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Wichita Falls, Texas

Wichita Falls was named for the Wichita Indians who lived near the waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. In 1882, the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad brought the first train to the area, establishing Wichita Falls as an agricultural and trade center. The oil boom in the early 1900s made the city headquarters for north Texas petroleum production, service and manufacturing.

Wichita Falls is the seat for Wichita County and the leading gateway to Texas on I-44. It is the major trade and industrial center with economy based on Sheppard Air Force Base, oil processing and other varied manufacturing. Cultural aspects include a 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.

There's a full calendar of events throughout the year including World of Wheels and Home & Garden Expo in February; Spring Fling in April; Red River Rodeo and Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl Classic in June; Ranch Round-Up and Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Bike Race Festival in August; T&O Fair and Fallfest in September; MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights and City Lights Festival in December.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Kell House

The Kell House is one of the most historically and architecturally significant building in Wichita Falls. Built in 1909

Wichita Falls, TX Historic Homes


Parks

38 parks offer outdoor recreation, including swimming pools, jogging trails, golf, tennis, picnicking and children's fishing pond. Lucy Park is a 170

Wichita Falls, TX Parks

Visitor Center

For additional information on events, accommodations, or dining facilities, stop by the Wichita Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau's visitor center at the Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC)

Wichita Falls, TX Visitors Centers

The Plex Entertainment Center

Features go-karts, bumper boats, video arcade, two 18

Wichita Falls, TX Entertainment

Things to do near Wichita Falls, TX

Towle Memorial Park

Popular municipal park with playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pool, picnic areas, courts for croquet and tennis, fishing...

Local Lakes

Daniel, Cisco, and Leon. Also Eastland and Ringling Lakes are popular local fishing spots one mile north of town. Primitive c...

Historic Orient-Santa Fe Depot

The history of railroading in West Texas comes alive at the old depot. In addition to housing the Railway Museum of San Angel...

Fort Chadbourne Cemetery

Located near the historic site of Fort Chadbourne, cemetery contains interesting, poignant old markers. Many pioneers and ear...

Llano Estancado Winery

Born from a casual experiment with grapevines shading a Lubbock patio, this winery now is one of Texas' largest. Tasting room...