In Wichita Falls, options range from city parks and trails along the water to museums, nature destinations and seasonal harvests. Trails vary in length and route; cultural destinations focus on art and the history of North Texas.
Parks and Trails in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls’ municipal park system includes 37 parks. The city parks offer opportunities for walking, jogging, fishing and cycling. Lucy Park, at 178 acres, is a regional park in the center of the city, set in a bend of the Wichita River. Large pecan and cottonwood trees, along with a pond for waterfowl, are among its distinctive landscape features.
The trails have different layouts to suit your route: a 1.7-mile concrete trail loops around Lucy Park. Lake Wichita Park covers 234 acres on the north shore of Lake Wichita. Its 2.6-mile concrete trail is intended for hiking and cycling and continues north to Lucy Park. Lake Wichita Park also has an off-leash area for dogs.
At 258 acres, Weeks Park is the city’s largest park. A three-mile concrete trail for hiking and cycling runs along Holliday Creek at its eastern edge. The three trails differ not only in length: the Lucy Park trail loops around the park, the Lake Wichita trail continues north to Lucy Park, and the Weeks Park trail follows Holliday Creek.
Art, Nature and History
The Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University has five galleries, a community art studio, event spaces and an outdoor pavilion. The museum grounds at Sikes Lake also feature outdoor sculptures and a paved trail along the lake. Art, sculptures and the lakeside setting are different aspects of the same place.
Other nature attractions offer different highlights: the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a 7,000-square-foot, climate-controlled nature lab. The River Bend Nature Center encompasses more than 18 acres of bottomland forest and wetlands. Golf enthusiasts will find an 18-hole course with more than 7,300 yards of golf at the Champions Course at Weeks Park.
The Museum of North Texas History offers insights into the people, events, industries and cultures that have shaped North Texas over generations. Free parking is available downtown for the main museum. Another exhibit, the Jenny to Jet Exhibit, is located at Wichita Falls Regional Airport, 4000 Armstrong Drive.
Waterfall and Seasonal Experiences
The Falls is a man-made, 54-foot waterfall with a multi-tiered cascade on the south bank of the Wichita River. A concrete trail leads there from parking areas within Lucy Park; the round trip is about one mile. The waterfall will remain out of operation indefinitely while preservation work is underway, but access to the trail remains open and safe. As this status may change, check the city’s latest notice before visiting.
The King’s Good Vineyard and Berry Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit: strawberries from April through June and blackberries from June through July. The café and market serve lunch as well as strawberry and blackberry desserts. If you plan to pick your own, it’s best to check the specific dates in advance.
Explore more destinations: Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Hays, Eastland County, Angelina County, Delta County, Lubbock, Hidalgo.
For the broader travel overview: Texas.
