Downtown Sculpture Walkabout
1 / 10

Downtown Sculpture Walkabout

4.8
·3k reviews·Wichita, United States

Discover Wichita's rich heritage at the Keeper of the Plains and explore vibrant public art along the scenic Riverwalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Nightly, 9 PM

Ceremonial fires light up!

CrowdMedium
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Downtown Sculpture Walkabout

Downtown Sculpture Walkabout

Best Time

Nightly, 9 PM

Ceremonial fires light up!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Wichita's rich heritage at the Keeper of the Plains and explore vibrant public art along the scenic Riverwalk.

4.8
(3k reviews)

"A free, peaceful, and culturally rich experience with a stunning nightly fire spectacle."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Park Smart for Riverwalk

Park at Exploration Place for easy Riverwalk access. Free parking is also available on both sides of the bridge.

🔥 Catch the Fire Lighting

Arrive by 8:30 PM for the 9 PM fire lighting ceremony; it gets busy!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Keeper of the Plains Monument

Keeper of the Plains Monument

Confluence of Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers

A majestic 44-ft. statue honoring Native American heritage, with ceremonial fires lit nightly.

Riverwalk Sculpture Trail

Riverwalk Sculpture Trail

Along the Arkansas River

A scenic path featuring public art installations, including a whimsical hidden troll sculpture.

TikTok
Ceremonial Fires

Ceremonial Fires

Around the Keeper of the Plains

Witness the powerful spectacle of four torches igniting nightly, symbolizing the spirit of the Plains.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Keeper

The Keeper of the Plains offers a magical experience, especially when the ceremonial fires are lit nightly at 9 PM. Arrive by 8:30 PM to secure a good spot, as crowds can build, particularly on weekends. Reddit

Explore Beyond the Plains

While the Keeper of the Plains is a must-see, Wichita's downtown offers more. Consider parking at Exploration Place for easy access to the Riverwalk and discover hidden art, like the troll sculpture. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Nightly, 9 PM
Why
Ceremonial fires light up!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👀 Have you seen it? 👀 Wichita sculptor Connie Ernatt loves the mystery around a hidden troll that lives near the Keeper of the Plains, sometimes startling visitors.🧌 She created it for a drainage outflow area along the Arkansas River near the Wichita icon. There’s no sign with her name near the troll, and that’s exactly what she asked for. 😉 📷: Jaime Green of The Eagle #Kansas #Local #fy #fyp #tr...
@thewichitaeagle
6.9K likes • 53.7K views

🎯 Park Smart for Riverwalk

Park at Exploration Place for easy Riverwalk access. Free parking is also available on both sides of the bridge. Reddit

🔥 Catch the Fire Lighting

Arrive by 8:30 PM for the 9 PM fire lighting ceremony; it gets busy! Reddit

#CapCut #wichita #floods #wichitakansas #river #keeperoftheplains
@here4thefallout
2.2K likes • 42.3K views
Top Things To Do in Wichita, Kansas 📍 1️⃣ Keeper of the Plains Monument 2️⃣ Riverwalk 3️⃣ Downtown Wichita 4️⃣ Old Town 5️⃣ Delano District 6️⃣ Wichita’s Museums 7️⃣ Wind Surge Baseball 8️⃣ Shopping Local 9️⃣ Brewery Scene 1️⃣0️⃣ Catch a theater show or vibe at a concert #traveltiktok #travelusa #wichitakansas #wichitaks #heartland #flyoverstates #keeperoftheplains #traveldestinations #thingstodo ...
@samazingtravels
1.6K likes • 118.3K views

🤫 Seek the Hidden Troll

Don't miss the charming troll sculpture by Connie Ernatt on the east side of the river. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Riverwalk

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Arkansas River, discovering public art and scenic views. TikTok

reddit.com

Keeper of the Plains

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Park Smart for Riverwalk

Park at Exploration Place for easy Riverwalk access. Free parking is also available on both sides of the bridge. Reddit

🔥 Catch the Fire Lighting

Arrive by 8:30 PM for the 9 PM fire lighting ceremony; it gets busy! Reddit

🤫 Seek the Hidden Troll

Don't miss the charming troll sculpture by Connie Ernatt on the east side of the river. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Riverwalk

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Arkansas River, discovering public art and scenic views. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Keeper of the Plains for its historical significance, cultural richness, and the breathtaking nightly fire lighting ceremony. The Riverwalk and its art installations, including the hidden troll, add an element of discovery. While generally peaceful, some note that it can get crowded during peak times, especially for the fire show.

"While on vacation, I wanted to check out a local park. We went to Keeper of the Plains. Upon arriving you can see a large statue and music playing. The surrounding scenery is very nice. Lots of history to read. Very unique and very cool park. Worth stopping at if you're in the area."

Beach Bum Foodie

"This place is incredibly beautiful. There's a bunch you can learn, and even more gravesites than you would think. There may also be a creepy looking troll somewhere in the area around the statue. Peaceful music plays, a nice water fountain with nice cold water. It's a nice place to just sit nearby and relax.

At night, 9pm, fires are lit in the containers around the Keeper for around 15mins."

Natalia Widdison

"I've visited The Keeper of the Plains multiple times now during my various wandering and adventures around wichita, and everytime i pass by the area i make an effort to stop and rest here. The history, culture and education you can find here is educational for the kids, insightful for the average person, and Enlightening for the elderly. The smell of the fresh river water, The sounds of flutes and drums on the wind, there's no reason not to visit when you're in the region!"

