WICHITA FALLS Population - 104,197 Altitude - 946

General-

The man made re-creation of Wichita Falls.Named after the indigenous Wichita Indians who lived near the (now gone) waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. A re-creation of the original falls faces the north on I-44 about a mile south of the Travel Information Center (see below).

In 1882, the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought the first train to this area, establishing this town as an agricultural and trade center. An oil boom in the early 1900's made this city the headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing. Wichita Fall is the seat for Wichita County and a leading gateway to Texas on I-44.

A Major trade and industrial center with economy based on the Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing.

Cultural aspects include The Withchita Falls Symphony Orchestra, ballet, community theater, museum and art center, and activities at Midwestern State University.

Sheppard Air Force Base is a technical training center, one of the largest of five in the U.S., and hosts the only NATO pilot training program in the world.

Kell House-

Historic home of local business and community leader, Frank Kell. Original 19th-Century furnishings inside include, a player baby grand piano, seven fireplaces, hand-stenciled decorations, and ever changing exhibits. Open Sun., Tues., Fri. 2 - 4 p.m. 900 Bluff St. Admission.

Lake Arrowhead State Park-

Water-oriented recreation featured at this 524-acre park. Visitors find campsites with or without hookups, rest rooms with showers, grocerie stores , a boat ramp, and a dump station. Activities include fishing, swimming and water skiing. Located some 14 miles south of Wichita Falls via U.S. 281 south, F.M. 1954 east. Admission.

Lakes-

Arrowhead, Diversion, Kemp, Kickapoo and Wichita.

Midwestern State University Fine Art Gallery-

Features works of regional artists throughout academic year. Emphasis is placed on the local students' art.
May - July. Open Sept. - Jun., except holidays, Mon. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - noon-, 1:30 - 5 p.m. West Campus Dr. at Nocona Trail on campus in southwest part of city.

Museum and Art Center-

Features planetarium, scientific, art and historical subjects. Open Tues. - Fri. 9:30 a,m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; at No. 2 Eureka Circle.

Parks-

40 parks offer outdoor recreation, including swimming pools, jogging trails, golf, tennis, picnicking and children's fishing pond. Also amusement park with rides.

Travel Information Center-

One of 12 Texas Visitor Centers located at key highway entrances into Texas. Locations include, the State Capitol, and the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry. Open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's. Staffed by uniformed, professional travel counselors, free services include information, maps, literature about every part of the state, and expert assistance in charting routes. Located in northern part of Wichita Falls on 1-44; operated by State Department of Highways and Public Transportation.

 

 

Back to the top