Keeper of the Plains
The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Since the sculpture's installation in 1974 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the Native American tribes who continue to gather at this sacred site. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007. The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains sculpture now stands elevated on a 30-foot rock promontory, surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life. Pedestrians can access the area via two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges which span the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus add to the sense of place and time. Renowned Native American artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita in 1974. It was erected at the junction of the two rivers and dedicated May 18, 1974, with Senator Bob Dole on hand for the dedication. The renovated Keeper of the Plains was dedicated on May 18, 2007. The area is free and open to the public year-round. Hours of Access
The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Since the sculpture's installation in 1974 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the Native American tribes who continue to gather at this sacred site. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007.
The 44-foot Cor-Ten steel Keeper of the Plains sculpture now stands elevated on a 30-foot rock promontory, surrounded by a plaza which describes the Plains Indian way of life. Pedestrians can access the area via two bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges which span the Little and Big Arkansas rivers. Fire drums on boulders at the foot of the Keeper dramatically light the night. Plantings of sage, bottlebrush, medicinal herbs, prairie grasses, yuccas and cactus add to the sense of place and time.
Renowned Native American artist Blackbear Bosin donated the Keeper of the Plains to the citizens of Wichita in 1974. It was erected at the junction of the two rivers and dedicated May 18, 1974, with Senator Bob Dole on hand for the dedication. The renovated Keeper of the Plains was dedicated on May 18, 2007. The area is free and open to the public year-round.
The Keeper of the Plains Plaza and surrounding area will be closed to the public during the hours of midnight until 5 AM.
During daylight savings time (spring and summer), the Keeper of the Plains “Ring of Fire” burns nightly at 9 p.m. for 15 minutes (weather/river conditions permitting). During standard time (fall and winter), the "Ring of Fire" burns nightly at 7 p.m. for 15 minutes (weather/river conditions permitting).
For public safety, the Ring of Fire is operated manually. The Ring of Fire will not be turned on during high winds, rain or other inclement weather, if the river level is too high, or if a person is too close to the burners.
Surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the area. The City of Wichita will prosecute to recover losses due to vandalism.
City ordinance 11.16.085 bans skateboarding from the core area, including the Keeper of the Plains Plaza and pedestrian bridges.
The bridges and Keeper of the Plains Plaza are handicapped accesssible. A recording which describes the Keeper and its origins is available to plaza visitors, and written information is incorporated in the plaza design.
A cascading stream moves water from the Keeper of the Plains, over boulders to the River. It is not for public entry (wading, etc.)
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Mid-America All-Indian Center 650 N. Seneca Wichita, KS 67203
: (316) 350-3340
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