Wichita Falls is in the middle of the famous Texas plains. It is between Dallas, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is known for being a cattle rancher’s town that dates back to the 1800s. In this article, you can learn about things to do in Wichita Falls.
In the past, Wichita Falls was known for being a center of agriculture. Now, it’s a busy city with lots to see and do, like lush parks, interesting museums, and cute attractions like the World’s Littlest Skyscraper.
With its farmer’s markets and historical trails, this is a great place to start a tour of the US panhandle.
Best Time To Visit Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and chilly winters, with consistent rainfall throughout the year. There are no specific dry seasons.
Winter (December to February): These are the coldest months in Wichita Falls, with occasional snowfall as temperatures can dip below 0 degrees Celsius.
Spring (March and April): Temperatures start to rise, becoming more comfortable around 15 degrees Celsius.
Summer (May to September): This period marks the summer season, where the weather is generally very hot. Rainfall, though occurring year-round, is especially plentiful during these months, contributing to the hot and humid conditions.
Autumn (October and November): Temperatures cool down gradually, heralding the onset of winter. The weather during these months is quite pleasant, though it can become quite chilly at night.
The ideal times to visit Wichita Falls are during the spring and autumn when the weather is most agreeable and the rainfall isn’t overly disruptive. However, visiting during the summer or winter can also be advantageous for those looking to avoid the peak season crowds and potentially higher accommodation costs.
32 Best Things To Do In Wichita Falls
1. Lucy Park
Lucy Park is one of the best beautiful places to see the natural beauty of this part of the United States. It is located in a bend of the Wichita River and has a large duck pond with ducks and geese. A park is also a popular place for picnics.
2. Kell House Museum
Do you like to learn about the past? If so, the Kell House Museum is one of the best things to do in Wichita Falls, so you shouldn’t miss it.
This is one of the oldest and most historic homes in Wichita Falls. It was built in 1896. Frank Kell, one of the people who helped start Wichita Falls, owned the house. In his honor, it is kept as a museum of history.
This house still looks a lot like it did when the Kells lived in it. You can see some old furniture, artifacts from that time, and old clothes. It’s not just a museum of the Kell family’s things; it also shows the unique architecture of local builders from 1909. You really wouldn’t want to miss a tour of how Wichita Falls grew. Every day except Wednesday, when the museum is closed, there are guided tours.
3. Lake Wichita
Spending the day on Lake Wichita is one of the best things to do in Wichita Falls. Lake Wichita is a big man-made lake that is close to the famous waterfall of Wichita Falls. People can enjoy a trip to the lake park, where there are many trails for walking and riding bikes.
Not only that, but a lake is a great place for a family trip. There are many places to have a picnic, as well as a playground and basketball hoops. You can also enjoy your trip to Lake Wichita by using the park’s softball fields, football fields, disc golf course, and more.
Those who want to do things on or near the water won’t be disappointed by the lake. This lake is a great place for all kinds of water activities, like swimming, canoeing, and boating.
4. McMahon Building
The Newby-McMahon Building is a 40-foot-tall (12-meter-tall) building in Wichita Falls that is part of the Depot Square Historic District and is a Texas Historic Landmark. It is also known as the world’s smallest skyscraper. This little skyscraper was supposed to be taller than it is now, but circumstances made it a bad investment. Even though the original builders lost money on this building, it still stands as one of the few examples of late Neoclassical design.
5. Wildcats Hockey Stadium
If you want to see something interesting and unique that is also old, you might want to go to the Wildcats Hockey Stadium. The Wildcats, a Wichita Falls minor league team, play at this old building in the city.
If you are lucky enough to see a game between two teams from the same area, it will be one of the highlights of your trip to Wichita Falls. The loud cheers, competitive atmosphere, and constant support that fans give to their teams are a sight to see.
6. River Bend Nature Center
River Bend Nature Centre is the place to go if you want to learn about all the different plants and animals that live in the Wichita Falls area.
The impressive 18-acre green space that makes up the Environmental Education Center is home to a lot of eco-friendly attractions, such as a butterfly conservatory and a children’s garden.
