Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Wichita Falls, TX

  • Published 2023/02/27

Wichita Falls was earlier known for its rich agricultural history.

Located between Dallas and Oklahoma City, this cattle rancher’s farmland has since come a long way in its development.

It is home to the ‘World’s Littlest Skyscraper’ and various lush green parks and historic museums.

Since its inception as an agricultural center, the restaurants always serve different food made with fresh veggies and fruits, making them great culinary hotspots.

Moreover, there are the beautiful waterfalls located here from where this city derives its name.

Though the natural falls were destroyed by floods in the 1800s, the artificial, multi-step falls are as remarkable as the natural ones. Read on to find out more.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreational Activities at Lucy Park

 Lucy Park

Brandon-Smith / Shutterstock.com

As mentioned above, it’s here that the famous man-made falls are located.

Splendidly charming, these falls will leave you breathless with their breathtaking beauty.

Surrounded by beautiful cottonwood and pecan trees along with a large lake where duck and geese swim, it’s the perfect spot for a wonderful family picnic.

A log cabin is also present in the house, which you can rent if you visit a large group.

Artificial fall at Lucy Park

Victoria Ditkovsky / Shutterstock.com

There are various biking and hiking trails where you can exercise.

There’s a swimming pool too along with a golf course for some leisure activities.

The concrete play area for kids has many children slides to play at.

The massive swinging bridge located across the mighty Wichita River has to be crossed to reach Lucy Park.

This bridge is located amongst very scenic surroundings, so don’t forget to take pictures on your way up.

Lucy Park during autumn

DanVanPelt / Shutterstock.com

Visit the World’s Littlest Skyscraper

Brick building of the World’s Littlest Skyscraper

Travis K. Witt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are conmen, and then there’s the man who duped the investors who sanctioned this building.

This skyscraper was first sanctioned in 1919, and the man who made it conned the people into believing it would be a skyscraper.

After the initial embarrassment at its unveiling, it later became famous worldwide for its quirkiness, and today it is a prominent sightseeing spot.

View of the World’s Littlest Skyscraper

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is officially called the Newby-McMohan Building, and though small in size, it has stood the tests of time.

It has a red brick structure with built-in iron cast intricacies.

There are antique stores on the 2nd and 3rd floor where you can get some rustic pieces.

The 48 stairs leading to its top also provide a beautiful view of the city’s downtown area.

Explore History at the Kell House Museum

Kell House Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Frank Kell established this house in 1896 and was also one of the founders of this entire area.

It is today a heritage site, and locals consider it a symbol of pride.

Take a heritage tour through this antique property and inside this classical house which stores various antique pieces, regal costumes, and other classical artifacts from the olden period.

Backyard of the Kell House Museum

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

History buffs will surely love this place, and you will get an endearing aspect of Wichita Falls’ history.

The house is decorated with Christmas lightings and other decorations during December to look like it looked 100 years ago.

There’s also a candle-led tour for one night, which you can take through the old house.

Facade of the Kell House Museum

User: (WT-shared) Mistoffeles at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Witness a Live Game at Wildcats Hockey Stadium

It is always a fun and exciting activity to witness any live game, be it hockey, football, or cricket.

Sports always fills us with an exhilarating sense of belonging with our favorite teams and fills us with a sense of team spirit.

In addition, if you love hockey, then it would be the cherry on top!

The games are usually between regional rivals, and this is played with healthy competition and there’s no selfish rivalry.

The theme nights are some of the best nights to visit, so try finding some information beforehand if possible.

Another awesome thing is the rink becomes accessible to the public after the games.

So, go put on your twirling shoes and try some ice skating on the same grounds as these legends.

With these, we hope we have given you enough reasons to book your tickets to this enchanting place.

It has many things in store for you from natural parks, lakes, museums to even an ice skating rink.

There’s always a place for little else.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Bad weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your stay in Wichita.

With this indoor trampoline center, a single day of your vacation will not be wasted!

This isn’t just for kids, but it’s also for parents.

This center hosts activities for all ages, from open jumps to fitness classes and even parties.

Isn’t it exciting?

You’ll surely sweat out yesterday’s calories with all that jumping, moving, and running around.

Art Connoisseurs Should Visit the Kemp Center for the Arts

Kemp Center for the Arts

Michael Barera / CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

The home of the Wichita Arts Council and Wichita falls Symphony Orchestra is one of the best cultural and art centers of this area.

Alongside this, it has as many as three different galleries where they showcase various works.

These areas all showcase unique exhibits, some of which are permanent and others are temporary rotating exhibits.

This ensures you will always find some new content displayed.

Moreover, the arts are sourced from artists all over the world, so it makes for a great confluence of various artistic styles.

The major attraction here is the Green exhibit.

It has eight permanent sculptures and is located outdoors to give you a beautiful experience.

This sculpture garden also has night walks and tours to explore its dark, iridescent beauty.

It is free and open to the public.

Cool Off at Castaway Cove Waterpark

This waterpark is one of the most awesome places with many adventurous water slides and other attractions, including a calm ride down the Lazy River ride.

