Central Riverside Park – Wichita, Kansas
Central Riverside Park on your left is one of the oldest and most beautiful public parks in Wichita — and a place where history, nature, and community all come together.
This lush 50-acre park sits nestled between the branches of the Arkansas River, offering scenic walking paths, historic bridges, open lawns, and shady groves that have welcomed Wichitans for well over a century.
The park was originally designed in 1901 by none other than George Kessler, a nationally renowned landscape architect who also helped shape parks in cities like Kansas City and St. Louis. His vision of blending natural beauty with elegant urban design still defines this park today.
Take a look around — you’ll spot historic limestone features, graceful footbridges, and winding roads that invite both leisurely strolls and quiet moments. One of the highlights here is the Riverside Park Interactive Fountains — a family favorite in the warmer months, especially for the kids who want to splash and cool off.
And if you’re an animal lover, you’re in luck. On the east end of the park, you’ll find the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit — a free, walkable outdoor mini-zoo that’s home to over 25 native animals including hawks, bobcats, owls, raccoons, and even a beaver or two. It's like a little taste of the wild tucked right into the middle of the city.
Central Riverside is also a haven for birdwatchers, joggers, and people just looking to unplug under the trees. The duck pond, ringed with weeping willows, is another favorite — and if you’re lucky, you might spot herons or turtles basking along the banks.
And hey, a little fun fact for you: The nearby Riverside Boathouse, which you may have passed earlier, was originally built in the early 1900s and once offered canoe and paddleboat rentals on the river — a real favorite during Wichita’s early 20th-century heyday.
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