General-
 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.
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