If you’ve heard of one attraction in Wichita Falls, it’s probably that famous waterfall. If you’ve heard of two, the second is probably the “World’s Littlest Skyscraper”, which visitors seem to quickly note is both one of the best things to do in Wichita Falls and a bit of a disappointment.
As someone who has long been obsessed with visiting quirky and sometimes downright weird roadside attractions in Texas, this description of one of Texas’ northernmost cities has long had it on my “to-be-visited” list.
After visiting Wichita Falls–and that tiny skyscraper–as a family, we walked away glad to have seen this quirky former-boom town for ourselves.
Here’s what to do in Wichita Falls, Texas, from the unusual to lovely!
The Best Things to Do in Wichita Falls, Texas
Stop by “The Falls” in Wichita Falls.
Ever wondered if the city of Wichita Falls has, you know, an actual waterfall?
It absolutely does, and yes, the city was technically named in honor of it!
There’s a bit more to the story than that–we go into it more in this blog post–but long story short, today you can pull off I-44 and visit a 54-foot waterfall on the edge of Lucy Park (you can also glimpse it as you drive by on the highway, but it’s much more fun to stop).
The Falls are free to visit and quick to see, and checking them out is easily one of the best things to do in Wichita Falls.
Explore Lucy Park.
Stretching across 178 acres and lined by the Wichita River on one side, Lucy Park is Wichita Falls’ premier park, and includes everything from trails to playgrounds (a hit with our son) to volleyball courts to a swimming pool, among many other things.
It’s also primarily shaded, a big benefit when relaxing outside during most of the year in North Texas!
The Falls are located on the edge of the park, so most visitors to the city will end up stopping by at least briefly–but for those of us traveling with kids or who just want to take advantage of a walking/running/biking trail, it’s worth spending a bit more time there.
… and the River Bend Nature Center.
Located right next to Lucy Park, the River Bend Nature Center has a simple mission: to “connect people to the natural environment of Texas.”
Featuring everything from nature trails to a Children’s Garden to a butterfly conservatory, it’s a fantastic stop for nature lovers of all ages.
You can check hours, ticket information, and exhibit updates here.
Stop by the Museum of North Texas History.
For a fascinating museum that covers a little bit of everything local, stop by the Museum of North Texas History!
Rodeo, the days of the Wild West, tornadoes, the oil boom, WWII contributions made by locals, and historical children’s toys (including some that us adults may have played with growing up) are just some of the many topics covered here.
My favorite exhibit was the Iron Lung on display in one room. A fascinating, sobering, and very important piece of medical equipment, this museum visit was my first time seeing one in person (and I’ve visited literally hundreds of museums spread across more than 50 countries and most US states).
Our toddler’s favorite exhibit was the kids’ room featuring toys and interactive pieces, of course!
Tickets are $5/adult, you can check opening hours and pricing updates on their website.
The Jenny to Jet Exhibit located at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport is also part of this museum, free to visit, and well worth taking a look at if you happen to be going to the airport!
Pay a somewhat odd visit to the quirky “World’s Littlest Skyscraper”.
The thing you need to know to make sense of the World’s Littlest Skyscraper is that it was a scam.
In the early 20th century, a fellow named JD McMahon went around collecting investors for his new Wichita Falls “skyscraper”, which in theory soared 40 stories into the air.
… Try 4 stories. Tiny stories. Ridiculously proportioned, at that. McMahon collected money for a skyscraper that was built to the square inch, rather than the square foot.
You can read the full local tale here, but the end is simple: he disappeared with who-knows-how-much money and got away with it, and in 2025, you can find a neat tourist sign denoting the “World’s Littlest Skyscraper” on a derelict street at the edge of downtown.
As far as roadside attractions go, it’s certainly amusing (more so if you know the backstory)–just don’t expect to spend longer than 3 minutes or so visiting it.
… and while you’re at it, see the self-proclaimed Largest Shovel in Texas.
When I was planning our trip to Wichita Falls and saw that the “Largest Shovel in Texas” was said to be there, my first thought was a double take–because we had already visited the “World’s Largest Shovel” in Creedmor when en route to Lockhart for some barbecue a few years back.
Was this the same shovel? Nope!
While the Creedmor shovel might have been bigger (it’s more than 40 feet high, and while I can’t find any official measurements for the Wichita Falls shovel, I don’t think it was as big), the Wichita Falls shovel definitely still qualifies as giant!
