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.
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.
Symphony Orchestra and Ballet, 1300 Lamar St, 33.905798°, -98.489554°, +1 940 723-6202.
Wichita Theatre Performing Arts Center, 919 Indiana Ave, 33.911409°, -98.489968°, +1 940 723-9037. A historic community localle since 1908. The theater features mainstream musical and drama productions. Their website lists an upcoming production calendar.
Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University, 2 Eureka Cir, 33.869264°, -98.524954°, +1 940 397-8900.
Museum of North Texas History, 720 Indiana Ave, 33.912966°, -98.491254°, +1 940 322-7628.
Sheppard Air Force Base, 1810 J Ave, 33.9889°, -98.4919°, +1 940-676-7441. 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. 2020-11-10
WWI & Call Field Museum, Jacksboro Hwy.
Historic Kell House Museum, 900 Bluff St, 33.9074°, -98.497°, +1 940-723-2712. 2020-11-10
The World's Littlest Skyscraper, 701 La Salle, 33.91438°, -98.48978°, +1 940-761-9955. An architectural curiosity 40 feet tall with a 118 square foot base with a big claim for itself.
Wichita Falls, 33.9132701°, -98.5066534°. A recreation of the tumbly little cascade after which the town was named. You can see it from the southbound approach on I-44 or alternatively hike to it from a small parking area just west of the Broad Street underpass with I-44 (remember to secure belongings).
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).
There is a full throughout the year.
Annual events include:
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.
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.
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