A getaway destination perched between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Wichita Falls once carried a moniker of “Factory City” for its plethora of wholesale outlets and factories. Today, it thrives as a family-friendly enclave of art, parks, antiques and museums.

Things to do

Visit the Museum of North Texas History, home to Western hats and exhibits on Native American tribes and the economic impact of the oil and gas industries. Visit the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum for a deep-dive into wrestling mania with rare photos, news clips and memorabilia.

Head to the Kemp Center for the Arts for an evening of performing and visual arts. Arrive early to roam its renowned sculpture garden with 18 sculptures created by local artists. You can also enjoy live Broadway-style musicals at Wichita Theatre, housed inside an Art Deco structure from 1908.

Americana is the star at Wichita Falls Brewing Company, which features American ales and lagers along with trivia nights and food-truck dining. Don’t miss seeing the “world’s smallest skyscraper” on LaSalle Street, which houses an antique and curiosity shop.

If you’re travelling with kids, stroll nature trails at River Bend Nature Center to reach Peyton’s Place butterfly enclosure. You can also feed ducks and geese at Lucy Park on the Wichita River or ride slides and relax in the wave pool or lazy river at Castaway Cove water park.

Getting around

The Wichita Falls Transit System provides bus transportation throughout the city, while taxis are also available. Rental cars are available at Wichita Falls Regional Airport, about a 10-minute drive away.