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Wichita Districts

Wichita’s distinct districts each offer unique attractions, museums, shopping and dining experiences you won’t want to miss. The city meets at the crossroads of history and innovation, with a vibrant past and bright future. Explore Wichita’s districts below.

Delano District

On the west bank of the Arkansas River sits the Historic Delano District with more than 250 businesses that are mostly along Douglas Avenue. One of the oldest areas of Wichita, Delano was established during the days of the Chisholm Trail cattle drives as a place for the cowboys to blow off steam after months spent pushing steers from Texas north to railhead markets. You’ll find markers, monuments and historic signage throughout the district honoring the area’s past including an iconic clock tower.

Visitors enjoy an eclectic collection of dining, drinking, shopping plus services and entertainment venues. Get your adrenaline pumping at Blade & Timber and Let's Smash, or relax at Bohemia Healing Spa. Shop at one of the country’s largest hat shops and have a meal and drinks at one of the best bourbon bars in America. Delano is home to an annual St. Patrick’s Parade and also hosts minor league baseball games from April to September at Riverfront Stadium, among other special events throughout the year.

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 DoorsNaftzger 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 TheatreRoxy’s Downtown and TempleLive Wichita as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and breweries such as Artichoke SandwichbarBotanicCafé Bel AmiEspresso To Go GoDoo-Dah DinerStation 8 BBQSweet 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 experienceseclectic shopsvibrant nightlifeunique attractions and more!

Don’t miss CityArtsMuseum of World TreasuresPublicRiver 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 BrickyardKiss My Axe! ThrowingMosley Street MelodramaThe 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 500 locally owned businesses with an emphasis on design. This wonderfully diverse community of retail shops, galleries, restaurants, sweet shops, bars and breweries, coffeehouses, home and design businesses plus residential neighborhoods stretches 3 miles along Douglas Avenue between Washington Street to Glendale Street, north to 2nd Street and south to Kellogg.

Discover the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House Museum and Study Center in the historic College Hill neighborhood plus other attractions, an eclectic assortment of shopping and dining venues including Clifton Square and Lincoln Heights Village plus more than 100 murals by local artists that make the district a destination for selfies and family photos (you’ll even find an indoor selfie playground with 13 Instagram worthy photo areas at The Selfie Spot on Douglas).

Museums on the River District

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 WichitaExploration PlaceMid-America All-Indian MuseumOld Cowtown Museum and the Wichita Art Museum. The newest museum 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.

Wichita Highlights