Historic Delano, a neighborhood in Wichita, was founded in 1870 as part of the Chisholm Trail. Cowboys drove cattle from Texas through town, stopping to drink and gamble at its saloons.
It was incorporated into the city of Wichita in 1880, and now it is a walkable district of retail shopping, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and inviting attractions.
Bonus: Unlike street parking in downtown Wichita, one can park for two hours at no charge along Douglas Avenue in the Delano neighborhood. Trust me, I’m a local.
Where to Explore in Wichita’s Delano Neighborhood Like a Local
Walk the Historic Route
Start your walking tour of the Chisholm Trail at the limestone marker at Douglas Avenue and McLean Boulevard. Erected in 1941, it marks the path of the cattle drive route from Texas during the 1860s.
Walk west to the clock tower, Window in Time, located at the roundabout. Its sculpted panels detail scenes from the Chisholm Trail. A time capsule is buried at its base.
Continue walking west, noting the inscribed sidewalks, bike racks, and alleyway murals honoring its legacy as a cattle town
When cowboys descended upon Delano during its cattle driving heyday, saloon girls danced on bars and gunfights often erupted in the streets. Visitors to the area who wanted to cross the Douglas Avenue bridge over the Arkansas River into Wichita were charged a toll in 1872.
I recommend downloading the PocketSights mobile app to listen to a fascinating audio tour, Wild West Delano, created by Wichita History Walk.
PRO TIP: When dining at The Monarch, request the Running Doves Reuben Sandwich, a nod to the women who ran nude from the Arkansas River back to saloons in a race to determine which one was the fastest on foot.
Choose a Recommendable Restaurant or Bar
Pennant Coffee / Good Company Taps & Spirits
Start or end the day at Pennant Coffee / Good Company Taps & Spirits, which doubles as a daytime caffeine stop and a late-night cocktail bar.
Always a popular destination for friends chatting over lattes or laptops, I prefer a sunny window seat with a view of the neighborhood.
Bar drinks are served with or without booze. Add delectable bites such as chips with dip or gourmet pizza to your order.
Delano BBQ
The smell of smoked meat entices diners to Delano BBQ for speciality meat sandwiches with sides such as fried okra, mac and cheese or baked beans. Locals know the Loaded Cheese Fries or Funnel Cake Fries are menu must-haves so bring your friends or family for a shareable meal.
Fun Fact: The building once housed Blackbear Bosin’s artist studio, the man who designed The Keeper of the Plains. The restaurant’s decor highlights the artist’s work.
Taco Rio
Taco Rio isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t try to be. Regular customers order paper-wrapped tacos and burritos served fast and hot. The food is made fresh daily. Don’t skip the salsa bar.
Milkfloat
If you crave something sweet, visit Milkfloat for a scratch-made pastry, cookie or ice cream coffee drink. The dessert case also includes an assortment of vegan and gluten-free options. Kids (and adults!) love to play with the Lego® wall.
The Monarch
Located within a short walking distance of Equity Bank Park, The Monarch is the ideal restaurant to unwind with friends before attending a baseball game. The outdoor patio is an entertaining spot to people-watch, overlooking Delano’s roundabout.
Expect comfort classics on the menu, and if you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve come to the right place. I recommend starting a meal with brisket stuffed mushrooms to share with friends.
Vagabond Cafe
Vagabond Cafe attracts people in search of an off-beat place to enjoy a coffee or boozy beverage where the locals hang out. We like to visit for $2 Mystery Beers and play one of a couple dozen board games. Ask about the sliced cheesecake selection.
Yokohama Ramen Joint
Yokohama Ramen Joint serves Japanese ramen dishes and authentic entrees in a quaint restaurant space.
Voted the best Japanese cuisine by Wichita Magazine readers it’s also listed as one of the 50 Ramen Destinations by USA Today, the menu’s most popular dishes include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, but I’m partial to Spicy Yakisoba.
Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria
Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria, a two-story restaurant known for craft beer and pizzas with unconventional toppings, is a must-dine destination. The second-story patio is the ideal place to sip and savor on a sunny day, and a coveted spot for watching the St. Patty’s Day Parade.
