McDonald’s is a timeless corporation. It feels like the company’s been around forever, and it’s hard to imagine a time when there wasn’t a Mickey D’s on every block. The first McDonald’s in Kansas has been in Wichita for more than 50 years! This recently remodeled location has been serving up burgers and fries for so long that many of us can’t remember a time before its existence. It’s a pretty cool history. If you’re interested in a little local lore along with your burger, pack your bags and head to Kansas.

The first McDonald's in Kansas opened in February 1960, about seven years after the first McDonald's overall opened up in Downey, California.
Ryan H. Levin/Google Local
It was a hit from the very beginning and now it's hard to imagine a corner of that state that doesn't sport those golden arches.
Of course, things have changed substantially in the last six decades. You can now order food via your phone or a touch-screen kiosk and enjoy your food dine-in or via the drive-through.
Ryan H. Levin/Google Local
That's a very different experience from the original locations, where good service and a personal touch were paramount.
Drive-throughs are such a normal part of everyday life now that it's hard to believe they were ever non-existent! The first drive-through restaurants where people pulled up to a window to get their food were introduced in the 1930s.
McDonald's / Google Maps
And even then it had a very different feel. People would bring the food out to your car rather than you driving up to a window. Like we said, personal service was a big thing!

Related Stories

Order A Delicious Home-Cooked Meal At This Roadside Stop In Kansas

Order A Delicious Home-Cooked Meal At This Roadside Stop In Kansas

 You'll Love Visiting Vista Drive In, A Kansas Restaurant Loaded With Local History

You'll Love Visiting Vista Drive In, A Kansas Restaurant Loaded With Local History

 Bomber Burger Has Been Serving Some Of The Best Burgers In Kansas Since 1951

Bomber Burger Has Been Serving Some Of The Best Burgers In Kansas Since 1951
The first McDonald's drive-through opened out of necessity in 1975. An Arizona franchise was located on a military base and soldiers were not allowed to get out of their cars in uniform.
McDonald's / Google Maps
Today, more than 70 percent of McDonald's business occurs via the drive-through window. It's fascinating how things can evolve like that.
The original Wichita McDonald's was remodeled about ten years ago and carries all the burgers, fries, and sweet treats the company is known for.
McDonald's / Google Maps
Even though the building looks the same now as any other contemporary McDonald's, it's cool to understand the history behind this specific property.
Whether you're craving an all-day breakfast or just have a hankering that only a Big Mac can solve, a visit to the first McDonald's in Kansas is always a treat!
McDonald's / Google Maps

There are now quite a few McDonald’s locations in Wichita, but you’ll find the original at 1630 Hillside Street, Wichita, KS 67211.

You can learn more about the history of this famous fast food spot from McDonald’s official website or Facebook page.

Have you been to this original McDonald’s? If so, let us know in the comments below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique experiences.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Small-Town Restaurants In Kansas

CC | February 13, 2024

What restaurants have been in Kansas the longest?

This is a particularly fascinating story, but McDonald’s isn’t the only original restaurant in the Sunflower State. There are lots of other cool, longstanding restaurants to explore. Check out these other original and historic restaurants in Kansas

  • Beaumont Hotel (Beaumont)
  • Sommerset Hall Cafe (Dover)
  • Trail Days Cafe & Museum (Council Grove)
  • Idle-A-While Bar and Grill (Cherokee)
  • Caenen Castle (Shawnee)
  • Fritz's Chili (Overland Park)
  • Renaissance Cafe (Assaria)
  • Bunker Hill Cafe (Bunker Hill)
  • Tavern On the Plaza (Coffeyville)
  • Hillsdale Bank Bar BQ (Hillsdale)
  • Dagwood's Cafe (Kansas City)

 

What are the best small-town restaurants in Kansas?

Although big chains like McDonald’s can often do the trick, there’s nothing quite as comforting as dining at a small-town restaurant. Something about that homey feel and comfort food makes you smile. Check out these small-town restaurants in Kansas when you’re hankering for something special.

  • Prairie Nut Hut - Altoona
  • Sommerset Hall Cafe - Dover
  • Jiffy Burger - Smith Center
  • Gebhardt's Chicken Dinners - Mulberry
  • Nelson's Landing - Leonardville
  • Cy's Hoof and Horn - Sedgwick
  • Ad Astra Food and Drink - Strong City
  • Big Ed's Steakhouse - Bird City
  • Branding Iron II - Phillipsburg

 

Related Articles

Explore Kansas

Featured Addresses
McDonald's, 1630 S Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67211, USA