Downtown Wichita - Wichita, KS Area Guide

Downtown Wichita was once inhabited by the Wichita Native Americans. In 1868, James R. Mead founded a trading post at the point where the Arkansas River and the Little River Arkansas converge. When trade routes were developed in the area to connect the community to surrounding states such as Oklahoma, commercialization soon followed. These trade routes helped Wichita flourish into a thriving city.

The influx of cowboys in the late 1870s brought thousands of cattle to the area, and today this livestock remains an important part of the Wichita economy. For more information on the history of downtown Wichita and its early beginnings, visit The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, which celebrates the state of Kansas and the Wichita tribe that first settled in the town hundreds of years ago.

An eclectic collection of restaurants inhabit the downtown area of Wichita in the River Side/Arena area. Those seeking traditional American diner cuisine can visit The Beacon on Douglas Street. Considered to be Wichita's best-kept secret, this diner offers breakfast and lunch served daily until 3 p.m. Try the famous country fried potatoes, served as a side for both breakfast and lunch.

Lounges, bars and nightclubs of all types are scattered throughout the neighborhood, providing something for every preference. At River City Brewing Company, take advantage of the area's largest selection of microbrews, featuring both local beers and nationally recognized brews.

Many residents of the River Center/Arena neighborhood choose to travel by car. With free public parking lots and street parking throughout the community, parking is typically a breeze. Paved sidewalks make biking and walking around the area safe, and several major roadways host designated bike lanes. Multiple banks and the Wichita public library are nearby, as are shops and restaurants, making this neighborhood highly walkable. With Interstates 135 and 235 easily accessible, traveling to surrounding communities is hassle free.

Cabs are relatively prevalent in the area and easy to hail, or residents can use the Uber smartphone app to find a ride around town. In terms of public transportation, Southwest Wichita is serviced by the Wichita Transit Bus. Eighteen different routes and dozens of stops can be found throughout the city.

Residents of the Riverside/Arena area of Wichita have convenient access to Riverside Park. Located along the Little Arkansas River, this park boasts plenty of green space and amenities for the public to enjoy. This includes the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit, which hosts more than 25 different species of animals for the public to view. Take a walk through the Celebration Plaza interactive fountain, or take your pet on a stroll along the countless walking trails throughout the park. Playground equipment keeps little ones entertained, while the Riverside Tennis Center hosts a number of area leagues and is open to the public as well. As the largest park in the city, Riverside Park also hosts a number of community events and gatherings as well as memorials honoring the early days of the city.

The cost of living in the River Center/Arena area is higher than the city's average. The average one-bedroom apartment in the area costs around $883 per month to rent, which is higher than in other areas of the city. Gas prices run about 3.3 percent lower than the national average, while a bus ride to the city center costs $1.75. A pint of beer at a local pub costs approximately $3 per glass.

Residents of the River Side/Arena area of Wichita can enjoy a number of shopping opportunities throughout this bustling community. Take care of everyday errands at Walgreens or pick up discount supplies at the Dollar General. Pick up a pair of new running shoes or outdoor supplies at Gander Mountain or stop by Al’s Old & New Book Store to browse classic reads or new bestsellers. If boutique shopping is more your scene, visit Aspen Boutique for women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories line the shelves. At locally owned Archaic Boutique, shoppers can browse a collection of lightly used women’s handbags, jewelry, shoes and antiques.

Residents in the area can shop for their groceries at Natural Grocers, where organic and natural products are readily available. Those seeking discounted groceries can swing by the area ALDI store to find aisles of discounted produce and cooking and baking supplies.

On Saturdays, in the heart of downtown Wichita at Farm & Art Market Square, the city hosts the Old Town Farmers’ Market. This market opens to the public on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. and features produce from farms located within 150 miles of the city as well as live music and chef demonstrations for all who browse the dozens of vendors who come to the market. In addition to produce, meat, eggs, dairy products and honey are all sold here.