Mid-America All-Indian Museum

Spent several hours here. Enjoyed it immensely. There was a flower show. Great learning experience. Taught the importance of insects in our life.

Honestly, this is pretty much an art museum and mostly about the artist who created the Keeper of the Plains statue, Blackbear Bosin. I found it very interesting and well curated. Maybe advertise it for what it is…an art museum about Blackbear. What a great body of work!

Wow!!! What a hidden cultural gem! It IS actually a little hidden too, we drove right past them on the first try. Well worth the u-turn. Rich in Wichita heritage and stories. There were so many beautiful pieces to see, painting, jewelry, stories, music Mid- America All- Indian Museum has it all. Amazing staff eager to help and answer any questions we had. My kids didn't want to leave!!

One of the coolest museums I've ever been too! I loved all the art. All the culture. So amazing!

I really enjoyed visiting the Mid-America All Indian Museum. They have several works of art by BlackBear Boston. Very beautiful and masterly designed works. Many of the works are truly mesmerizing and some are massive feats of artistic skill. Most of the gallery is solely dedicated to his work and life, which is understandable since he designed The Keeper of the Plains, just outside the museum. But there was a smaller section for another Native American artist, whose works were just as remarkable. There are exhibits explaining different aspects of Native culture Along with this they do have some general Native American instruments you can get your hands on and examine up close. My only complaint would be that I wanted more. You can probably stretch your visit to about 45mins if you read every sign to completion. But overall the gallery is small, about 1/8th of the size, compared to something like The Wichita Art Museum or the Museum of World Treasures. What they have is great, but I want more exhibits, I want more info on Native culture, and more works by more than just 2 Native artists, and some history of notable Native people. I'm aware they have events, which is very cool, but I would like more added for an average visit.

There is free parking at the entrance of the museum. This museum uses information boards to provide information regarding the norms and values ​​of the indigenous tribes. You will also find works of art by some of their artists. There is a tepee outside with explanations, but the site was closed due to vandalism.

We visited on March 19th, 2023, which was a sunday. The museum is not typically open on Sundays, but the Cherokee Nation had their At-Large annual meeting. It was crowded, and difficult to find parking right at the Museum, but there are several parking areas nearby within walking distance. Look for parking areas on either side of the confluence of rivers near the foot bridge. It was free to enter for this event, but normally tickets are $7 for adults.

On our field trip we were given the opportunity to make some noise with drums and shakers. We were read a story, discussed Black Bear Bosin, and were able to touch bison hide, see beadwork try our hand at games, and more. Thank you to the wonderful ladies who educated our students today.

Although the museum is small and there is an low admission fee, the exhibits were informative and provoking. We also enjoyed that the museum supported Indigenous artists by displaying art pieces for sale within the museum. They have hands-on exhibits that are perfect for small children, and the staff was very helpful and kind. It's also conveniently near the Keeper of the Plains statue.

The Mid-America All-Indian Center disappointed us. The price of admission provided access to an art exhibit and the gift shop. Maybe the place has cut back due to Covid.

I love it when they serve the "Indian Tacos." The bread is so big and fluffy! And it's so giant, I always end up with at least another meal!

This is a great museum that creates a positive educational experience for visiting students. I regularly bring my students here for field trips. The tour guides are amazing. They describe the exhibits at the museum, as well as The Keeper of the Plains as part of their outdoor exhibit. The guides are of Native American heritage and intertwine their own personal experiences growing up as part of the tour. This trip has always been a favorite of my students as well. Don't miss this experience!