Ian W (Irish_Ian)

What People Like

Majestic Keeper of the Plains
Spectacular fire lighting
Peaceful Riverwalk strolls

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Many visitors recommend parking at the Exploration Place parking lot for convenient access to the Riverwalk and the Keeper of the Plains. Alternatively, free parking is available on both sides of the bridge leading to the monument. Reddit

Yes, the Downtown Sculpture Walkabout, including the Keeper of the Plains, is easily accessible by car. It's located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers in Wichita, Kansas. TikTok

Absolutely! The Riverwalk is designed for walking, connecting various points of interest and sculptures. It's a great way to experience the art and scenery at your own pace. TikTok

While specific routes can vary, Wichita's public transit system may offer options to reach the downtown area. It's best to check the official Wichita Transit website for current routes and schedules. TikTok

The Keeper of the Plains is located just south of downtown Wichita, making it a short drive or a pleasant longer walk/bike ride from the city center. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Downtown Sculpture Walkabout, including the Keeper of the Plains and the Riverwalk sculptures, is a free attraction. Reddit

The park grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the highlight, the ceremonial fires, are lit nightly at 9 PM for about 15 minutes. Reddit

Since it's a free outdoor attraction, no advance booking or tickets are required to visit the Downtown Sculpture Walkabout. Reddit

The most notable event is the nightly lighting of the ceremonial fires at 9 PM. It's a popular time, so arriving a bit early is recommended. Reddit

The Riverwalk and the areas around the Keeper of the Plains are generally paved and accessible. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific accessibility information if needed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For dramatic shots, aim for sunset or twilight when the monument is beautifully lit, and the ceremonial fires are about to be lit or are burning. Night photography is also popular. Reddit

Yes, the Riverwalk offers numerous opportunities to photograph the diverse sculptures, the river scenery, and the city skyline. The hidden troll is a fun subject! TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For night shots, a tripod can help capture clearer images of the fires. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the scale of the monument. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors capture the spectacle of the ceremonial fires. Be mindful of others trying to get their shots as well. Reddit

Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks and near monuments. It's essential to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in this area. TikTok

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

A leisurely walk along the Riverwalk and spending time at the Keeper of the Plains can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the sculptures. Reddit

You can learn about the history and culture at the Keeper of the Plains, enjoy the river views, relax by the water, and discover the unique troll sculpture. TikTokReddit

The area is generally considered safe, especially during the fire lighting ceremony when there are more people around. However, as with any public space, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

Restrooms and water fountains are typically available at nearby facilities like Exploration Place. It's advisable to check their operating hours. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are a must! Depending on the weather, layers are recommended, especially if you plan to stay for the evening fire lighting. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Downtown Sculpture Walkabout is a fantastic free family activity. Kids will be captivated by the towering Keeper of the Plains monument and the magic of the nightly ceremonial fires. Reddit Don't forget to make finding the hidden troll sculpture a fun quest for the little ones! TikTok The Riverwalk is paved and easy to navigate with strollers, offering plenty of space to run around and enjoy the outdoors. Pack some snacks and water, and make an afternoon or evening of it.

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

This entire experience is a budget traveler's dream as it's completely free! You can enjoy the impressive Keeper of the Plains monument, explore the diverse sculptures along the Riverwalk, and witness the spectacular nightly fire lighting ceremony without spending a dime. Reddit Parking is also free, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience Wichita's highlights without breaking the bank. Just bring your walking shoes and your sense of adventure.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Keeper of the Plains offers incredible opportunities, especially during sunset and at night when the ceremonial fires are lit. Reddit The contrast of the monument against the twilight sky and the glowing torches creates dramatic and memorable shots. The Riverwalk sculptures also provide unique subjects, from abstract forms to the quirky troll. TikTok Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions to capture the best of these urban art installations.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Keeper of the Plains: A Symbol of Heritage

The Keeper of the Plains is more than just a statue; it's a powerful symbol of Native American heritage and the spirit of the land. Standing at 44 feet tall, this iconic monument by Blackbear Bosin overlooks the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. Its presence is deeply rooted in the history of the Wichita area, honoring the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for centuries. TikTok

The monument is particularly renowned for its nightly ceremonial fires. At 9 PM, four torches surrounding the Keeper ignite, creating a breathtaking spectacle that lasts for about 15 minutes. This tradition is a significant cultural event, drawing visitors who wish to witness this symbolic display of respect and remembrance. Reddit

Visitors often describe the experience as peaceful and moving, with many appreciating the opportunity to learn about the local history and culture. The surrounding area is also designed for reflection, with music and a pleasant atmosphere that encourages visitors to pause and connect with the site's significance. Reddit

Discovering Art on the Riverwalk

The Downtown Sculpture Walkabout extends beyond the Keeper of the Plains, inviting exploration along the scenic Riverwalk. This paved pathway meanders alongside the Arkansas River, showcasing a variety of public art installations that add a creative flair to the urban landscape. TikTok

One of the most talked-about pieces is the hidden troll sculpture, created by local artist Connie Ernatt. Tucked away near a drainage outflow area, this whimsical creation adds an element of surprise and delight for those who venture off the main path. Finding it has become a fun scavenger hunt for many visitors. TikTok

Walking the Riverwalk offers a chance to appreciate both art and nature. The trail provides lovely views of the river and the city, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a jog, or simply a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the urban environment. Reddit

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