Howdy!

Welcome to Historic Delano, one of Wichita's oldest neighborhoods.

In the 1870s, before being incorporated into Wichita, Delano was a separate town which even had it's own U.S. Post Office. Delano sprang up as a cowtown at the end of the Chisholm Trail and quickly gained a reputation as a place where trail-weary cowboys could take their rest and recreation. There were a multitude of saloons and brothels in Delano - across the river and away from Wichita's ordinances against gambling and prostitution.

Eventually the cattle trade moved farther west to Dodge City and Delano was incorporated into the city of Wichita. Today Delano is home to dozens of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Come spend some time here and discover Historic Delano.

Delano's modern boundaries are the Arkansas river on the north and east, Meridian Avenue on the west and Kellogg (US-54) on the south.

Click on the map for a larger view

Holiday Decorations

Many of us can remember the fantastic window displays that Macy’s and other stores created in downtown not so many years ago. Some were quite elaborate with animated elves, reindeer and such. People would bring the entire family downtown to shop and to view the decorations.

We are encouraging all businesses in Delano to decorate their buildings and front windows for the holiday season. We are also encouraging the residents of Delano to get in on the fun.

We are sponsoring a contest for the best holiday decorations - business and residential. Please have your decorations in place before the Friday following Thanksgiving. Judging will take place during the Holiday Open House (Dec. 5th & 6th) and awards will be presented at our December mixer.

Have your lights on from dusk until at least 10:30 PM. Many people drive around just to look at lights, and some television channels feature shots of holiday decorations in their newscasts.