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.
The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.
As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.
PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. 
It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.
PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.
Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.
PRO TIP: I agree with Google reviewers. The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.
The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.
Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.
PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its 
Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.
The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.
Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house. 
PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the 
Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, 
My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.
The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.
PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.
Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.
I loved walking around downtown Hays and imagining it as a lawless town. Many of the original buildings have been restored. The photo below shows the historic George Philip Hardware building, established in 1894, at 719 Main Street.
The 100-room hotel features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness room, and free parking. I was shocked at the size of my room. It was larger than some of my college apartments.
Hilton Garden Inn is one of those hotels where you look back at the sign as you leave and think, “I want to stay here again.” It’s modern, spacious, clean, and has many awesome amenities. A pet-friendly hotel, I feel good knowing that the next time I visit, I can bring my four-legged family member with me during my return trip to Hays.
The 
The museum’s paleontology area allows visitors to get an up-close view of animatronic dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, sea swimming creatures, and fish that lived in Kansas over 80 million years ago. It was a different world when the seas flooded North America. The museum’s exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the past.
A major draw of the museum is its collection of fossils found in the Great Plains, which largely exists because of the work of Charles H. Sternberg. He collected fossils in Kansas starting in 1867.
Because of their lab testing and research, rural farmers know how to improve their methods resulting in a better harvest or herd. From cattle nutrition to land management and plant pathology to entomology, the folks at the center work year-round to learn from nature. In fact, it was at the KSU Agricultural Research Center that many of the biggest contributions to the science of farming took place. Using ultrasound information at the center helped scientists learn more about beef marbling, which led to the USDA’s grading system for quality.
I chose a seat at the bar so I could have a clear view of the brewers at work behind the glass wall. My bartender was friendly and happy to provide a few beer samples until I eventually decided on a pint of the unfiltered Grapefruit Radler. Undecided between two lunch options, she persuaded me to order a local’s favorite, a Smothered Bierock covered in creamy cheese sauce with homemade chips. She also ensured my meal came with creamy bacon horseradish and sweet onion dip to eat with the chips. Lunch never tasted so good! And the beer? It was crisp and aromatic. I’d order it again. Maybe a growler of it.
Knowing that I didn’t have room left for dessert, I ordered the French Toast Brulèe anyway. The crisp exterior gave way to a pillowy center as my spoon cracked into it. Combined with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh whipped cream, it was beyond delicious.
I recommend stopping at Gella’s for lunch or dinner whenever you’re in Hays. The restaurant is large enough that it can easily accommodate groups. Menu prices were reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. If you drink craft beer, you can expect 12 taps, with two rotating regularly.