There are nature trails all over the center, and you can bring a picnic and take your time exploring the grounds.
7. Backdoor Theater
Since it opened in 1971, the Backdoor Theater has made a name for itself by putting on some of the best art shows in the state.
They put on shows on the Main Stage or the Dinner Stage on the weekends. Their shows have everything you would want to see. There are comedies, dramas, musicals, and concerts that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Once a month, there is a unique event called “Improv Night.” It has become a favorite among a lot of people.
8. World’s Littlest Skyscraper
The World’s Littlest Skyscraper is one of the best things to do in Texas, especially in Wichita Falls. Built in 1919, the Newby-McMahon building is one of the best things to do in Wichita Falls that you can’t miss. The building is 40 feet tall and is known for its amazing red brick structure and cast-iron part.
There is an interesting story behind how this little skyscraper was built. It was built because a confident con man said he would build a tall building in the city. After it was finished, it became a running joke to call it the World’s Littlest Skyscraper. A visit to the World’s Littlest Skyscraper is a must, whether you want to laugh or learn about its history.
9. Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile
Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile is an antique store that has gotten a lot of different items since it opened in 2009. This is because the store has worked with many pickers, artists, and other people to get these items. It has rare items, antiques, and knickknacks spread out over 3,251 square feet (3,500 square meters). There are even more than 7,000 vinyl records there.
Shopaholics will enjoy this place in Wichita Falls, TX, because there is a lot to look at in this store, and you might be surprised to find something that interests you.
10. Kemp Center for Arts
Kemp Center for Arts is a place in the city where people of all ages are welcome. It is an art gallery with changing shows. There are five art galleries in the center. Each gallery has a different theme and shows a wide range of artworks.
There is also a permanent sculpture show called “Art on the Green” that has eight different sculptures on the lawns just outside the center.
The center does more than just show art. It also hosts several events. There are storytelling shows, music shows, and displays of art made by kids, among other things.
11. Castaway Cove Waterpark
The Castaway Cove Waterpark is a great place for both adults and kids, especially on a hot day when you want to cool off.
You can try the flume slides if you’re feeling brave and don’t mind getting wet, or you can go on the Lazy River ride if you’d rather take it easy.
There is also a rhythmic wave pool that looks like ocean tides. There are also volleyball courts and playgrounds where you can have fun on dry land.
12. Jenny to Jet Exhibit
Do you like learning about old planes? If so, check out the Jenny to Jet Exhibit at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport. There, you can learn about the history of Call Field and a U.S. Army Air Corps training camp from World War I.
All of this information is shown through displays of uniforms, equipment, and multimedia. You can also learn about the first U.S. military training plane and a modern military training jet. This is one of the fun things to do in Wichita Falls for people who are interested in aviation.
13. Lake Kickapoo
Lake Kickapoo is one of the best places to fish in the area. It is 29 miles from Wichita Falls.
This lake was made in the 1940s, and the Kickapoo tribe, who lived in the area at the time, gave it its name. One of the best things to do near Wichita Falls is to catch one of the many kinds of fish that live here. If you don’t like fishing, there are other things to do here, like boating, for those who don’t. Boating is a great way to enjoy the scenery and spend time with your family.
14. Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is a great place for wrestling fans to be happy. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of professional wrestling and its best wrestlers. It has a lot of items that wrestlers and fans have given over the years.
In addition to showing and displaying wrestling memorabilia, the Museum hosts several wrestling events, including live matches. It’s cheap, fun, and exciting, making it a great afternoon activity for the wrestling fan in your group. It can also be added to your list of cheap things to do in Wichita Falls, TX.
15. Wichita Falls Winery
One of the best things to do in Wichita Falls is a wine tasting. If you’re not into nature or history, but you’re interested in how wines from different places taste, this is for you. The Wichita Falls Winery is owned by a local family, and it is known for making sweet, well-balanced wines that draw on the city’s long history of farming.