Another water attraction is the rhythmic wave pool mimicking the sea tides where you can get a feeling of being on the sea. It’s a fun experience.

There is also a dry area that houses volleyball courts and playgrounds.

The Buccaneer Bay is themed in a tropical paradise and especially suited for families and kids.

It has fun water slides, interactive water tunnels, and crawling slides.

The major attraction is Pirate’s Plunge which has an 11-meter high drop followed by a 360-degree loop.

Another exciting adventure water slide is the Storm Watch Tower, which has an enclosed corkscrew tube propelling you into the light from the darkness within at a very high speed.

The in-house Castaway Café is awesome to satisfy those hunger cravings.

Wine, craft beer, cocktails along with lemonade and mocktails can help you stay chilled under the tormenting sun.

Burgers and hot dogs are also served hot to remove the hunger pangs.

Fly Among the Butterflies at the River Bend Nature Center

The Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory present at the River Bend Nature Center is a butterfly haven with a lot of native species of butterflies swarming around.

It has a large enclosure with these butterflies flitting around as you walk through the colorful flowers.

There are many varieties of plants, including endemic ones.

Other forms of wildlife present are prairie dogs, turtles and quails, and these beautiful butterflies.

Twenty Acres of Lucy Park is made into this famous center and is dedicated to educating all people about the Texan natural beauty and species.

Learn About the Texan History at the Museum of North Texas History

Museum of North Texas History

Michael Barera / CC BY-SA, via Wikimedia Commons

This museum, like the name suggests, was built to mark the history of the Texan area.

Today it is an important monument focusing on preserving and educating people about all the incredible feats of this area.

This includes a documented history of the oil and gas industry.

Another important display is the memorabilia from the World War II period.

The military collection from the Civil wars waged in Iraq and Afghanistan is also another constant reminder of the bad wrath of wars.

Exterior view of the Museum of North Texas History

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The museum itself has as many as 14 different rooms themed around various different historical significances, so make sure you spend ample time at this place.

The volunteers are very warm and enthusiastic, and they give you great tours all around.

But not all is work and playing here is prohibited.

A chief attraction is the quirky Nat’s Hats space.

This houses almost as many as 500 adorable and pleasant cowboy hats from the period of 1953 to 2006.

These originally belonged to the owner of a Western Wear Store called Nat Fleming.

Exhibits at Museum of North Texas History

No machine-readable author provided. Billy Hathorn assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wine Tasting at Wichita Falls Winery

Wine sipping and wine tasting are some of the most leisurely and enjoyable activities you can do in Wichita Falls Winery.

This winery is the perfect place to visit after a tiring day trip for some soothing time with your loved one.

The tasting room is by appointment, so make sure you have booked in advance.

It has various types of wine that have been locally produced to perfection.

The products are stored traditionally in barrels, and the warm staff serves them fresh out of it.

So, it ensures you have the best wine served.

The gift store can be used to buy some wines for all your friends and family waiting back home.

Wichita Falls Dog Park

Pets are family too!

So, you can tag along with your fur bestie and take them to this doggy haven!

It’s a free, open space for your fuzzy buddies to play and socialize with other canines!

Owners also get a chance to meet other dog lovers too.

Whether if it’s a picnic with just you and your dog or a playdate, this is the perfect place!

Think of it as a doggy daycare or doggy day out to spoil your beloved fur baby.

The park is a huge area to play fetch or Frisbee with your pets.

Treat your dog to vacation too!

Give them a day out that they deserve.

Show your pets that you care by including them in your plans as well.

Jogging and Trekking at Lake Arrowhead State Park

Lake Arrowhead State Park

John Huntington / Shutterstock.com

With two miles of walking trails located inside, it’s the perfect place for some lightweight trekking or jogging in nature.

The large grounds are filled with trees and grasses all around.

With a little dusty atmosphere and largely enclosed spaces, camping is real fun here.

Sunset at Lake Arrowhead State Park

Victoria Ditkovsky / Shutterstock.com

The lake is great for a refreshing swim before you retire for the night.

You can also do some bird-watching in the daytime or go stargazing under the night sky.

This place surely gives the best of both worlds when it comes to natural beauty.

Nature trail at Lake Arrowhead State Park

Nicolas Henderson from Coppell, Texas, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Antique Lovers Shop at the Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile

Most of us have a keen eye for antiques and classical pieces from the past.

Who doesn’t love a little reminder of the beautiful past in the form of an old book, or a period clock, or an antique tea set?

This shop is spread over a large 50,000 square feet.

It has many types of antique wares fashioned and on display waiting for you to buy them.

If nothing, you should definitely visit this place to actually look at some really intricate and beautiful kitchenware, furniture, records, and more.

And we are sure you won’t be able to resist the whiff of these periodical artifacts!

Visit the Family Zone

It’s no secret that amusement parks are great places to have quality time with your family.

This place has rides that are child-friendly.

Apart from these, there are activities that everyone in the family can participate in, such as laser tags, roller skating, an arcade, batting cages, go-karts, and more!