I’ve heard good reviews about their sandwiches, but I can’t seem to order anything other than pizza because I crave the Cajun Bacon Ranch and The Banick.
Manhattan Brewing Company Lounge
Drop in for a cold one at Manhattan Brewing Company, a taproom serving a rotation of flagship and rotator selections. The air-conditioned lounge’s garage door opens to the exterior patio, a comfortable refuge for dog owners who want to kick back with a Townie American Wheat.
La Galette French Bakery
If you crave the sophistication of a French pastry or European-inspired breakfast or lunch, dine at La Galette French Bakery.
Ask about the daily lunch special and get a glimpse of the dessert case before choosing a table for service. You can’t go wrong ordering a slice of Strawbeery Chantilly sponge cake.
Ty’s Diner
Sometimes you crave a handmade, greasy hamburger, and Ty’s Diner is the place to enjoy it at lunchtime. A staple of the Delano neighborhood for decades, regulars know to order a large basket of onion rings.
I recommend arriving when they open at 11:00 am (Monday-Friday) to secure a booth before the restaurant fills up quickly.
Mokas Coffee & Eatery
I’m a big fan of Mokas Coffee & Eatery because they serve coffee drinks and breakfast all day. At lunchtime, I like to order the Chicken Pesto Sandwich with a cold coffee while working remotely.
They often feature a seasonal drink special, and the fruit smoothies and refreshers over ice are solid choices.
Picasso’s Pizzeria
Picasso’s Pizzeria serves whole pies and pizza by the slice, aka “slices of art,” in a casual atmosphere with a bar. The pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches are good-sized portions, so come hungry.
NuWAY Burgers
If you only dine at one restaurant in Delano, I hope you choose NuWAY Burgers, a popular hangout for lunch or dinner since 1930. Order a loose meat sandwich with curly fries and a frosty mug of homemade root beer.
Enjoy buy-one, get-one-free Junior NuWays with a purchase of a drink on Sundays.
Go Shopping for a New-To-You Treasure
Spektrum Muzik
I’m a purist when it comes to listening to music, so shopping at Spektrum Muzik for new and used vinyl records is a treat. The friendly staff helps me find records by artists I may appreciate based on my music tastes.
View the records under the Local Bands section, and if you still own a CD player, you’ll appreciate their used inventory selection.
Hatman Jack’s
Actress Shirley MacLaine once said, “All you really need in life is some fresh water, a good hat, and a really good pair of shoes.” Shoppers at Hatman Jack’s can choose a new hat from an array of styles, ranging from a fedora to a cotton canvas cap.
In business for decades, the hattery offers concierge services to create a custom design after taking your measurements.
Wildflower Mercantile
Continue the shopping local theme at Wildflower Mercantile, where dozens of local makers sell their crafts and gifts under one roof. Each vendor’s display features information about the inspiration for the products.
Choose from Wichita merchandise, jewelry, handmade candles, hats, mugs, and more. The items are unique and unlike anything you’ll find at a big-box store.
Sweet ‘n Saucy
When I want to purchase a gift for someone who is fun-loving, I shop at Sweet ‘n Saucy. The store carries candy, bottle pop, and over 350 bottled sauces. Create a gift basket containing a pair of wacky socks, hot sauces, and bulk candy for a friend or relative.
Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Stop
I met the owner of Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Stop last year who told me he opened the store because Wichita runners needed it. Purchase a new pair of kicks for an upcoming race, but don’t leave without fueling up on a 5K Finisher or River Run smoothie.
All Things Barbecue
All Things Barbecue is an outdoor cook’s heaven. The store carries the city’s largest selection of barbecue grills, smokers, sauces, seasonings, and grilling gadgets. We attend their tasting events to learn how to cook with new-to-us condiments.
The massive store also carries high-end outdoor furnishings, making it the go-to shopping experience if you’re ready to redo your home patio or deck setup.
Bungalow 26
Everyone deserves to unwind after a long day of work or travel in tranquility, and Bungalow 26‘s inventory of bath and body products for men and women elevates the experience. You can also expect to fall in love with items for the home, such as Wichita flag glassware and hand-poured candles.
