Local Area

Wichita Falls
The city got its name from a Wichita Indian encampment near a small waterfall along the Wichita River. Wichita Falls' history can be traced back to the 1860s when the vast, grass-rich prairies and ample water supply drew settlers to the area. Early city fathers brought the railroad to town and began building man-made lakes to increase the usable water supply. The growth of agriculture, as well as the city's location as a railroad hub, contributed to the community's early growth and status as the area's commercial center. By 1918, the oil boom was upon the area and thousands poured into the city seeking wealth and fame from the oil-rich lands. Within 10 years, the population grew from 8,500 to 40,000. A wide variety of business and industry developed on the periphery of the oil industry. This laid the foundation for the city's diverse economy. In the 1940s, Sheppard was established and quickly became a significant part of Wichita Falls' economy and culture.

The Waterfall
The original waterfall on the Wichita River was washed away in a disastrous flood in 1886. In 1987, the dream to replace the city's namesake became a reality when the falls were returned to the city. In 1986, the people of Wichita Falls decided the city needed a waterfall and raised half the cost from private donations. Today's falls are adjacent to Interstate 44, just south of the Texas Tourist Bureau. The completed 54-foot waterfall is a multi-tiered cascade on the south bank of the river and is the centerpiece of a trail system that winds through nearby Lucy Park and along the banks of the Wichita River. There is a footbridge at the base of the falls, railed observation areas and paths to the top of the falls.

Location and Climate
The city, at 946 feet above sea level, is 52.6 square miles and is located in the cross-timbers section of the North Central Plains of Texas. Wichita Falls is 15 miles south of the Red River/Oklahoma border and is equal distance from Dallas and Oklahoma City, approximately 125 miles. Wichita Falls' transportation system includes Interstate 44, U.S. 287 and U.S. 277, rail service and a municipal airport. The climate of Wichita Falls is classified as continental. The city has a mean number of 153 clear days per year, 93 partly cloudy days and 119 cloudy days. Temperatures reach a daily high of 90 degrees or above on 105 days per year, while temperatures fall to a low of 32 degrees or below on 67 days per year. Sub-zero temperatures occur only about once every five years. Normal high temperature is measured at 75.2 degrees while the normal low is 50.8 degrees. Normal winds are southerly at 11.3 mph. Rainfall averages 28.9 inches, more than 75 percent of the annual moisture occurs from late March to mid-November, but dry periods of three to four weeks can be expected during this time almost every year.

Housing
During 2006, more than 2,060 homes were sold at an average $110,000. More than 3,590 homes were listed for sale during 2006. There are more than 180 subdivisions with homes in many styles from zero-lot-lines to sprawling country estates. More than 54 apartment complexes offer renters the latest in amenities and services. For senior citizens, there are 17 facilities offering a full range of care from assisted living to convalescent care and full-service retirement communities.

Religious Community
Wichita Falls has a large spiritual community with churches from most religious affiliations. In addition, religious organizations near Midwestern State University's campus provide fellowships and participate in a variety of community activities both on and off campus.

Shopping
Wichita Falls serves northern Texas and southern Oklahoma as a major regional trade center. There are 17 major shopping centers in Wichita Falls, including a three-anchor, 90-merchant mall. Specialty retailers such as antique dealers, southwestern apparel and jewelry and arts and craft malls provide shoppers with many choices.

Transportation
The city provides bus services to and from several downtown locations and Sheppard, Monday through Saturday. Express bus service is also available to all major shopping and recreational centers in the city. This service runs Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight. Sunday express service runs 12:15 though 9 p.m. For more information, call (940) 761-7433.

Places to Go and Things to Do
There are many opportunities for fun, relaxation and entertainment in the area. Activities include rodeos, the symphony, picnics and concerts in the park, tours of the Kell House and visits to the museum. For the thespian, the Backdoor Theater offers an opportunity to enjoy quality Community Theater.

Sports and Recreation
The Dallas Cowboys (football), Texas Rangers (baseball) and Dallas Mavericks (basketball) teams are only 140 miles to the southeast. The 82nd Force Support Squadron's Outdoor Recreation office offers individual tickets and group tours to most home games. Wichita Falls operates two public tennis centers with a total of 21 lighted courts, located in Hamilton and Weeks parks. The city boasts more than 40 parks. Lucy Park, a 167-acre wooded public park bordered by the Wichita River, features two large picnic pavilions, a log cabin and picnic tables. There are three playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, a duck pond, a swinging bridge, a Japanese pagoda, turf and flora exhibits and a canoe ramp. Trails lead from Lucy Park along the Wichita River to the waterfall.

Lake Arrowhead State Park
Lake Arrowhead State Park is 10 miles southeast of Wichita Falls and offers more than 500 acres of parkland on the banks. Visitors can swim, water ski, fish, picnic or camp. The lake provides an interesting sight, with large oil derricks protruding from the water. A year-round concession offers bait, fishing tackle and provisions.

Wichita Falls Museum and Art Center
Art, science and history exhibits change monthly. Weekend planetarium shows begin Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, 3:30 p.m. An auditorium serves as a classroom for numerous art classes and offers movies and space for other special events.

Wichita Falls Memorial Auditorium
The Wichita Falls Memorial Auditorium is located downtown, has a seating capacity of more than 2,700, and is the setting for more than 80 events each year. Performances range from the Symphony Orchestra to the Ballet Theater to top-name country artists in concert.

The Kell House
The Kell House was built in 1909 by Frank Kell, one of the city's founders, and is recognized as a Texas Historical Landmark. It also is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been carefully preserved with original furnishings. It is open for public tours Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays; special group tours can be arranged for other times. The house is located at 900 Bluff Ave. For more information, call (940) 723-0623.

