Wichita’s streets tell stories — not just through its history or architecture, but through color splashed across brick walls, underpasses, and forgotten alleys. For RV travelers, exploring public art in Wichita near the RV park is one of the most rewarding ways to get to know the city beyond the typical tourist stops.
The best part? Many of these murals, sculptures, and seasonal displays are tucked into walkable districts, perfect for a leisurely afternoon outing with your camera or sketchbook in hand. Whether you’re a casual art fan, a serious mural hunter, or just looking for something unique to do near Wichita RV Park, this guide will help you discover Wichita’s creative side — and maybe a few hidden gems that even locals miss.
1. Getting Oriented: Wichita’s Mural Districts & Walking Routes
Wichita has several concentrated pockets of murals and public art installations. These neighborhoods are perfect for self-guided walking routes, and many are just a short drive from the RV park.
Downtown Wichita – Douglas Avenue Corridor
Douglas Avenue is the backbone of Wichita’s mural scene. Start near Old Town and head west along Douglas. You’ll pass a mix of historic buildings and bold contemporary murals, often tucked down side alleys or painted on the backs of shops.
- Highlights:
- The “Keepers on Parade” series (miniature sculptures inspired by the iconic Keeper of the Plains)
- Large-scale works by local artists like Brickmob and Kent Williams
- Seasonal window art and rotating installations that change throughout the year
This route is walkable in about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, though you’ll probably want extra time to stop for coffee or photos. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for light and fewer crowds.
Douglas Design District
Just east of downtown, this stretch between Washington and Oliver is packed with colorful murals, painted utility boxes, and public sculptures. The district’s “Avenue Art Days” program brings new murals to life every year, meaning there’s always something fresh to see.
- Tip: Start at the Reverie Coffee Roasters parking lot (they’re RV-friendly if you arrive early) and work your way east. Many murals are on the sides of warehouses and shops, so keep your eyes peeled around corners and alleyways.
Delano District
On the west side of the river, the Delano District blends Wichita’s cowboy past with its modern creative scene. Murals here often feature historical themes, vintage lettering, and nods to Route 66 and frontier life.
The district is compact and easy to explore on foot, with several public sculptures and decorative light installations along the main drag.
2. Parking Tips for RVs Near Art Installations
If you’re exploring Wichita’s mural districts with a larger RV or trailer, parking smartly makes all the difference.
- Downtown: Look for street parking west of Old Town early in the morning before the lunch rush. Some side streets have long curb spaces that can fit larger rigs temporarily. Avoid parking directly on Douglas Ave — it’s busy and tight.
- Douglas Design District: Several businesses offer shared parking lots, especially early in the day. Reverie Coffee and nearby shops often have space for medium RVs if you’re respectful and don’t block entrances.
- Delano: The district has public lots just off Sycamore and Oak Streets, a short walk from the murals. These lots are usually manageable for Class B and smaller Class C rigs, especially outside peak evening hours.
Alternatively, you can park at Wichita RV Park and take a short Uber or Lyft downtown to avoid maneuvering through narrow streets altogether.
3. Artist Spotlights: Wichita’s Creative Voices
One of the joys of mural hunting is recognizing recurring styles and learning the stories behind the work. Wichita has a growing community of talented artists who’ve turned blank walls into canvases.
Brickmob
A collective known for their large-scale, graphic murals, Brickmob’s work appears all over Wichita, often with a mix of pop culture references and bold geometric designs. Their murals are vibrant and modern — perfect for striking photographs.
Kent Williams
Williams’ work often incorporates historic Wichita themes, blending past and present through layered imagery and warm colors. His murals can be found downtown and in Delano, often on prominent corners or along alleys.
Avenue Art Days Artists
Each year, local and visiting artists participate in Avenue Art Days to add new works to the Douglas Design District. You’ll find everything from surreal landscapes to playful cartoonish scenes — and if you return each fall, chances are the lineup will look a little different.
4. Public Sculptures, Light Art & Seasonal Displays
Murals aren’t the only game in town. Wichita’s public art scene includes sculptures, interactive light displays, and temporary seasonal installations that add depth to any art walk.