Vortex Souvenir
When you enter Vortex Souvenir, you’re transported to a place where creativity reigns. At least, it will feel that way while you shop for artwork and gifts created by independent artists. Funny sayings and quirky messaging appear upon book covers, greeting cards, and calendars.
I often leave having purchased Wichita postcards and refrigerator magnets. People with a sense of humor will feel at home at Vortex Souvenir.
Bicycle X-Change
Since 1973, the family-owned Bicycle X-Change is known for its in-stock bicycle selection and service shop with 24-hour turnaround. The award-winning bike shop has the largest TREK dealer inventory in the Midwest.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new bike, you probably could use a bike bell or helmet.
Seek Out Entertainment
Blade & Timber
Go for the bullseyes and the beers at Blade & Timber, an axe-throwing bar perfect for gathering with friends for competitive play. My family appreciated the staff’s patience teaching us how to throw safely, and they took our photo afterward to capture the fun.
Wichita Baseball Museum
Some baseball fans don’t realize a museum dedicated to Wichita’s history of the sport is nestled inside Equity Bank Park. It’s free to tour Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, when events are not hosted.
You’ll see hundreds of rare Wichita baseball artifacts and original NBC merchandise.
Wichita Wind Surge Baseball Game
Equity Bank Park is a major draw for first-time visitors and locals to watch the Wichita Wind Surge, the city’s Minor League baseball team.
Walk the stadium’s interior to view its notable public art installations when you’re not taking in the high-energy innings. Hungry? The park expanded its concessions menu to include quesadillas, soft-serve ice cream, and buffalo-style fries.
Wichita Ice Center
The Wichita Ice Center made the list in my book 100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die because anyone of varying skill levels can take to the ice during public skate sessions.
The center also offers Learn to Skate Classes with skate rental provided for ages 3 and up.
Wichita Advanced Learning Public Library
At the Wichita Advanced Learning Public Library, one can learn about the history of Wichita in the Special Collections department on the second floor. Shop for discounted books at the Friends of the Wichita Library retail store.
Wichita Club Billiards
The home of Wichita Pool Players Hall of Fame, Club Billiards is a hangout for open play when they’re not hosting a tournament. The billiards bar has served competitive players for over 70 years.
Historic Delano is certainly a Wichita neighborhood worth exploring, whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking weekend-worthy fun.
The neighborhood has evolved since its days as a rowdy cowtown. Today, it’s a lively atmosphere where you can shop, dine, or hang out like a local.
You may also enjoy these bonus Wichita posts: Wichita Candy Shops To Indulge Your Sweet Tooth, 3 Must-Try Cultural Food Experiences in Wichita, and 12 Fun Day Trips From Wichita.
Take a deep dive into Wichita by reading my books, 100 Things To Do In Wichita and Secret Wichita: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
Discover Kansas ice cream and gelato shops serving unforgettable scoops from my list of favorite sweet spot, and all of them are locally owned and operated.
Cozy up with ice cream in the lounge and enjoy it while reading a book or solving a puzzle.
CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh sliced fruit and nuts available.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
My cherry vanilla ice cream soda was so yummy I closed my eyes upon first sip. 
The shop is connected to Soul Sisters Ceramics, where the owner hosts ceramic paint parties and the retail space is stocked with home decor goods. Located in a renovated gas station, 
The Frontenac ice cream shop is a community hub six days a week, where families gather to enjoy premium ice cream available in nearly 50 flavors. The store stocks super premium ice cream made with 16 percent butterfat, which tastes rich and flavorful in every bite.
Go classic with a single or double scoop, blend your favorite into a thick, dreamy milkshake, or order an ice cream flight so you can sample four flavors in one go. Chocolate Fudge Brownie? Yes, please. Chocolate Chip? Of course.
Claim a booth or a counter barstool during lunch or dinner hours to order a made-to-order burger with fries and a thick chocolate malt or shake. I recommend sitting at the counter to see a view of the bustling kitchen staff.
Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
The store often hosts an Ice Cream Bar Day during Second Saturday downtown shopping events. Choose from seven ice cream flavors and endless toppings.
An employee will serve vanilla ice cream in a cup, and you have a choice of crumbled cookies, nuts, or sprinkles for toppings.