There are barrels full of local wine made from grapes grown in Texas or California, and there is a tasting room where you can see how the wine was made. Even better, you can buy a bottle at their gift shop. Just be sure to make an appointment before you go.
16. Depot Square Historic District
Depot Square is known as the cultural center of Wichita Falls. It spans six blocks from Eight Street to Ohio Street and is run by the Wichita Falls Historical Society. Many of the city’s most important cultural sites are located here, and there are also a lot of antique shops where you can buy souvenirs from the past.
This is also where the local farmer’s market and famous landmarks like the World’s Littlest Skyscraper are, so take a stroll and explore the area on foot to your heart’s content.
17. Maniac’s Mansion
Here, you can play old-school games that you pay to play and have fun at a cereal bar. This is an unusual combination you can find in the Maniac’s Mansion, if not only. It’s more fun with old arcade games that make you feel nostalgic. The arcade here in downtown Wichita Falls hosts fighting tournaments and other fun gaming events.
Relax and have fun with a lot of cereal, a variety of sodas, games, and things to collect. So, you don’t just look and admire, you also watch and take part. What else can you think of? You won’t want to miss this chance while you’re in Wichita Falls, I’m sure. So, you should check out their Facebook page to learn more about this.
18. Sikes Lake
Sikes Lake is a must-see for anyone looking for fun things to do near Wichita Falls. This beautiful lake is surrounded by many great hiking trails that visitors can explore. It is also a popular place to fish and is home to many different kinds of fish, such as channel catfish, largemouth bass, yellow bullhead, and more.
In addition to fishing, you can watch birds and enjoy the beautiful scenery around the lake. Sikes Lake is a great place to visit in Wichita Falls whether you want to relax or go on a fun hike.
19. Wichita Falls Farmers Market
Agriculture has always been a big part of the history of Wichita Falls. Because of this, Wichita Falls Farmers Market is a unique but very important place in the area. When you go to the market, you will see that the bays are full of local farmers selling their freshest goods. It’s like heaven on earth for people who love to cook.
This place has a lot more than just greens. You can find everything here, from cakes and jams to ceramics, plant herbs, pickles, and fresh fruits. The market also hosts several festivals. Make sure you bring a big bag because you will leave with things you didn’t even know you needed!
20. Holliday Creek Trails
The Wichita Falls Holliday Creek Trails start at the top of Lake Wichita and go in several directions before coming back to where they started. The Holliday Creek Trails are one of the best ways to see the local plants and animals and pass by a lot of interesting sights, like a man-made mountain.
21. P’s Crazy Car Museum
Wichita Falls is home to a classic car museum called P’s Crazy Car Museum. Here, you can look at more than 40 old cars, trucks, tractors, and other interesting vehicles and see how cars have changed over time in different countries.
Some of the cars on display are a race car from the 1930s and a 1941 Lincoln Zephyr. If you like what you see, you can buy any car. This gives you the chance to take a real piece of automotive history home with you.
22. Plum Creek
Want to find fun things to do in Wichita Falls that don’t cost money? If so, adding another beautiful lake to your Wichita Falls itinerary is a great idea.
Another popular place to fish in Wichita Falls is along Plum Creek. There are many different kinds of fish here, like blue catfish, largemouth bass, common carp, and more. But make sure to follow the rules for fishing in this part of Texas to stay out of trouble.
If fishing isn’t your thing, you can check out the parks and walking trails near this small creek. You can sit on one of the benches and enjoy the view of Plum Creek and some peace away from the city. This is one of the best places in Wichita Falls for a family picnic.
23. Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra
Music is good for the soul, and good music makes the spirit, soul, and body feel alive. This is exactly what the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra does. It is a professional orchestra center that puts on at least five (5) concerts a year. Each season usually starts in October and ends around the last weekend of April.
During this time, you get to see special productions that are just for you. It is a classy center. You can buy tickets for a single show or a “flex membership” that lets you go to any two or three concerts. You can also buy a full-season package or a conductor/Pops series package. If you like Western classical music, you should not miss this place.
