Together with Ideatek

Our friends at IdeaTek are giving away daily passes to local attractions from March 31 to April 9.

If you're looking for a local internet option that’s fast, reliable, and doesn't break the bank, these guys are the ones to talk to (we switched last year and haven’t looked back).

One entry qualifies you for the whole week of prizes. 

🚡Wichita Might Be Getting Gondolas

We weren’t supposed to see this yet.

But earlier this week, we got our hands on what appears to be a leaked internal press release from the City of Wichita outlining a new riverfront project.

The proposal?

A full-scale gondola system running along the Arkansas River.

🌊 The Ar-Kansas River Activation

Back in high school, my friends and I used to walk along the Ar-Kansas River (and eat free pizza at the Hyatt restaurant since my friend’s dad ran the food program at the time) and enjoy the evening, but we always thought it could be more. Much more.

For as long as most of us can remember, the river has been… there.

You drive over it. You walk near it. You hit Riverfest once a year and maybe say, “we should come down here more.”

But compared to other cities (i.e. San Antonio, OKC, Chicago, Boston), Wichita has never fully activated its riverfront.

That is what makes this proposal interesting.

Instead of building more things next to the river (although we need to), this flips the script entirely:

What if the experience was on the river?

Or better yet… above it?

🚡 The Gondola Proposal (Yes, That Kind of Gondola)

More of this kind of gondola:

And not this kind of gondola (although I wouldn’t be opposed, anyone want me to row you around the River?):

According to the leaked document, the city is exploring an aerial gondola system connecting:

• Exploration Place

• Keeper of the Plains

• Downtown / Old Town

• Botanica

• Equity Bank Park

• Cowtown

• And more

The idea is simple:

Hop in. Float above the river. Skip traffic. Get a view Wichita has never really had before.

Estimated ride time? Around 6–8 minutes between stops.

🏗️ Wait a darned minute…

Here’s where things get interesting.

You may have noticed the river levels have been lower than usual lately, especially near downtown.

Officially, it’s tied to “ongoing infrastructure work” - First Street Bridge (which is already partly taken down) and Lincoln Street Dam.

Unofficially?

The leaked document suggests part of that work, including updates tied to the 1st Street bridge for a potential stop, is being coordinated with early-stage planning for the gondola system.

💰 This better not be coming from my taxes…

This isn’t exactly a cheap project.

According to the document, early funding concepts include a mix of:

• STAR Bonds tied to projected tourism growth (STAR Bonds are already used on projects like Topgolf, Equity Bank Park, etc)

• Private investment and sponsorship opportunities

• Potential naming rights for gondola stations (yes, really)

Which means, hypothetically, you could one day be boarding at something like:

“Spangles River Station” or “Una Vida Mid-River Crossing”

🍽️ Future Phases: From Ride to River District

Phase 1 is the gondola system itself and Phase 2 is where things really expand.

Plans outline potential riverfront development alongside the route, including:

• Restaurants and patios along the water (early rumors say that the old Gander Mountain / current King of Freight will be torn down for a food hall or multi-restaurant)

• Small retail and gathering spaces

• Potential to go upstream and downstream the Ar-Kansas with further development

• Expanded event zones tied to Riverfest and beyond

In other words, FINALLY!

🌍 This Isn’t As Crazy As It Sounds

Before you completely write this off… cities around the world are already doing versions of this.

Not necessarily because it’s flashy, but because it actually works.

🚡 Gondolas as Real Transportation

In places like Medellín and La Paz, gondolas aren’t tourist gimmicks, they’re part of daily life.

• In Medellín, gondolas connect neighborhoods and cut commute times dramatically

• In La Paz, the system is so extensive it functions like a subway network… just in the air

And closer to what Wichita is proposing:

• Toulouse, France built a gondola (the Téléo) that crosses a river to connect key destinations

• Portland uses an aerial tram to link a university and hospital

So while it might feel like a stretch… it’s not unprecedented. Wichita loves to complain about the lack of public transportation or lack of quality, so I’m glad we’re taking a big swing with something new.

🌊 Cities That Actually Activated Their River

If the gondola is the headline, the more realistic (and arguably more important) piece is what happens around it.

Because some cities have taken rivers that looked a lot like Wichita’s… and turned them into the center of everything.

San Antonio

The San Antonio River Walk didn’t start as a world-famous destination.

It was a flood control project.

Now?

• Restaurants line the water

• Walkways connect the entire downtown

• It’s one of the most visited attractions in Texas

The key wasn’t just the river. It was designing around it intentionally.

Oklahoma City

• Turned their river into a recreation and event hub

• Added rowing, kayaking, trails, and lighting

• Used it as a long-term economic development play

🌬️The Question We’re All Thinking

Before anyone asks:

Yes, they thought about the wind.

Allegedly, the system would be engineered to operate in typical Kansas wind conditions.

Which is comforting, until you remember this is Wichita and “typical wind” is doing a lot of heavy lifting as a phrase.

🤔So… Is this actually happening?

Let’s be honest.

This sits somewhere between:

“Wichita is finally thinking big” and “this is ridiculous, but in a cool way”

But here’s the thing…

Regardless if this is only for April Fools’ Day (😉) or if it is real, Wichita needs to start thinking bigger about:

• Riverfront development

• Unique experiences

• Making the city more connected and memorable

And honestly… that’s a win either way.

💬 So… Would You Ride It?

That’s the real test.

Because if you strip away the planning documents, the funding models, and the speculation…

Would you actually hop in a gondola and float across Wichita?

Be honest.

What do you want to see us go deep on in a future deep dive?

Let us know!

Together with Wichita Riverfest

Riverfest Sign-Ups are now open! Riverfest is only 79 days away which will be here before we know it.

This year the party takes place from May 29 through June 6, but you can sign up for many of the events today!

• 5/30 - Fidelity Bank River Run

• 5/30 - 6/5 - Photography Contest

• 6/6 - Pickleball Tournament “Dinks on the River”

• 5/30 - 6/2 - 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

• 6/6 - Classic Car Show

• 5/31 - Cardboard Regatta

• 5/30 - Cowboy Bathtub Races

There are so many ways to get involved and participate, make this the year you try something new (or continue a tradition)!

Quick Rundown

• WBIT Championship | Charles Koch Arena | 4/1

• Wichita Life Dinner Club | Various | 4/7

• Wichita Riverfest | Downtown Wichita | 5/30 - 6/7