Things to Do in Wichita Falls: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Wichita Falls is a North Texas city near the Oklahoma border, known for its man-made waterfall that replaced the original falls washed away in 1886, a downtown with the tiny Newby-McMahon "skyscraper" and a long trail circling the city. The Wichita Mountains and their bison are an easy day trip.
This guide covers the best things to do in Wichita Falls, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Lake Arrowhead and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls
The rebuilt waterfall on the river.
Circle Trail
A paved loop around the city.
Lucy Park
Duck pond and suspension bridge.
Newby-McMahon Building
The world's littlest skyscraper.
River Bend Nature Center
Butterfly conservatory and trails.
Lake Wichita Park
Lakeside paths and sunsets.
Kemp Center for the Arts
Galleries in a historic mansion.
Downtown
Murals and depot square.
Wichita Falls in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Falls and Lucy Park
Start at the Wichita Falls waterfall, best seen from the Lucy Park side of the river, then walk across the suspension bridge and around the duck pond. Have lunch downtown. In the afternoon stroll Depot Square, look for the murals and visit the Newby-McMahon Building, a four-story oil-boom curiosity. End with a steak dinner.
2Day 2 · Circle Trail and nature
Rent a bike and ride a section of the Circle Trail along the Wichita River. Have a picnic in a city park. In the afternoon visit the River Bend Nature Center with its butterfly conservatory and short trails, then watch the sunset at Lake Wichita Park.
3Day 3 · Art and museums
Visit the Kemp Center for the Arts and the Museum of North Texas History in the morning. Have lunch at a local café. In the afternoon explore the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum or the farmers market, and finish with live music or a game at a local brewery.
Wichita Falls in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Lake Arrowhead
Drive to Lake Arrowhead State Park for fishing, kayaking and a prairie-dog town by the water. Have a picnic lunch on the shore, look for birds in the afternoon and return to the city for dinner.
5Day 5 · Wichita Mountains
Cross into Oklahoma for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, where bison and longhorn roam. Drive up Mount Scott, hike to a granite viewpoint, eat a burger at Meers and return in the evening.
Wichita Falls in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Fort Sill and Lawton
Visit the Fort Sill museums and the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton, with exhibits on the Comanche and Kiowa nations. Have lunch in Lawton and return through the plains in the late afternoon.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast downtown, pick up Texas pecans, local crafts and a souvenir from Depot Square, and enjoy a farewell lunch. Wichita Falls Regional Airport is ten minutes from downtown, and Dallas–Fort Worth is about two hours away.
What to do in Wichita Falls on a weekend
For a weekend in Wichita Falls, combine the falls, Lucy Park, downtown and Lake Wichita.
Add the Wichita Mountains with a third day.
What to do in Wichita Falls in the evening
Evenings mean brewery taprooms, live music downtown, sunsets at Lake Wichita and Texas steakhouses.
Hotter months bring outdoor concerts.
Wichita Falls for couples
Couples will enjoy sunset at Lake Wichita, a drive up Mount Scott and dinner at a steakhouse.
Wichita Falls with kids
With kids, try Lucy Park's duck pond, the butterfly conservatory, prairie dogs at Lake Arrowhead and bison in the Wichita Mountains.
What to eat in Wichita Falls
Chicken-fried steak
A Texas staple.
Barbecue
Brisket and ribs.
Tex-Mex
Fajitas and queso.
Pecan pie
Made with local nuts.
Meers burger
Longhorn beef in Oklahoma.
Where to stay in Wichita Falls: best areas
Downtown
Close to the falls.
Kemp Boulevard
Chain hotels.
Lake Wichita
Quiet area.
Lawton
For the mountains.
What to do in Wichita Falls when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Kemp Center, the Museum of North Texas History, the railroad museum or the butterfly conservatory.
How much does a trip to Wichita Falls cost?
Expect $90–160 per night, $12–25 for lunch and free entry to most parks.
Practical tips for Wichita Falls
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November.
Getting around
By car; bikes for the Circle Trail.
Our practical tips
- Visit the falls in the morning light.
- Bring water in summer.
- Drive slowly in the refuge.
- Keep distance from bison.
- Check Circle Trail sections.
- Watch the storm forecast in spring.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hiking at midday in summer.
- Approaching bison.
- Ignoring tornado warnings.
- Expecting the original falls.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Wichita Falls?
See the falls, walk Lucy Park and visit the littlest skyscraper.
How many days do you need?
Two days, a week with the region.
Are the falls natural?
No, they were rebuilt in 1987.
How far is Dallas?
About two hours by car.