24. Wichita Falls Railroad Museum
The caboose is the wagon at the end of a train that is used by the staff and crew. You can see wagons from the past at this museum. It is near the railroad tracks in the Historic Square in downtown Wichita. It has a lot of information about the railroads and railways of Texas.
This museum is a unique experience in and of itself. You can get on board the train cars, steam locomotives, and special wagons like the Cabooses, Pullman Troop Sleepers, and so on.
Inside, you can also see some other memorabilia. The gift shop has some really cute miniature souvenirs and toy trains that kids back home would love.
25. CrashWorks STEAM studio & Makerspace
Here, kids can let their imaginations run wild and make whatever they can think of. With an endless supply of materials, kids can make any project they can think of. On one side of the studio, guests can find things like cardboard, plastic containers, scissors, paint, string, and so on. There are also stations where they can play puzzle games, work with wood, and do other things.
Every hour, a teacher will show a science experiment, some of which can be done by hand. While we were there, we saw a fire show and a workshop where my son made a flashlight. I wish there was something like this in every city. All kids need a place where they can learn by doing and try out what they’ve learned about how to make things.
26. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
You shouldn’t let bad weather keep you from having fun in Wichita. With this indoor trampoline center, you won’t waste a single day of your trip! This isn’t just for kids; parents can use it, too.
This center has things for people of all ages to do, such as open jumps, fitness classes, and even parties. All that jumping, moving, and running around is sure to burn off the calories you ate yesterday.
27. Murals Photoshoot
I love driving around in a new city and looking for the coolest murals. There are murals all over the city of Wichita Falls. My favorite is the mural of the Longhorn Steer at 104 E. Scott St.
28. Wichita Falls Dog Park
So you can bring your furry best friend with you to this dog paradise! It’s a free, open space where your dog can play with other dogs and meet new ones. The owners also get to meet other people who like dogs. This is the perfect place for a picnic with just you and your dog or a play date!
Think of it as a daycare or day out for your beloved fur baby. The park is a big place to play fetch or Frisbee with your pets. Give your dog a vacation, too! Give them the day off they deserve. Show that you care about your pets by making plans for them as well.
29. Collective Coffee
Across from the Midwestern State campus, in an old gas station that has been fixed up. The coffee shop is beautiful, has a big table where you can work, and a big patio. Craft coffee, grab-and-go items, pastries, and craft beer are all on the menu.
30. Jogging and Trekking at Lake Arrowhead State Park
There are two miles of walking trails inside, so it’s a great place for light hiking or jogging in nature. The large grounds are full of trees and grasses all around. Camping is a lot of fun here, even though it’s a little dusty and most of the space is enclosed.
You can take a refreshing swim in the lake before you go to sleep at night. You can also watch birds during the day or look at the stars at night. This place has the best of both worlds when it comes to natural beauty.
31. Karat Bar & Bistro
The restaurant was in the old downtown Zales jewelry store, so the jewelry theme carried over to the restaurant. Diners will be able to choose from a long list of wines and dishes made with ingredients from the area.
We ate a cheese and meat plate for two, a salad, and a burger. It was all tasty and not too expensive. They also have a big patio that’s great for evenings when it’s cool.
32. The Family Zone
It’s no secret that amusement parks are great places to spend time with your family. This place has rides that are good for kids. There are also things that the whole family can do, like laser tag, roller skating, an arcade, batting cages, go-karts, and more!
Try out their skating rink to live out your dreams of a roller-skating disco from the 1980s.
Take a break from your heels and get your groove on with some roller skates. Roller skating has always been a favorite, and you and your family can do this and a lot more in Wichita Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which are the best attractions to visit in Wichita Falls?
Some of the best places to visit in Wichita Falls are the Newby-McMahon Building, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, the River Bend Nature Center, and the Kell House Museum.
Which are the best activities in Wichita Falls?
With so many great places to visit, Wichita Falls is sure to have a lot of fun things to do that will attract a lot of tourists. Some of the best things to do are to shop at Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile, jump around at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, visit the art museums in Wichita Falls, and fish at Lake Kickapoo.
