Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is a town in the North Central Plains of Texas, named for Wichita Indians who lived near waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought the first train to the area, establishing the town as an agricultural and trade center. The oil boom in the early 1900s made city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing. The city is the seat for Wichita County and a leading gateway to Texas on I-44. It's a major trade and industrial center with economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing.

Get in

By plane

By bus

Get around

By bus

Falls Ride is the local bus service. Fare is: $1.50 - Adult, $0.75 - adult, $0.75 - 5-18 years old, children under 5 are free. You can receive one free transfer for each fare you pay. A pass for 20 rides is available for $25 for adults. Senior citizens pay $12 for the 20 ride pass. Buses run every hour between 5AM and 7:30PM. Some bus lines stop running at 5PM. Some buses run in a big loop in one direction only. There are two main transfer stations: the downtown travel center where the Greyhound bus stops and Sikes Mall. Routes 2, 6 and 7 travel between the downtown travel center and the Sikes Center Mall.

See
  • Symphony Orchestra & Ballet. 
  • Wichita Theatre. A historic community localle since 1908. The theater features mainstream musical and drama productions. Their website lists an upcoming production calendar. 
  • Midwestern State University's Museum & Art Center. 
  • Museum of North Texas History (Downtown on Indiana). 
  • Sheppard Air Force Base. A technical training center, one of the largest of five in the U.S. and hosts the largest NATO pilot training program in the world. 
  • WWI & Call Field Museum, Jacksboro Hwy. 
  • Wichita Falls Railroad Museum (Downtown on 9th). 
  • Historic Kell House Museum (Downtown on Bluff). 

Do

There are many things you can find to do in or around Wichita Falls. It has a bowling alley, a central shopping mall, and two movie theaters (Carmike Cinemas in the mall and Cinemark Theaters in Parker Square).

For the outdoorsman, there are several lakes nearby, including Lake Wichita, and the larger Lake Arrowhead. The long and winding shape of Lake Arrowhead and its location make it a great lake for sailing at high speeds. Fishing and other activities are permitted on the lakes. Additionally, Wichita Falls has some fishing ponds located inside the city (Plum Lake to the north of town and the new fishing pond on Southwest Parkway).

  • Lucy Park. One of the city's largest parks, which is near downtown Wichita Falls and includes the walking trail which follows the river and leads up to the waterfalls. Lucy Park includes some great bike trails, a frisbee golf field, a swinging bridge, nice playgrounds, and picnic areas. 
  • Castaway Cove Waterpark. The park is a fun and family-friendly place to spend those hot Texas summer days. With several water slides, a wavepool, and a lazy river, Casaway Cove is excellent fun for the price. Season passes are available. 
  • Golf. As the host of the annual Texas & Oklahoma (T&O) Junior Golf Tournament, the city has spent a lot of time and effort in maintaining the 18-hole golf courses. The Champions Course at Weeks Park is a newly renovated course, with excellent greens and long, wide fairways. The Wichita Falls Country Club course is beautifully designed and well-kept. It features many challenging holes, with water hazards and carry-over shots. In Bearby Burkburnett is Rivercreek Golf Course. A great course for any level of player, Rivercreek features very open fairways. 
  • Local farmer's market. Downtown near the old train depot, at Ohio and 8th street. The market features peaches, plums, berries, melons, and veggies. 

Events

There is a full calendar of events throughout the year.

Annual events include:

  • World of Wheels. In Feb. 
  • Home & Garden Expo. In Feb. 
  • Spring Fling. In Apr. 
  • Red River Rodeo. In June. 
  • Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl Classic. In June 
  • Ranch Round-Up. In Aug. 
  • Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Bike Race Festival. In Aug. 
  • Texas-Oklahoma Fair. In Sept 
  • Fallfest. In Sept. 
  • MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights. In Dec. 
  • City Lights Festival. In Dec. 

Buy

Wichita Falls is also home to many retail chains including Kohl's, Lane Bryant, Ross, TJ Maxx, Dillards, JC Penney, Old Navy, Maurices, and many more.

  • Horsin' Around, Kemp Blvd. For a uniquely Texan gift or apparel, try Horsin' Around. This charming store boasts a wide collection and variety of western home decor, apparel, art, and furnishings. And there is a charming sandwich and rootbeer bar in the center of the store, so stop in for lunch from 11AM-2PM. 
  • Harvest Boutique. This store features an abundance of great upscale designer labels, including Brighton, Vera Bradley, Lauren Vidal, and more. For an interesting gift, or just something for yourself, check this amazing boutique out! 
  • Shoe Closet. If shoes (and great accessories) are your weakness, then the Shoe Closet is a must. For the latest selection of high-end shoes and apparel, the Shoe Closet is your best bet. Brands include Tory Burch, Donald J Pliner, Ugg, and Toms. Also a great spot to pick up a designer handbag or special occasion dress. 
  • Finishing Touch. For a wide assortment of collectibles and gifts for any budget, the Finishing Touch is the place to find a huge selection of Yankee and Circle E candles, Willow Tree figurines, Yellow Box shoes, jewelry, and collegiate gifts. 

Eat

Wichita Falls is home to many great local "dives". This is one of the few cities featuring a drive-in style bar. (Yes, they actually bring your beer out to you while you sit in your car!) And of course, as a proud Texas town, there are a multitude of BBQ and Tex-Mex restaurants to choose from.

There is also an abundance of restaurant chains to choose from, including: Cheddar's, Applebee's, On the Border, McAllister's Deli, The Olive Garden, Johnny Carino's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Cracker Barrel.

  • The Branding Iron. Smoked beef barbeque. The sauce is to die for. If you want to taste Texas, this is the place to be. A hole-in-the-wall dive, Branding Iron is a favorite to Wichitans and visitors from all over! 
  • Casa Manana. Home-style Tex-Mex. Located in a historic part of downtown, across from the renovated Holt Hotel & Lofts. Casa Manana is "home of the red taco", a wonderfully creative and authentic spin on your basic taco. The salsa is hot and addictive. 
  • Pasqual's. For a modern casual-to-fine dining experience, try Pasqual's, located near the center of town. This is an upscale eatery featuring a variety of cuisine (lighter quiches and sandwiches to mouth-watering steaks and fine dishes). Pasqual's has a nice cocktail bar. A great place to relax or celebrate with friends or loved ones. 
  • Samurai of Tokyo. A locally owned Japanese hibachi grill. But this is not your average hibachi grill. The special hibachi steak sauce is amazing. Another great favorite of locals and visitors. 

Drink

Many great nigh-life spots are available if you're looking for a beer or cocktail.

  • Toby's Bar (Century Plaza). This place is open to a wide range of customers, though you will see many students, professors, and sometimes military. A fun spot to be! 
  • Buffalo Wild Wings. BWW features many huge screens for catching up on your team's score. 
  • Parkway Grill. Parkway is a local sports bar with memorabilia collected by the owner over many years. 
  • Salt & Pepper Mediterranean grill. For a more upscale place to relax. 
  • Koch's Liquor. If you're more interested in BYOB, Koch's Liquor is a good place to find almost any of your favorite brands. 

Sleep

Go next
Routes through Wichita Falls

Oklahoma City ← Lawton ←  N  S  → END
Brownfield ← Lubbock ←  W  E  → Nocona → Gainesville
San Angelo ← Abilene ←  SW  N  → Lawton → Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City ← Lawton ←  N  S  → Jct S → Mineral Wells → San Antonio
Amarillo ← Vernon - Rest area ←  N  S  → Decatur → Fort Worth


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