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominate the menu, and the place smells like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Thick, chunky, and dense in flavor, it satisfied. Word to the wise! Order a smaller size than you’re craving. The ice cream is filling. If you love it, they sell to-go pints.
Bogey’s is a busy place. Consider dining outside on the patio where fewer people are seated. In a hurry? Order via the drive-thru window.
Forget your cares as you sip a latté or enjoy an ice cream sundae or ice cream flight at the horseshoe counter, an original from Harsh Drug Store.
They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream by the scoop, in a malt, or as a shake, along with homemade fudge and organic cotton candy. Nana’s homemade Italian cannoli are a local favorite.
One of about forty authentic soda fountains still in operation in the state, Gibson’s includes seating for nine patrons. Thirsty? Flag down any employee who is ready to happily whip up an malt, shake, or soda drink for you.
The list of hard scoop ice cream flavors were hard to choose because they all sounded delicious. After the employee offered me a sample, I quickly decided on my first choice, Salted Vanilla Bean served in a Munchkin (small) cup. The names of the serving sizes are a reference to the town’s 
The classic ice cream flavor reminded me of the homemade ice cream my grandparents used to make the grandkids using the hand-cranked mixer.
Take a step back in time and order one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, an turtle sundae. Watch a consistent flow of customers arrive and listen to the shake machine whizz as you sit at the marble counter enjoying each bite of your sundae.
A great way to find out about their latest small-batch ice cream flavors is to monitor their 
Of course, if you want a single dip cone or cup after a Coney Island hot dog lunch, the staff is happy to serve it.
Additionally, stop in Newton at 
I guarantee you haven’t thought to include at least a few of these travel essentials when packing for your business trip or vacation.
I listened to classic rock music play over a speaker as regular customers approached the counter.
Fire Lake Soapery’s retail products are sold in over 1,500 retail shops, including Whole Foods, across the county. Visitors to the Paola shop can expect an extensive selection of plant-based bath and body essentials.
PRO TIP: Monitor the shop’s 
Founded in 1965, its volunteer staff has curated artifacts that tell the story of the area’s heritage through well-designed exhibits.
Displayed in chronological order, the first exhibit details Miami County’s shallow sea fossil history, waterfowl taxidermy, and artifacts from early tribal presence. The museum maintains one of the largest collections of American Indian artifacts in the state.
PRO TIP: View its 
The inviting space, gifted by one of its founders, Baptiste Peoria, features a public water fountain and a Victorian bandstand gazebo built in 1867. The nearby benches are situated, allowing parents to rest while watching their kids play on a nearby swing set.
Walk across the street to view artist Lynnsey Fletcher’s colorful mural on the side of a building at 11 S. Pearl Street, a photo-worthy backdrop to capture your visit to Paola.
Decorated with antique light posts, car racing memorabilia, and beer neon signage, the restaurant’s aesthetic is a mix of auto racing signage and beer neons.
Known for their tenderloin sandwich, I opted for the lunch special, served with curly fries. The fried sandwich meal, a half-order serving, was more than enough for a midday meal.
Located in the same building where the Paola Livestock Auction takes place at 1 p.m., diners form a line at the lunch counter to order burgers, meals, or the day’s special, and slices of fruit or cream pie.
If you’ve never witnessed a cattle auction, you should. The auctioneer’s high-energy cattle rattle fills the space with phrases like, “Twenty-five, now thirty, thirty, who’ll give me thirty-five?” as bidders signal bids.
Outside, the smell of smoked meat over apple and cherry wood greets diners. Rib bones are massive, the smoked turkey melts in your mouth, and a serving of overflowing sweet barbecue beans is a must-try.
PRO TIP: When there are no airplanes to watch land or take off, check out the owner Terry Bright’s collection of Super Bowl and Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia.
Beginners can sign up for day camps and lessons. Boards, helmets, and wetsuits included. Traveling with young kids? Consider suiting up to play at the inflatable Aqua Park.
And if you’re like me and you’re more interested in watching the action from the shore with a lakeside drink, order a beverage or ice cream scoop from the Surf Shop’s boat-shaped counter.
