companies including Cessna, Beechcraft and Stearman were founded in Wichita, and today's aerospace leaders still design and build aircraft in the city. In fact, more than 300,000 general aviation aircraft have been built in Wichita, more than any other city in the world. Aviation isn't just part of the city's history. It's part of everyday life.
 

Stearman Field Dining
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Design, build and fly at Exploration Place

At Exploration Place, aviation is anything but hands-on.

The award-winning Design Build Fly exhibit invites visitors to discover how airplanes are imagined, engineered and built in Wichita. Kids can design an airplane seat, test landing gear, try a rivet gun, climb into a full-size Textron business jet and take the controls in interactive flight experiences. It's an engaging stop for curious minds of all ages.
 

Design, Build, Fly.
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Climb aboard Adventure Playscape

One of Wichita's newest aviation attractions isn't inside a museum, but instead is a part of an expansive outdoor playground.

The Textron Aviation Flight Adventure at Exploration Place's Adventure Playscape lets kids climb into a Beechcraft-inspired airplane suspended above the playground, explore a Cessna Citation jet, scramble through an air traffic control tower and race down a towering rocket slide. The aviation-themed features are part of the destination's 6.5-acre Adventure Playscape.

Explore the Kansas Aviation Museum

Step inside Wichita's aviation story at the Kansas Aviation Museum, housed in the city's beautifully restored former municipal airport terminal.

Visitors can get up close to historic aircraft, climb the original air traffic control tower and learn how Wichita became the Air Capital of the World through the innovations that helped shape modern aviation.

Kansas Aviation Museum
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Meet Doc, one of only two flying B-29s

Few places in the world offer the opportunity to experience a living piece of aviation history like this.

The B-29 Doc Hangar, Education & Visitors Center is home to Doc, one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses still flying anywhere in the world. Tour the hangar, watch volunteers maintain the historic aircraft, and, on select days, even climb aboard for an unforgettable look inside one of World War II's most iconic airplanes.
 

​B-29 Hangar Nightshot
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Enjoy aviation-inspired dining

Only in Wichita can lunch come with a runway view.

At Stearman Field Bar & Grill, diners can enjoy burgers, pizza, and other favorites while watching airplanes taxi, take off, and land just steps away.

Looking for even more aviation-themed experiences? Sip creative cocktails inside real American Airlines seats at Flight 1868 or admire aviation-themed décor while enjoying dinner at 6S Steakhouse or Scotch & Sirloin, where the city's flying heritage extends from the runway to the restaurant.

Flight 1868
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Aviation around every corner

Aviation isn't confined to museums in Wichita. Throughout the city, public art, memorials and landmarks tell the story of the people and innovations that shaped flight.

Look for colorful aviation-themed murals, an airplane wing sculpture in downtown's Naftzger Park and several meaningful memorials. Visit Piatt Memorial Park, which commemorates the victims of the 1965 KC-135 crash; reflect at Memorial '70 on the Wichita State University campus, honoring those lost in the 1970 plane crash; or learn about Wichita's own Medal of Honor recipient, Erwin Bleckley, whose legacy is recognized at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.

Garvey Center Mural
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Plan your aviation adventure

Many cities have aviation museums. Only Wichita lets you design an airplane, climb through aviation-themed playgrounds, explore historic aircraft, discover one of only two flying B-29 Superfortresses in the world and watch airplanes land while enjoying a meal – all in the city that helped shape the aviation industry.

If you're planning a Kansas getaway, Wichita's aviation attractions offer a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. And if your visit coincides with the biennial Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show, happening Oct. 24-25 at McConnell Air Force Base, you'll have another unforgettable way to experience the Air Capital of the World.