Riverside Park: Wichita's Oldest and Most Beloved Park

Riverside Park is Wichita's oldest public park, established in 1880, and it remains one of the most beloved green spaces in the city more than 140 years later. Stretched along the west bank of the Arkansas River, the park offers a remarkable variety of experiences within its shaded grounds.

The Wichita Children's Home Pelican Exhibit, a small but delightful free zoo within the park, has been charming Wichita children for generations. Playgrounds, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and open lawn areas accommodate every variety of outdoor recreation. The riverbank itself provides fishing access and scenic views across the water to the downtown skyline.

The connecting trail system links Riverside Park to miles of riverside paths that extend both north and south along the Arkansas, making it a gateway to one of Wichita's finest outdoor amenities.