PRO TIP: Pack comfortable walking shoes or your bicycle to trek the park’s ADA hike/bike paved trail, which is considered easy.
The boutique offers a curated selection of home decor and gift-worthy items sourced from Kansas and Missouri. Guys will appreciate the retail selected with them in mind, including the cigar cabinet.
If you appreciate rye whiskey, order Prom Night prepared with blackberry and sage syrup. It pairs well with one of their shareable appetizers, such as the Lunch Lady Favorite, a toasted baguette served with herb olive oil and fig balsamic.
The 40-acre farm includes over 20 alpacas, which, despite the misconception associated with llamas, are friendly and lovable. Did you know alpaca fiber is used to produce clothing, hats, socks, and more?
Be sure to visit the farm’s retail store to purchase homemade and globally imported gifts for yourself or others. Kids will love the alpaca plush toys. If you can’t make it to the farm, purchase fiber products from the farm’s 
The weekend-only wine venue is home to growing vines, which have produced grapes for over 20 years and wine commercially for 14 years. They use varietals grown on-site, complemented by other local vineyards’ produce.
During my private tour with the owner, I learned that he taught himself how to grow a vineyard by watching YouTube and reading books, which is mind-blowing considering the sophistication of the vineyard. His visits to Spain inspired the business.
My two-bedroom suite was in the stunningly restored upper level. While the owners live on the property and other guests were present, I never heard them.
Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a girls’ weekend, or a romantic getaway, this is where vintage elegance meets contemporary comfort. 
Open ten months out of the year, the course attracts paintball-playing groups from six to 60 people at a time – rain or shine. The owners teach groups how to play and referee 8 to 10 games per session, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes, for a total of about two hours.
The newly added High Creek Mini Golf provides a more low-key space to enjoy a round of 18 holes when not participating in paintball competitions on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The Family Aquatic Park is open May through August for splish-splash play. A nearby fitness park with low-impact workout equipment helps people of all abilities increase their strength and stamina.
Visitors can view a bronze statue and read interpretive signage about the battle before touring the 
The 1912 family cabin, including original furniture and the family’s belongings, was relocated to the John Brown Memorial Park. The personal artifacts used by John Brown make up the remainder of the museum collection.
Civil War weaponry, a trunk used by John Brown, his desk, and a melodeon (a small organ played at his funeral) comprise part of the collection. Brown, who walked alongside a wagon from Chicago, had 60 cents to his name when he arrived at the Adair home.
PRO TIP: Ask the historic site’s staff about the Adair home’s architecture and its contents. You’ll want to hear the story about Florella Adair’s sewing kit.
At one time, over 50 trains passed through Osawatomie per day to the depot. The MoPac Railroad Depot Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. A meticulously restored passenger caboose is available to tour (kids love the upper deck view!).
At 118 miles across east-central Kansas, it is the seventh-longest rail-trail in America.
The Walker Station access point is one of the most well-kept I’ve seen in Kansas, complete with informative signs and maps.
I drove down a descending, rocky road to the lake as the overcast skies began to reveal sunbeams on the water. I didn’t bring my rod and reel to fish, but it didn’t matter. I walked away with the memory of a scenic postcard.
Cozy bed, indoor shower, air conditioning, barbecue grill… and the 600-acre views? Amazing. Provided a self-entry code, I checked into the wagon and then sat down and enjoyed the view from a private fire pit seating area.
Whether you’re sipping wine at golden hour, stargazing by the fire pit, or waking up to peaceful prairie vibes, this spot gives Little House on the Prairie chic.
The estate includes four covered wagons (one is tucked away in the woods), The Cottage, and The GuestHouse. Despite a heavy rainstorm during the night, I stayed dry and warm inside my wagon, resting in a queen-sized bed.
The winery’s tasting room is breathtaking. A massive space, I chose a table amongst locals playing Yacht Rock trivia and sipping wine. A server delivered my order: a board of cheese and fruit accompanied by a white wine-tasting flight.
Non-wine drinkers will appreciate the Bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and tequila flights or complete bar offerings. The flatbread pizzas are a popular order.
Beyond downtown, its outdoor recreational spots and restaurants make it one of the fastest-growing towns in the metro area.
