Wichita Districts

Delano District

Located along Douglas Avenue on the west bank of the Arkansas River at the end of the Chisholm Trail, the Historic Delano District was established during the days of the Chisholm Trail cattle drives as a place for the cowboys to blow off steam after months on the trail from Texas. They would spend their pay in its many saloons, gambling houses and brothels. Eventually incorporated into Wichita, Delano is now a thriving shopping district with more than 250 businesses, including dining and shopping.  Several notable businesses are Bungalow 26, Hatman Jack’s Wichita Hat Works and Bohemia Healing Spa. If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a place to find a microbrew or specialty drink, try Delano favorites like Monarch, Ruben’s Mexican Grill, Delano Barbecue Company and others.

Downtown Wichita

Wichita’s downtown is a place where you can experience the sights and sounds of the city and find unique attractions including the Wichita-Sedgwick Co. Historical Museum, located in the original 1890 City Hall, exciting entertainment every day of the week and historic landmarks nearby such as the Keeper of the Plains.

In 2002, the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation was formed to cultivate opportunities that revitalize and enhance Wichita’s core. Now operating as Downtown Wichita, the organization has spearheaded place-making projects like Alley Doors, Naftzger Park and Gallery Alley (an under-utilized alley that is now vibrant public space, complete with a local art). They’ve also assisted in making getting around effortless, affordable and convenient.

Downtown Wichita consists of entertainment options like Orpheum Theatre, Roxy’s Downtown and TempleLive Wichita as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and breweries such as Artichoke Sandwichbar, Botanic, Café Bel Ami, Espresso To Go Go, Doo-Dah Diner, Station 8 BBQ, Sweet Allie B’s Limestone Beer Co. and Tor Brewing. You will also find great dining options inside hotels including AVI Seabar & Chophouse in Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Harvest Kitchen/Bar inside Hyatt Regency Wichita and Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Restaurant at Ambassador Hotel Autograph Collection-Wichita.

Old Town

Old Town is nestled in the heart of Wichita, just east of downtown. Among the brick-lined streets and historic lampposts are a collection of converted warehouses dating back to the late 1800s. Built with brick and native limestone accents, these distinctive architectural features define the character of Old Town.

With more than 100 businesses, Old Town has become a destination sought out for its dining experiences, eclectic shops, vibrant nightlife, unique attractions and more!

Don’t miss CityArts, Museum of World Treasures, Public, River City Brewing Co. and Mort’s Martini & Cigar Bar, plus many more eateries, sports bars and entertainment venues while you’re exploring Old Town Wichita. Entertainment options include Brickyard, Kiss My Axe! Throwing, Mosley Street Melodrama, The Loony Bin and WAVE. Mere blocks from the eateries in Old Town, catch big-name acts and shows at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Douglas Design District

Douglas Design District has more than 300 locally-owned businesses with an emphasis on design, located along Douglas Avenue between Washington and Glendale. It’s a wonderfully diverse community of businesses, retail and residential neighborhoods, including the popular and historic College Hill, which is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House Museum and Study Center.

Also in the area is Clifton Square, a collection of unique Victorian-era houses transformed into a shopping and dining village. The area is chock-full of eateries like Tanya’s Soup Kitchen and Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria and breweries including Hopping Gnome Brewing Company and Central Standard Brewing.

Explore more than 75 unique, hand-painted murals showcasing local artists’ creativity, most of which are curated and created during the annual Avenue Art Days celebration. The initiative happens in conjunction with Open Streets ICT, a yearly event shutting down a 4-mile stretch of Douglas Avenue in an effort to activate the downtown area.

Museums on the River District

Located just north of Douglas Avenue in the heart of Wichita flow the scenic Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, a centerpiece of the city that connects all it surrounds. As you follow the river's path you will encounter six entities that have grown from this wellspring of life: the Museums on the River, comprised of Botanica Wichita, Exploration Place, Mid-America All-Indian Museum, Old Cowtown Museum and the Wichita Art Museum. The newest addition is the Wichita Baseball Museum. This free museum is on the ground level of the administration building at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita. In addition to the Museums on the River is the Keeper of the Plains, a must-see landmark near the Mid-America All-Indian Museum.