Located in a gravel parking lot off of Highway 281, it’s an easy, fun roadside stop that doesn’t take more than a minute to see.
Visit the Wichita Falls Museum of Art.
Located on the Midwestern University Campus, the Wichita Falls Museum of Art offers an expansive collection that features primarily American artists (including some very famous names like Andy Warhol).
The museum is free to visit, though a donation of $5 per adult is suggested.
You can check hours and current rotating programs and exhibitions (they do a lot of them!) here.
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Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stroll across the Ohio Street Bridge (and train-watch while you’re there).
Once a vehicle bridge and today a pedestrian walkway over the Wichita River, the Ohio Street Bridge has roots in the late 19th century, though the current structure dates to the early 20th century.
In other words, it’s about as old as Wichita Falls itself!
If you’re already nearby visiting the Wee-Chi-Tah Monument, it’s worth pausing to take a look at the river, and–most important to my son–watch the freight trains pass by on the next bridge over, if you’re lucky enough to spot one!
Check out the Wee-Chi-Tah Monument.
Located right by the Ohio Street Bridge, this beautiful statue depicts (part of) the legendary naming of Wichita Falls.
As the story goes, a Comanche family was crossing the river, and a woman stepped into the water to test its depth.
She replied “Wee-Chi-Tah”, which translates to waist deep–and clearly, the name stuck.
The statue doesn’t take long to see, but it is detailed and beautiful!
Get your adrenaline pumping on the Wee-Chi-Tah Off-Road Trail.
The area by the Ohio Street Bridge and Wee-Chi-Tah Monument has one more point of interest in the immediate vicinity: an entrance to the famous Wee-Chi-Tah Off-Road Trail!
Considered the top urban off-road mountain biking trail in Texas, the Wee-Chi-Tah Off-Road Trail stretches for 13 miles of exciting riding.
If you’re particularly enthusiastic about trying it out, you may even want to plan an August trip to Wichita Falls for the Hotter n’ Hell 100 Race–which when considering the typical weather during the summer in Wichita Falls, won’t have a hard time living up to its name!
Tour the Kell House Museum.
Built in 1909 by Frank Kell and occupied by his family until 1980, the Kell House is emblematic of Wichita Falls: designed by local architects and housing original furniture, this is exactly the kind of house museum history buffs like me hope to find when traveling!
Like many smaller local house museums, the Kell House Museum has limited hours, but tours are offered regularly.
I recommend checking their Facebook page (which lists their hours and is regularly updated) and possibly calling to confirm availability before driving over.
Cool off at Castaway Cove Water Park.
Looking for a place to cool off during the heat of the day?
Wichita Falls’ own Castaway Cove Water Park offers all the classics, from adrenaline-pumping waterslides to wave pools to a lazy river perfect for relaxing.
Castaway Cove is open seasonally, with limited hours during the spring/early fall and daily opening hours during the summer.
You can check hours, prices, and park policies here.
Browse for local food at the Wichita Falls Farmers Market(s).
Considering that the city of Wichita Falls sprang into existence explicitly for farmers and ranchers to be able to better get their goods to market, it may not be much of a surprise that Wichita Falls is home to not one, but two farmers’ markets!
While the 2 markets exist because of a local dispute regarding the original venue, the shift means shoppers have more space to explore.
The Wichita Falls Farmers Market on Austin Street is open on Saturdays year-round, plus has Tuesday hours from May – September.
The Downtown Wichita Falls Farmers Market (located a handful of blocks away on Ohio Avenue) is open every Saturday.
Head over to Lake Arrowhead State Park.
Located just 20 minutes south of Wichita Falls, Lake Arrowhead State Park is the area’s go-to spot for fishing–and it offers great swimming birding, and hiking, too!
With more than 5 miles of trails, plus picnic areas, boat ramps, and campsites, Lake Arrowhead makes a great day trip from Wichita Falls, or a great base for RVers who want to explore the best things to do in the city while retreating to the peace and quiet of nature overnight.
Day-use fees are $4 per visitor ages 12 and up, and you can find more details about fees and reservations here.
Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where is Wichita Falls, TX? (+ What’s Nearby?)
Wichita Falls is located just off I-44 in North Central Texas, just south of the Oklahoma border.
It’s about an hour and 45 minutes (115 miles) northwest of Fort Worth, or a little over 3 hours (210 miles) east of Lubbock.