Whether it’s a breakfast burrito or a plate of warmed pastries, the menu has something for everyone. I watched as a little girl jumped up and down while pointing at a purple Pop-Tart inside the pastry case.
I enjoyed a chat tea latté with a warm cinnamon roll as families and cyclists came and went for an hour. Because the food was so tasty, I returned for lunch to dig into a Green Goddess salad from a window seat.
Quilters, who often seek out retreat spaces in groups, will appreciate The Creative Place’s sleeping quarters, which include a full kitchen (bring your recipes!), two full baths, and individual lockers.
If you’re an artist or writer and need to escape to a place where creativity is fostered through community, this is your getaway destination.
The Vault partners with Level Up to provide users of the Esports Arena with 16 CPU set-ups, 3 Nintendo Switches, as well as PS5 and Xbox consoles. Well-attended summer camps, classes, and chess nights bring game players of all ages together.
The decor in the candle room is farmhouse style, although the rest of the store’s inventory reflects an earlier time when handmade cabinets and bookcases were the norm.
The shop hosts seasonal open house events and participates in 
Soap bars, lotion bottles, and room sprays sit on wood tables adjacent to racks of gift items, such as kitchen towels. A faith-based, small business, some home decor items feature biblical phrases.
A smaller street art installation, Angel Wings and Sunflowers is located behind Nana’s Tiny Town.
Local artist Jonathan Munden was commissioned to paint the Play Ball! and The Hill murals near the baseball fields.
Walking in the direction of the ballfields from the parking lot, keep your eyes peeled for two sculpture installations.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast meal, the country-fried steak with two eggs or biscuits and gravy is the way to go, whereas omelets or The One “Egger” (pictured above) offer lighter fare.
The coffee beans, sourced from Kansas, are used to prepare espresso, lattés, or cappuccinos, hot or iced. I opted for an all-natural strawberry and banana smoothie. Hungry? They also serve egg bites, power balls, breakfast burritos, or scone croissants.
I grabbed a seat at the three-sided bar under a banner reading, “The best smoked meat is at the creek.” As country music played, I placed an order for a barbecue brisket sandwich and listened to country music.
The brisket was lean and dipped in a sweet barbecue sauce served on a toasted bun with a side of my choice (coleslaw).
I’ve shopped at innumerable antique stores over the years, and I thought the selection was reasonably priced. From items you would likely find in Grandma’s house to architectural salvage and quirky souvenirs, items are displayed from floor to ceiling.
Referred to as the Pirate’s Pantry, an inventory of jarred and packaged food items are for sale. Who doesn’t need a jar of Missouri-made Papa Brown’s BBQ sauce?
Partitioned walls separated vendors’ booths, and some of them were designed thematically, while others were a hodge-podge of antique treasures displayed with no particular theme.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the 
Dedicated volunteers have created a safe, humane space for large cats for over 20 years. Tour guides escort visitors around the sanctuary’s perimeter, educating them about each cat’s life story and their day-to-day behavior.
Over two dozen large cats of various ages explored outdoor living quarters, some marking territory and calling to one another while others perched themselves from platforms above. My tour experience was a positive one and certainly unforgettable.
Walk-ins to the tasting room are welcomed, offering visitors an opportunity to sample hard ciders and cider wine before purchasing bottles to take home. If you love wine, ask about the apple, apple cherry, or elderberry wine varietals.
Louisburg Cider Mill is far more than a country store. Families flock to it for seasonal events, particularly during fall, to explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze. View the 
Scott City has come a long way since 1884 when a progressive Chicago woman, Maria DeGeer, decided to found the town. In addition to serving as a stop near the 
The initial exhibits take visitors on a marine fossil discovery with displays, which include skeletons of huge swimming reptiles.
If bringing kids, they will love the fossil dig table. Ice age mammal fossils like a mammoth tooth and massive tusk wow visitors.
Next, well-designed exhibits illustrate the early Native American experience. A replica of the El Quartelejo Pueblo explains how the Taos and Tewa Pueblo people came from New Mexico resided in the area 12 miles north of Scott City. Evidence supports that El Quartelejo was the first White Settlement in Kansas, operated by French traders in the 1700s.
