Mid-America All-Indian Museum

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!

Very interesting place to see art and culture of Native Americans.

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.

Mid America All Indian Museum Seneca Kansas: For a very minimal charge you can spend hours in this museum and walk the grounds learning about the Native American ways and art. The pieces you will see here are just specular ranging from paintings, clay work, artifacts, to weaving and everything in between. There are even drums to play, pelts to feel and a teepee the little ones can go in, all inside the building. Along with all the art you can enjoy checking out a very tall friendship totem pole that's in a large conference type room which also includes some other larger items and history. When you're done inside you are encouraged to wonder the outside grounds and enter a full sized teepee to see what life would be like back then. Surrounding the teepee are examples of other things used and grown. They help support the museum with the sale of hand crafted jewelry and other collectible items if you are so inclined. This museum is well worth the time you will spend and you may learn something of a beautiful people you didn't know.

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!