Old Cowtown Museum

Old Cowtown Museum is a unique outdoor living history museum in Wichita, Kansas, offering a vivid step back in time to the city's early days as a booming cattle town from 1865 to 1880. Walk the dirt roads and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Old West. The 23-acre site features over 50 historic and recreated buildings, including homes, a saloon, a blacksmith shop, and a period farm. Experience the past through costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, and a rich collection of artifacts. It's a fantastic place for all ages to learn about frontier life and the dramatic transformation of Wichita from a small settlement to a bustling agricultural and manufacturing center. Don't miss the staged gunfights and the chance to sip a sarsaparilla in the saloon! A must-visit for history enthusiasts.

This was an unexpected treat! This town is very well preserved. Many of the shops are exactly as they were in the1800 's and still serve the visitors. We got there right at opening so there were no crowds. We were told it got busy around noon.

We took a day trip today & it was so much fun!!! The FAQ says to allow 1.5-2 hours, but it is also easily a full day depending on how much you want to read, absorb, and experience. We spent 4 hours and didn't read everything, or spend as much time in certain buildings as we could have. Our boys are 10 & under, and they had a blast!! They've already asked when they could come back. So much fun and truly an amazing experience. My husband & I haven't been here since we were in elementary school, and it's grown in the best way.

We had the pleasure of visiting the museum during our road trip from Oklahoma to Nebraska late August, and it was just great. You feel like you've been transported back to the late 1800s. The show in the front of the saloon is pretty good, and the kids enjoyed the buildings, which really put us in the mood of the era. The staff are friendly, and it was great to chat with them. Hope to see it again the next time we come from France.

An absolutely amazing place!! 60 building from around Kansas have been moved to create Cow Town. Each building contains all the time period appropriate decor, instruments, clothing, and machinery.

This was such a cool place! We LOVED it! So amazing it feels like you went back in time! We very much appreciated the buildings with air conditioning. Also we loved the we could eat our picnic in the porch of the visitors center. Lovely museum!! Highly recommend!

We had a fantastic time at the Old Cowtown Museum! It truly felt like stepping back in time. The staff and volunteers were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and the historic buildings were beautifully preserved. We especially enjoyed the live demonstrations and interactive exhibits great for both kids and adults. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Wichita!