Pioneer life and the installation of the railroad are equally remarkable. Aside from antique farm machinery, original artifacts help visitors envision what it must have been like to live on land with 360-degree views of scenic Kansas during the early 1900s.
Venture inside the Western Kansas Fossil Lab, where the paleontological timeline of the High Plains is explained and a table, showcasing an actual fossil specimen on a display table. It’s fascinating to learn how Wichitan Kristopher Super, a fossil collector and educator, excavated a Elasmosaurs (a marine reptile).
“The Girl I Left Behind,” a part of his Kansas series, will leave you awe-struck and seeking knowledge about the Civil War era. In particular, his depiction of the Cheyenne Indians at Monument Rocks proves why Thomas’ work earns him world-wide acclaim.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
Better yet, you’ll likely see sacred white buffalo with her calf during Spring. The mature bulls are massive and tower about as tall as the truck. For me, the open-air tour was a pinch-me moment, and one I’m still telling others about. The tours are available after May 15 through summer by appointment.
During the one-hour tour, which ranges in price based on the group size, you’ll climb inside the land owner’s truck to ride out to meet the buffalo where they’re grazing.
Susan rustled a bag and a herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain. We were so close to approaching buffalo, we heard their heavy breathing and occasional moans.
As you drive throughout the park, you’ll see rugged cliffs and open-fields jutting up to lake shoreline. Kayakers float their way around Scott State Fishing Lake, and some drop a line hoping for the day’s catch. Quiet campers mill about at designated campsites. You may see a mountain biker whizzing by on a nearby trail.
I visited the park to learn more about the history of the area at its historical markers.
Years before the Steele’s homesteaded on the land, Taos Indians escaping Spanish rule relocated to the area and built pueblos aka El Cuartelejo or “old barracks.” After 20 years, they returned to New Mexico. Later, Picurie Indians settled for a short time in the area. The El Cuartelejo pueblo ruins at this site were discovered and excavated by Steele and others in the mid-1890s.
The present site allows the visitor to see the pueblo site with its foundation reconstructed by the Kansas Historical Society in the 1970s.
After traversing to the the top of the bluff, I exited the car and a bit of sunshine began to force it’s way through a partly cloudy sky revealing low areas canyon and a cave. This location is where the Northern Cheyenne hid waiting to ambush the U.S. Cavalry.
I tried to envision the creek that once ran there in 1878, women and their children hiding in cave structures, and the barrage of violence that surely ensued. According to historians, the Northern Cheyenne’s rifle pits are still visible on the hilltops
The Northern Cheyenne lost the battle to the U.S. Calvary, and the surviving tribe members left their dead and moved on.
Each hole features three tee shot locations and most fairways are lined by trees, but the putting green pin is easily visible.
The clubhouse and golf cart garages were accessible the morning of my visit, but I didn’t meet a staff member although I spotted a golfer already playing the course.
The flat land course includes concrete tee pads with obvious fairways. Consider it prime for recreational play. You’re not going to compete for space with competition-level golfers.
As someone who’s accompanied other disc golfers and attempted to play a few as well, I can attest that this course is ideal for amateur play with few trees as obstacles or hazards.
A stop on the town’s 
As mentioned early, the 
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the 
The above memorial inscription lists the fallen soldiers from the Scott County community. I paused to read each name as is customary for me when visiting a memorial.
The memorial, which is illuminated at night, honors community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for others’ freedom. A single American flag flies above the plaza.
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at 
The All-American City Mural (400 W. 5th Street) was painted by volunteers to depict a typical Kansas wheat harvest with a nod to the cattle industry. Grain elevators protrude through the blue skyline. The mural was a paint-by-number project.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
People came in to pick up call-in orders while I watched American Ninja from the dining room’s TV. My beef fried steak dinner was made fresh-to-order served with homemade mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. Dinner entreés come with a house salad.
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Traveling with kids? Check out the 
I’m so glad you’re considering an day trip or overnight stay in Scott City, Kansas. It’s a delightful community featuring plenty of historical museums and sites for life-long learners, celebrated artwork, and comfortable charm.