Fulfill your dreams of the eighties’ roller-skating disco by trying out their skating rink!

Take a break from those heels and get your groove on in those wheels.

Roller skating remains a favorite throughout the decades.

This is just one of the many things you and your family can take part in when you visit Wichita Falls.

Explore Lake Wichita Park

View of the Lake Wichita Park

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lake Wichita is a reservoir located 7.7 miles southwest of downtown Wichita Falls.

Lake Wichita Park, located on the shores north of the lake, offers some of the best outdoor recreation activities in Wichita Falls.

At 234 acres, this park is massive, and it maximizes its space well with everything you can do here.

Wichita Falls Park features a 2.6-mile hiking and biking trail, which is a popular attraction for locals and visitors looking to break a sweat while taking in the beauty of the great outdoors.

The trail starts at the park’s south end on Fairway Avenue and continues northward, ending at Lucy Park.

Wichita Falls Park also provides a large picnic shelter with up to 10 rentable picnic tables.

There’s also a playground for kids and several sports facilities including 2 light softball fields, 3 football fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

The park also has a dog park, boat ramp, and several fishing piers.

The park is excellent for families and groups to gather for fun and recreation.

Admission to the park is free and open from dawn until dusk.

Learn How to Swivel at Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre

The Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre is a local ballet company that offers a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works.

Founded in 1983, the company has become a cultural staple of Wichita Falls and the surrounding area.

The theater provides a platform for professional and amateur dancers to showcase their talents and inspire audiences with the beauty of ballet.

The company’s productions are staged in the intimate and historic setting of the Memorial Auditorium, allowing audiences to experience the art form up close and personal.

The Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre also offers classes for those interested in learning ballet.

Classes range from beginner to advanced, allowing students to learn proper techniques, various steps, and useful techniques.

Whether you’re a seasoned ballet enthusiast or new to the world of dance, a performance by the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre will leave a lasting impression.

Check their website for upcoming shows and ticket information, and experience the magic of ballet for yourself.

Support Local Vendors at the Wichita Falls Farmers Market

Outside view of Wichita Falls Farmers Market

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wichita Falls Farmers Market is a bustling open-air market that offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more.

Located in downtown Wichita Falls, the market is a popular destination for locals and visitors looking for fresh and locally-sourced items.

Shoppers can find various vendors selling various products, including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, jams, and more.

In addition to food and artisanal crafts, the market hosts live music and other events throughout the season, making it a lively and fun atmosphere.

The market opens once a week during Saturdays, so be sure to plan ahead!

Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or just want to experience the vibrant energy of the local folks, the Wichita Falls Farmers Market is a must-visit destination when in town.

Get Nostalgic at Maniac’s Mansion

Who says arcade games are out of style? Maniac’s Mansion Arcade is here to prove otherwise!

Maniac’s Mansion is a classic video arcade located in downtown Wichita Falls, offering a variety of arcade games for visitors to enjoy.

The arcade features a range of classic and modern games, including pinball machines, racing games, shooter games, and more.

Visitors can purchase tokens or use a card to play games, with prizes available to be won.

Maniac’s Mansion is a popular destination for families and groups, offering a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening in Wichita Falls.

The arcade is a nostalgic experience for those who grew up playing arcade games and is also a great way to introduce younger generations to the fun of classic arcade gaming.

Whether you’re a seasoned arcade gamer or just looking for a fun way to spend some time in Wichita Falls, check out Maniac’s Mansion.

Check Out Some Hot Rides at P’s Crazy Car Museum

If you love classic vehicles, you’ll want to check out P’s Crazy Car Museum.

P’s Crazy Car Museum is a unique and quirky museum featuring a collection of over 40 vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

After collecting cars for over 30 years, the museum’s owner decided to showcase his massive collection in the heart of downtown Wichita Falls.

The collection features a range of classic and rare vehicles, including a 1967 Shelby Mustang, a 1969 Excalibur SS Phaeton, and a 1938 Ford V8.

In addition to the cars, the museum also features a variety of automotive memorabilia, including signs, gas pumps, and license plates.

Some of these vehicles are up for sale; visitors can even take a test drive if they want to purchase one.

P’s Crazy Car Museum is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and anyone interested in vintage vehicles.

With its unique collection and friendly staff, the museum offers a fun and memorable experience for visitors to Wichita Falls.

Final Thoughts

Reward yourself with a little break from the hustle and bustle of the city and have a little retreat with your family or simply with yourself.

Whichever you choose, there’s always a place to visit just within the country.

You don’t have to worry about traveling internationally if you’re not ready for that huge commitment.

Neighboring cities have hidden gems that you can visit without having to spend a lot.

Sometimes simple getaways are satisfying enough for that weary soul.

It is a proven fact that traveling helps the stress away.

Experience new places, meet new people and learn about the culture.

There is no other greater food for the soul than that.

Traveling once a month isn’t so bad, as long as you prepare for that adventure.

It’s good that there are sites or blogs to help you decide where to go or help you build your own itinerary.

So, why not go for it?

Pack your bags and book the next trip to Wichita Falls.

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