The Littlest Skyscraper
This unique structure holds the distinction of being the smallest "skyscraper" in the world, standing four stories tall. It has no doors or windows, bears a street address that no longer exists and overlooks an alley. Local legend favors the theory that the building was a boondoggle, the cornerstone of a $200,000 stock swindle during the early days of the Texas oil boom in nearby Burkburnett. It is at the corner of LaSalle Alley and 7th Street.

The Sheppard Heritage Center
The Heritage Center is the original Wichita Falls Municipal Airport terminal building. It's designated as Building 2130. The terminal was constructed in 1928 and was dedicated as a Texas Historical Landmark in November 1981. In December 1991, it became a city landmark. Today, the building houses the 82nd Training Wing History Office.

The Plex Entertainment Center
The Plex Entertainment Center on Southwest Parkway features two world class 18-hole miniature golf courses, Indy style go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, a video and redemption arcade, a separate kiddie area with games and rides a laser tag arena. The complex also has a pizza/burger restaurant and private party rooms. For more information, call (940) 696-1222.

Special Events
Many special events take place in Wichita Falls each year. To name only a few:
Red River Rodeo and Parade This event is held each June at the Wichita County Mounted Patrol Arena. It includes sports professional circuit rodeo with traditional attractions, including an old-fashioned parade.

Texas Ranch Roundup
August brings top cowboys from the largest and best ranches to engage in a tradition spot-lighting Texas ranch life to its fullest. A ranch cooking contest and craft show is also part of this spectacular event.

Hotter'N Hell Hundred Bicycle Race and USCF Road Race
Held in August this event is the largest sanctioned bicycle ride in the nation. It brings cyclists of all ages and abilities from around the world to participate in this three-day event, which includes an outdoor festival and trade show.

Falls Fest
September includes a citywide festival held in Lucy Park. Entertainment includes concerts, special events, games, food and drinks and a craft show.

Christmas Magic
Each November features a festive arts and craft show sponsored by the Junior League.

Hangar Holiday
A local favorite held annually in November hosted by the Sheppard Officers' Spouses Club. The public is welcome to this two-day craft bazaar in Hangar 1045. More than 220 vendors and 13,000 shoppers attend the event annually. Proceeds from Hangar Holiday go to educational scholarships for military dependents and various base and local charities. For more information, visit http://www.hangarholiday.org.

Fantasy of Lights
This spectacular exhibit at Midwestern State University delights around 250,000 spectators in December.

Burkburnett
A town lot sale conducted by J. A. Kemp and Frank Kell in 1907 marked the official beginning of Burkburnett. Later it became world-famous for its gigantic oil boom. Oil flowed for the first time on July 1, 1912. The beginning of one of the greatest oil booms in American history actually began July 29, 1918. The oil-crazed days were dramatized in story and song, and Burkburnett later became the subject of a Clark Gable/Spencer Tracy movie, "Boomtown." In every aspect, Burkburnett is a progressive community. It looks to the future as well as to its historic and colorful past. The community continues to be known as "Boomtown, USA, Gateway to Texas." Three neighborhood parks are centrally located and River Creek Municipal Park is five miles southeast of town. It has one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the area. The riding enthusiast will find an excellent arena on Kelly. The city and school system operates in maintaining four-lighted multipurpose recreation fields and eight lighted tennis courts. An all-weather track annually hosts high school competitors and is regularly used by private groups and exercisers. The municipal pool is open from June to August.

Trails and Tales of Boomtown
Trails and Tales of Boomtown, USA, is sponsored by the Burkburnett Chamber of Commerce from April to October, and features an l.5 hour narrated bus tour of this historic town. Groups of eight or more should call ahead for reservations. Private tours for 30 or more are also available. The bus leaves from the chamber office at 412 Avenue C. For more information, call (940) 569-3304.

Iowa Park
Iowa Park is centrally located in Wichita County. Because of the county's excellent highway system, Iowa Park is a quick drive Sheppard and Wichita Falls. Iowa Park celebrated its centennial in 1988. Having been founded by settlers from Iowa, the community has 12 parks, as its name implies. Gordon Lake, dominating Oscar Park, is readily visible from U.S. Highway 287 when entering town. Two additional city-owned lakes to the west provide boating, fishing and hunting opportunities. The community is home to a number of churches, businesses and an exceptional school system. Iowa Park is a family-oriented community with a relaxed atmosphere for family living.

Area Education Options
Midwestern State University
Nearly 6,000 students take advantage of the academic excellence each semester at MSU. Midwestern offers sound educational preparation for future careers through 39 undergraduate and 21 graduate degree programs, such as business administration, fine arts, education and engineering. The 170-acre campus includes a science center, physical education facility, fine arts center and one of the most attractive campuses in the state. A member of the National Association of Inter-collegiate Athletes, Midwestern competes in a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and volleyball.

Vernon College
Vernon College is an accredited comprehensive community college where the focus is on extending educational opportunities to the widest range of students. Since 1975, VC has offered workforce programs and academic courses at Sheppard designed with military, base-related and civilian adult working students in mind. Two other VC instructional locations are located approximately 10 miles from Sheppard. The VC Century City Center offers credit and continuing education courses including a variety of allied health, computer information systems, protective services, office technology and child development courses. The VC Skills Training Center offers a wide array of industrial technology, FAA A&P certified aircraft maintenance program and HVAC courses. Counseling and testing services are available.

Public Schools
Four school districts serve the local area: Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park and City View. To enroll in Texas schools, kindergarten students must be five years old, and first grade students must be 6 years old on or before Sept. 1. Birth certificate and current immunization records to register.  read more...

---