Garrett RuppWichita has a place for everyone - including history buffs. Whether you are a student taking History of Wichita class by Dr. Price, curious about local streets got their names, or you are a Little House on the Prairie diehard, Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Boulevard, has plenty to see and do.
What is Cowtown?
Cowtown is an assortment of original buildings and recreations from Wichita and the surrounding area’s 19th century past.
Trader Joe-st
You are greeted with Wigwams and an old trader’s post at the entrance with plaques along the way detailing the scene that has been painstakingly recreated. The trading post, for instance, teaches that ceilings were incredibly low in the wild west, and gives insight into what life was like on the open prairie in the 1800’s. Staged with canned goods and tools of the trade, your first stop will definitely set the stage for what’s to come.
Every Day I'm Rustlin'
A historic chuck wagon is complete with cattle rustlers who demonstrate how to wrangle up cows, as well as dinner.
Cow-Town
Next, is a town hidden among the urban landscapes and hustle of the modern world. The famous movie line, “Welcome to Jurassic Park”, would not be out of place looking straight down the recreated town road with board walks on either side and actors in period appropriate clothing walking up and down, greeting you as they go about their business. There are no dinosaurs at this park, but there are long horn cattle - one of which recently gave birth to a newborn calf! - and a cow in the farm area you can pet. She’s a big sweetie.
Smithin', Sarsparillas, and Shootouts
The town is replete with everything from an active blacksmith who will walk you through the horseshoe making process, to a one room schoolhouse and general store. One of the highlights is the saloon, where you can sit down to cool off and quench your thirst with an ice-cold sarsaparilla. Stick around and you will be treated to a reenactment of a shootout right outside the saloon doors and get a little insight into what people did for entertainment before YouTube.
Historic Homes
Want to see the first house ever built in Wichita? The Munger house, constructed in 1869, is for you. Want insight on how much dentistry has improved over the last 150 years? They have that too. Walk into the Marshals office and read about the earliest marshals who helped temper the rowdy crowds that passed through, including the famous Wyatt Earp who called Wichita home for a time. There is also a small walkable neighborhood area with some of the larger, grander homes of the era. Seeing everything set up as if the kids had just gotten up from the parlor room floor, game of dominoes and marbles still set up, really encapsulates the experience.
Cowtown is a great summer stop with so much going on. With the Sunflower Summer perk, families can visit this and other area museums and parks for free. Visit sunflowersummer.org for details.
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