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Keeper of the Plains, Wichita, KS
SightseeingFreeDate NightLocal Gem

Keeper of the Plains

339 Veterans Pkwy · Wichita, KS

Why you should go…

The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot Cor-Ten steel sculpture by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin, standing where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers meet. Erected in 1974 for the Bicentennial, it has stood on a 30-foot rock promontory since 2006. Each night the Ring of Fire burners around the base are lit for 15 minutes, weather permitting, and the site sits on the Arkansas River bike path.

  • #public art
  • #sculpture
  • #river walk
  • #native american heritage

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Keeper of the Plains, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Mid-America All-Indian Museum

    Under $25

    A Wichita museum dedicated to American Indian culture, with a gallery of nations and outdoor tipi and grass-house displays.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Exploration Place

    Under $25

    An interactive science and discovery museum on the Arkansas River with a domed theater and hands-on exhibits.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Wichita

    Free

    Official destination guide to Wichita, Kansas, covering museums, dining, shopping, and events.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Old Cowtown Museum

    Under $25

    A living-history village in Wichita with restored 1870s buildings and costumed interpreters recreating frontier cattle-town life.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Botanica, The Wichita Gardens

    Under $25

    Stroll themed gardens with a Chinese garden, koi pond, butterfly garden and a children's garden with a tree house and splash areas.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Sedgwick County Zoo

    $25–$50

    A large AZA-accredited zoo in Wichita with nearly 400 species, an elephant exhibit, a train and a canal cruise.

    3.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor