Beyond the classrooms and lecture halls, Wichita State is a hub of vibrant culture, entertainment and adventure all year round. Whether you’re a local in search of new experiences or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in the Shocker spirit, WSU offers a plethora of activities that make the summer months shine.
You are hereby invited to a Wichita State-cation: From intriguing museums and picturesque selfie spots to exhilarating sporting events, captivating fine arts performances, and delectable dining options, Wichita State is the place to be. Join us and see why our campus is a welcoming, must-visit destination.
Museums and galleries
Admission to all Wichita State museums and galleries is free and open to the public.
- Pizza Hut Museum: Two Wichita State students, brothers Dan and Frank Carney, started the Pizza Hut business in 1958. The restaurant has since become one of the biggest pizza chains in the world, and the original building resides at Wichita State as a museum. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology: Embark on a journey through time and space to explore the rich histories and cultures of people around the world through archaeological objects and artifacts. Note that this museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and by appointment during the summer. To schedule a visit, email holmes.museum@wichita.edu or call 316-978-7068.
- The Ulrich Museum of Art: As the region’s source for modern and contemporary art, this museum connects viewers with artists and artworks that reflect our world today. Visitors can explore and enjoy exhibitions that feature emerging and established artists, works from our permanent collection, and traveling exhibitions. Current exhibits featured at the Ulrich include the “Flint Hills: A Tapestry of Color and Form,” “Fully Dimensional: Artists of the Outdoor Sculpture Collection,” “Urban Canvas: Exploring Muralism in Wichita,” and “Word, Thread and the Magnolia.” The Ulrich is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
- The Martin H. Bush Sculpture Collection: While technically part of the Ulrich, Wichita State’s sculpture garden deserves its own spot on our list. Established in 1974, the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection boasts 86 works spread across the 330-acre Wichita State Campus. Be sure to check out the collection's brand new installation, the “Adelante Juntos” mural at the Duerksen Fine Arts Amphitheater. The sculpture collection is open 24/7/365.
- Wilson K. Cadman Art Gallery: The Wilson K. Cadman Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center and serves as an exhibition space to talented student and community artists. The gallery showcases annual competitions, rotating exhibits and alternating features in the outer display. The gallery consists of two spaces, the main gallery and the Looking Glass. The Rhatigan Student Center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
- Wichita State’s School of Art, Design and Creative Industries operates four galleries that display the curatorial and studio work of students, faculty and visiting artists:
- Located in McKnight West, room 205, the Clayton Staples Gallery features the work of visiting artists and ADCI graduate students as well as faculty curatorial projects.
- ProjectSpace is an in-house gallery located in McKnight Art Center Room 204, just east of the second-floor skywalk. The experimental, student-run gallery exists so students can take risks and push the limits of their work.
- PrintSpace displays the work of contemporary printmakers. Located adjacent to one of the print media studios in McKnight Art Center North, PrintSpace is a venue for print media inspiration and a place to learn about new trends in this versatile studio arts area. Discover new artists and unconventional printmaking techniques without ever leaving the print studio.
- ShiftSpace: The ShiftSpace student group programs the gallery, prepares exhibitions and engages in community outreach. ShiftSpace is a roaming gallery, so visit the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for details on when and where to see an exhibit.
Recreation and leisure
All activities listed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
- Kouri Parcourse: Just outside the entrance to the Heskett Center, guests can enjoy a fully interactive and accessible outdoor workout on the eight exercise stations available on the Kouri Parcourse.
- Hang out at the Hammock Lounge: The Wichita State Hammock Lounge, nestled between Wallace Hall and Neff Hall, is the perfect spot to study, relax and hang—solo or with friends. Check out a hammock for free with your Shocker Card (for WSU students, staff and faculty) or driver’s license at the Ablah Library Front Desk or at the Heskett Center's guest service desk.
- Pickleball for all: Four courts are located east of the Heskett Center. The courts are lighted, free and open until midnight. Bring your own equipment or Heskett members can check out equipment for no additional charge.
- Selfie tour: Visit wichita.edu/map and choose the “selfie spots” option under “Discover WSU,” and you’ll find dozens of picturesque places to document your Wichita State-cation. Snap your photo with the bronze WuShock sculpture, stand inside the gigantic letters of the Wichita State sign on the edge of the Innovation Campus, or strike a pose on the Promise Bridge.
- . Be sure to tag us when you post on social media: Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
- Bowling and billiards: For less than $10, you can enjoy a round of bowling or shoot a game of pool in the basement of the Rhatigan Student Center at Shocker Grill & Lanes. Head to campus on Friday or Saturday evenings, and we’ll turn down the lights for some cosmic bowling.
Watch us: Athletics and fine arts events
- On the field: There’s always an opportunity to cheer on the Shockers with a dozen NCAA women’s and men’s sports: baseball, women’s and men’s basketball, women’s bowling, cross country, men’s and women’s golf, softball, women’s and men’s tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
- On stage: Wichita State houses a tremendous amount of talent within our campus. From faculty recitals to student-produced plays and musicals, there is something for everyone on any of the multiple stages across the university.
Dining destinations
Hungry? Head over to Wichita State. No matter where you are on our campus, there is always something cooking at Wichita State. You can also have your food delivered by one of our friendly robots through the Starship Technologies app.
- Braeburn Square: A diverse array of delicious dining awaits on our Innovation Campus at the corner of 21st and Oliver.
- Rhatigan Student Center: Located in the heart of campus, the Rhatigan Student Center offers multiple options to feed your cravings. Choices include Starbucks, Chickfila, Freddy’s Steakburgers, and Panda Express —or you can head downstairs for burgers and daily specials at Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes.
Shopping options
- Shocker Store: Commemorate your Wichita State-cation with some Shocker-ific gear. Shop at the Shocker Store locations at Braeburn Square or inside the Rhatigan Student Center.
- Pedego Electric Bikes: Cruise around campus on an electric bike from Pedego, which makes a complete line of electric bikes so you can easily find a perfect fit for your individual needs and personal style.
There’s so much to do and see on Wichita State’s campus, and the community is always welcome. If you’ve never been to campus, or if it’s been a while, sign up for a campus tour. We’d love to show you around.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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