Wichita Kansas proudly wears its Old West identity all through the city. In just one day, you can experience living history, ride the dusty trails, and feast on cowboy classics like baked beans and brisket.
Here’s my one day itinerary exploring the heart of the American Old West in Wichita, Kansas.
Table of Contents
Thank you to TBEX and Visit Wichita for hosting me at many of these experiences. All opinions are my own.
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8 AM – Start with coffee at Adelitas Coffee Co.
Kick off your day at Adelitas Coffee Co., a local gem nestled in The Lux Apartments building of downtown Wichita. This Latina-owned shop offers everything from creative lattes to breakfast burritos to panes dulces (Mexican sweet bread).
I ordered the Adelitas mocha and an orange pecan muffin, then claimed a cushy corner armchair to slowly wake up. The Adelitas mocha was perfectly warm, with hints of spices and not overly sweet.
The muffin was tasty too, and I loved that they were both served in hand-thrown pottery. You can even buy one of their mugs to take home. Adelitas Coffee Co. is cozy, welcoming, and the perfect spot to fuel up for a day on the trail.
- Location: Downtown Wichita
- Time: 45 minutes
- Cost: $5–10 per person
9 AM – Walk the historic Chisholm Trail (Douglas Street)
Downtown Wichita is full of public art installations, and one of the better places to see art is along Douglas Street. If you have time, walk from Adelitas to Douglas Street, then travel west across the Douglas Street Bridge for beautiful views.
@dinkumtribe Just leaving my mark in Wichita! @Visit Wichita #tbexwichita #ictchalktalks ♬ Jitterbug – Linda Martinez
Douglas Street was part of the historic Chisholm Trail, a cattle drover’s trail that ran in the 1800s. Street signs use both Douglas Street / Chisholm Trail interchangeably.
On the west side of the Douglas Street bridge there is a massive silver longhorn statue that’s worth seeing. You’ll find other bronze statues along Douglas Street.
- Location: Downtown Wichita
- Time: variable
- Cost: FREE
10 AM – Step back in time at the Old Cowtown Museum
Next up is the Old Cowtown Museum, one of Wichita’s most immersive historical attractions. Walk through a reconstructed 1880s cowtown, complete with costumed actors, over 50 historic buildings, and live demonstrations.
I had the opportunity to brand a wooden shingle with a real cow brand and try my hand at using a lariat. Then I learned about newspaper printing and printed my own souvenir card.
@dinkumtribe #hosted The old Cowtown Museum was full of hands-on experiences like this! @tbex events @Visit Wichita #tbexwichita #cowboys #ranchlife #cattleranch ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
I was also able to watch blacksmithing, sew on a foot-pedal machine, and enjoy an ice-cold sarsaparilla in the saloon. Most days include a staged gunfight on Main Street as well.
- Location: 1865 W Museum Blvd (10–15 min drive from downtown)
- Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Cost: $12 per adult
Read my full review of the Old Cowtown Museum here.
1 PM – Lunch in the Delano District
The Delano District is your next stop. It’s a historic area that was once the notorious part of town for cowboys along the Chisholm Trail. Today it’s a stylish shopping district with top-notch restaurants, boutiques and murals.
I actually forgot to have lunch on my Western day trip, but I recommend that you grab lunch at one of the local favorites. The Monarch is highly rated and known for its craft sandwiches and whiskey. Another popular spot is Good Company Taps & Spirits / Pennant Coffee.
- Location: Delano District (10 min from Cowtown)
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Cost: $15–25 per person
2:30 PM – Get fitted for a custom cowboy hat at Hatman Jack’s
No Western adventure is complete without the right hat, and the Delano District has just the place. Hatman Jack’s is an iconic shop where master hatter Jack Kellogg has been crafting custom hats for over 50 years.
@dinkumtribe #hosted Jack’s commitment to excellence is clear in every hat he fits, but he’s also a passionate storyteller of Wichita’s history. @tbex events @Visit Wichita #tbexwichita #customhats #oldwest ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
Listening to Jack talk about Wichita history and hat-making is fascinating. He’s helped people from all walks of life find just the right fit and style of hat. Famous visitors include Luciano Pavarotti and Merle Haggard.
Jack and his team helped me find the perfect Western hat. Then they customized the fit so that it was both snug and comfortable. Whether you love to wear hats, or have never found the right one, you’ll love the Hatman Jack’s experience.
- Location: Delano District (walkable from lunch)
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Cost: $150–$300+ for a custom hat
4 PM – Trail ride at Diamond Springs Ranch
Drive about 15–20 minutes north of Wichita to Diamond Springs Ranch, a family owned event venue and guest house. Their guided trail rides are perfect for beginners as well as more experienced riders.
We moseyed along the trail through the trees and around the property, with occasional glimpses of cattle or monarch butterflies. We also saw the Wagon and Tree House, which are AirBNBs that offer quiet, off-the-grid overnight stays.
You’ll want to reserve your ride ahead of time. You can also reserve a date night experience for two that includes dinner. I’d recommend one of the specialty cocktails at The Rusty Saddle bar onsite as the perfect cool-down after your ride.
- Location: North of Wichita (~20 min drive)
- Time: 1.5 hours (includes prep + ride)
- Cost: $95 per person (1-hour ride)
6 PM – End the day with dinner at Station 8 BBQ
After your action-packed day, head back into Wichita for a hearty dinner at Station 8 BBQ. Located in a restored fire station, this spot is beloved for its smoked meats, savory sides, and no-frills charm.
Our group actually had our dinner catered at the Ranch by Station 8, so I didn’t get to see the firehouse. However the food was excellent! I especially loved the potato salad, the pulled pork, and the brisket.
- Location: Downtown Wichita (~20 min drive from the ranch)
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Cost: $20–30 per person
Sunset and firepot lighting at the Keeper of the Plains
Wrap up your day at the Keeper of the Plains, a stunning 44-foot tall sculpture where the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers meet. The nightly “Ring of Fire” lighting ceremony (check schedule) is the perfect ending to any Wichita day.
One of the best locations to view the Ring of Fire ceremony is from the lawn by Exploration Place. Or for a close-up view, take a float downriver on the SS Waterwagon, a floating covered wagon.
- Location: Near downtown
- Time: 30 minutes
- Cost: Free
Where to stay in Wichita
I highly recommend the Hotel at Old Town Wichita for a comfortable stay that’s close to everything.
Another great option is the Hyatt Regency Wichita, just steps from the Douglas Street Bridge.
Final Tips for the Trail
- Dress the part: Jeans, boots, and a long sleeved UV-shirt will be the best options for the trail ride.
- Call ahead: Book your trail ride and check location hours before visiting.
- Bring water and sunscreen
- Leave room in your suitcase or vehicle trunk for your new cowboy hat.
Ready to live your cowhand dreams? With rich history, hands-on experiences, and plenty of charm, there’s no better place than Wichita to immerse yourself in the Old West.
You may also enjoy these posts:
- Museum of the Mountain Man
- Fort Cody Trading Post
- Hotel at Old Town Review
- Cowboy Gifts
- Gifts for Cowgirls
©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025