Why do they call it Wichita Falls?
Wichita Falls is a city in the northern part of Texas. It was founded in 1876. The name of the city comes from the names of the first people to live there: Wichita Indians and the low-river falls that were destroyed by a flood in 1886. The city used to be known for raising cattle and being a center for agriculture.
What is Wichita Falls known for?
Wichita Falls is a city with both new and old buildings. It is also known as the “Gateway to Texas.” Wichita Falls is known for its thriving art scene, fun outdoor activities, historic buildings, and sweet local wines.
Many of the well-known places in Wichita Falls have been there since the city was founded. For example, both the Kell House Museum and the Museum of North Texas History are important parts of Wichita’s past.
Is Wichita Falls a good area?
Wichita Falls has been named one of the best places in the United States of America many times. Some of the things that make people think Wichita Falls is a good place are:
Is Wichita Falls pretty?
Wichita Falls is a nice town with a small-town feel. This is a town for families, and everyone here is very friendly. There are a lot of things to do here, like going to the Falls or checking out the world’s smallest skyscraper. You can take your kids to the parks or just go for a walk and spend the day there.
How is life in Wichita Falls?
Most people who live in Wichita Falls own their own homes. It feels like a sparse suburb. There are many parks in Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls is home to a lot of families and young professionals, and most of the people who live there are conservative. Wichita Falls public schools are better than most.
Does Wichita Falls have a waterfall?
In the 1800s, a flood washed away the city’s original falls, which gave the city its name. In 1987, a new set of falls were built upstream. On the south bank of the Wichita River, there is a 54-foot-tall cascade that was made by people.
Where does Wichita Falls get its water?
Raw water from Lakes Arrowhead and Kickapoo is pumped into the city limits and stored at a Secondary Reservoir. Inside the city limits, the Secondary Reservoir holds 75 million gallons of water.
What city dedicated a rock to the artificial waterfall of Wichita Falls?
The Falls is a building made of concrete with rock on the outside. The rocks came from Arkansas, and the one for Wichita Falls came from Niagara Falls, New York, which is no stranger to waterfalls.
Is Wichita Falls Urban or suburban?
“Wichita Falls is a city in Texas with 104,494 people living there. Wichita Falls is one of the best places to live in Texas. It is in Wichita County. Most people who live in Wichita Falls own their own homes. It feels like a sparse suburb. There are many parks in Wichita Falls.
Is Wichita Falls Urban or suburban?
“Wichita Falls is a city in Texas with 104,494 people living there. Wichita Falls is one of the best places to live in Texas. It is in Wichita County. Most people who live in Wichita Falls own their own homes. It feels like a sparse suburb. There are many parks in Wichita Falls.
When was Wichita Falls founded?
On September 27, 1882, a sale of town lots led to the creation of the city of Wichita Falls. The coming of the Ft. Worth & Denver railroad turned Wichita Falls from a group of shacks into a busy market center.
What happened to the falls in Wichita Falls?
In the 1800s, a flood washed away the city’s original falls, which gave the city its name. In 1987, a new set of falls were built upstream. On the south bank of the Wichita River, there is a 54-foot-tall cascade that was made by people.
Is Wichita Falls man-made?
The Falls is a man-made waterfall on the Wichita River. It is made up of several levels. In the 1800s, a flood destroyed the first waterfall, so the city decided that a bigger one was needed. The natural waterfall was only about 4-5 feet high when it was first made.
Conclusion
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a retreat with your family or just by yourself. No matter what you choose, there’s always a place to go within the country. You don’t have to worry about going abroad if you’re not ready to make that big of a commitment.
There are hidden gems in nearby cities that you can visit without spending a lot of money. Sometimes a simple getaway is all you need to relax. It has been proven that traveling relieves stress. Try new things, meet new people, and learn about the culture. There is no better food for the soul than that.
If you plan, traveling once a month isn’t so bad. It’s great that some sites and blogs can help you decide where to go or build your itinerary. Pack your bags and book the next trip to Wichita Falls.