Keeper of the Plains & Plaza Sculptures
No trip to Wichita’s art scene is complete without visiting the Keeper of the Plains. This 44-foot steel sculpture stands at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. At sunset, the surrounding fire pots are lit in a brief ceremony, creating a striking light display against the evening sky.
The plaza area around the Keeper features smaller sculptures, interpretive signs, and paths perfect for a leisurely walk.
Light Installations on Douglas Avenue
At night, parts of the Douglas corridor light up with LED displays and artistic lighting, especially around the railroad underpasses. These installations make evening walks surprisingly atmospheric.
Seasonal Art Displays
Throughout the year, Wichita hosts pop-up installations during festivals and holidays — from hand-painted window art in winter to chalk murals in spring. If you’re in town between September and December, keep an eye out for Autumn Art Days and the downtown holiday light walk.
5. Self-Guided Map Apps & Photo Permissions
You don’t need to join a tour group to explore Wichita’s murals. Several excellent self-guided map apps and online resources make it easy to craft your own adventure.
Mural Map Wichita (Online)
This interactive online map pins major mural locations throughout the city. It’s mobile-friendly, so you can open it in your browser and follow the pins as you walk. It includes artist names and dates, which adds a fun scavenger hunt element.
Visit Wichita App
The city’s tourism app includes public art walking tours, including themed routes like “Historic Murals” or “Modern Street Art.” It works offline if you download the maps ahead of time — handy if your cell signal gets spotty downtown.
Photo Etiquette & Permissions
Most murals and public art installations are free to photograph, but a little etiquette goes a long way:
- Avoid blocking sidewalks or doorways for extended periods while taking pictures.
- Don’t climb or lean heavily on sculptures or installations.
- If you’re using photos for commercial purposes (e.g., selling prints), check whether the artist requires permission or credit.
- When in doubt, tagging the artist on social media is a nice nod of appreciation.
6. Hidden Gems You Might Miss
While the big mural districts get most of the attention, Wichita has a few lesser-known spots that are worth the detour.
Underpass Murals near Kellogg & Washington
These murals are tucked under busy overpasses — easy to miss if you’re not on foot. They feature bold colors and abstract designs that come alive in afternoon light filtering through the beams.
Alley Murals Behind Old Town Shops
Some of Wichita’s most intricate murals are hidden behind shops and restaurants in Old Town, especially near 2nd and Mead. These alleys are safe and well-used, but they’re quieter than the main streets — great for slower, more reflective walks.
Mini Sculptures Along the Riverwalk
Keep an eye out for small, whimsical sculptures dotted along the Arkansas Riverwalk path. They’re easy to overlook but add a playful touch to the scenery.
7. Make It a Half-Day Adventure
Exploring murals and public art doesn’t need to be rushed. Here’s a simple way to make it a relaxed half-day outing:
- Morning coffee stop in the Douglas Design District (Reverie is a good choice).
- Walk east along Douglas, following murals and sculptures.
- Drive or rideshare to Delano for a short lunch and mural stroll.
- End at the Keeper of the Plains around sunset for the fire pot lighting ceremony.
- Return to Wichita RV Park for a quiet evening under the stars.
This loop hits multiple districts without feeling rushed, and it’s doable even if you’re navigating with a medium-sized RV.
FAQs About Wichita’s Public Art Scene
Are Wichita’s murals easy to find on foot?
Yes. Downtown, Douglas Design District, and Delano are all walkable with clear routes between major installations.
Can I park my RV near mural districts?
With some planning, yes. Early mornings and side streets offer the best chances for convenient RV parking. Alternatively, use rideshare from the RV park.
Do I need a tour guide to see Wichita’s murals?
Not at all. Self-guided map apps and online resources make it easy to craft your own route.
Are the murals free to visit?
Yes — all public murals and sculptures are free and open to the public.
When’s the best time to see Wichita’s murals?
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. Nighttime light installations are worth a visit, too.
Final Thoughts
Wichita’s murals and public art are more than decoration — they’re a conversation between the city’s past and its vibrant creative future. From massive wall murals downtown to hidden sculptures along the river, there’s a surprising amount to discover just a short drive from Wichita RV Park.
Whether you spend an hour wandering Douglas Avenue or dedicate a whole day to exploring every district, you’ll walk away with a deeper sense of Wichita’s personality — and probably a few incredible photos, too.