For military reunions and veterans visiting Wichita — the Heart of the Country — there’s a compelling array of attractions that honor military service, showcase wartime artifacts and celebrate our city’s aviation roots. Many of these sites also serve as unique venues for military reunions, offsite events or social gatherings, offering inspiring backdrops surrounded by history and heritage. Here are key destinations your attendees won’t want to miss.
Kansas Aviation Museum
Located in the historic Wichita Municipal Airport terminal — just a short drive from McConnell Air Force Base — the Kansas Aviation Museum highlights Wichita’s legacy as the “Air Capital of the World.” Inside, you’ll find exhibits on companies such as Boeing, Cessna and Beechcraft, and interactive displays including flight simulators and STEM activities. Be sure to visit the control-tower vantage point for 360-degree views of the runway and city skyline. Whether you’re a service member, veteran or aviation enthusiast, this museum offers impressive context on how Wichita and Kansas helped build America’s air-power legacy.
B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center
Wichita is home to one of only two airworthy B 29 Superfortress bombers remaining in the world — known simply as “Doc.” Housed in a 42,000-square-foot hangar, this facility gives visitors an up-close look at the warbird and its storied past. The plane was built in Wichita during WWII and now flies as a living museum. Visitors can often observe restoration crews at work and take guided tours of the cockpit. Note: Flight experiences on Doc are available but involve advanced booking, and museum hours depend on whether the aircraft is on tour. This is a must for any group looking to explore aviation history with deep military ties.
Museum of World Treasures
Situated in Old Town Wichita, Museum of World Treasures offers a broad scope of historical artifacts — including wartime uniforms, weaponry and memorabilia representing the Civil War through modern conflicts. Guests will also find an 11-foot section of the Berlin Wall and displays that span pre-historic eras to political history. While not exclusively military, the museum’s collection offers meaningful context for service members and veterans interested in exploring uniforms, manufacturing and the artifacts of war.
American Overseas Schools Historical Society
Located in Wichita’s historic Delano district, The American Overseas Schools Historical Society (AOSHS) preserves the heritage of U.S. Department of Defense schools overseas. Visitors can browse yearbooks, letter jackets and memorabilia reflecting life at military schools abroad. The society also facilitated donation of a 12-foot section of the Berlin Wall to Kansas and contributed to its display locally. While admission is free, hours may be limited — it’s best to check ahead if planning a group visit or reunion stop.
Strataca
Travel 45 minutes outside of Wichita and 650 feet below the earth’s surface to explore Strataca, one of the state’s coolest attractions – literally. Bring a jacket and enjoy 68-degree temperatures year-round in the underground salt mine. The most popular tour, the Salt Blast Pass, is a two-hour excursion that takes visitors on a narrated train ride, to the mining gallery and a 30-minute tram ride. Also found stored underground are film reels and movie memorabilia, including costumes and props from blockbuster hits like “Twister” and “Batman and Robin.” Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.
Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum
About 10 minutes away from Strataca, the Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, featuring the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world. The museum’s expansive collection uniquely tells the story of the Space Race. You’ll even walk beneath a dramatically displayed SR-71 Blackbird in the lobby before heading into the galleries.
Additional military attractions
Don’t miss out on other things to do during your stay in Wichita, including free attractions to visit, including Wichita Veterans’ Memorial Park, located along the Arkansas River downtown and just a short walk from the Keeper of the Plains. Also, be sure to check out House of Tank, a museum featuring tanks from WWII to modern day. Admission to House of Tank is free, but donations are accepted.
Reunite in Wichita
Wichita’s aviation heritage, restoration hangars and interactive exhibits give you unique program opportunities – from cocktail receptions in historic hangars to guided museum tours that honor service and sacrifice – all set in a clean, centrally located city that’s easy to get to and even easier to navigate. With a compact footprint, your logistics stay simple while your experience soars.
For a free Meeting Planner Guide, reach out to Lindsay Gulley, Convention Sales Manager at Visit Wichita, via email or at 316-660-6312, to discover more about meeting hotels, military-friendly activities and unforgettable experiences in Wichita.
Reunion Planners click here for additional details about holding a reunion in Wichita.
