Exploring the Major Landmarks of Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls, Texas is a city with a rich history and many unique landmarks worth visiting. Located along the Wichita River in north central Texas near the Oklahoma border, this city of about 104,000 residents has plenty to see and do. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the major landmarks that help define Wichita Falls.

Wichita Falls Municipal Auditorium

One of the most iconic buildings in Wichita Falls is the Municipal Auditorium located downtown. Built in Memorial Auditorium in 1922, this historic performing arts venue has a striking exterior featuring six large concrete pillars at the entrance. Inside, the auditorium has 1,750 seats and has hosted concerts, Broadway shows, sporting events and more over the decades. Some famous performers who have graced the stage include Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson and Louis Armstrong.

Today, the auditorium continues to host arts and civic events year-round, including symphonies, ballets, Broadway shows and graduations. This stately venue truly is a landmark of Wichita Falls.

Location: 1300 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Lucy Park

No trip to Wichita Falls is complete without a stroll through the lush greenery of Lucy Park. This public park opened in 1909 and encompasses 47 acres along the Wichita River just north of downtown. It was named after the daughter of businessman Joseph A. Kemp, who originally owned the land.

Some highlights of Lucy Park include:

• Rose Garden: This beautiful garden features over 3,000 rose bushes representing over 90 varieties. It explodes with color in the spring and fall.
• Wichita Falls Gazebo: This white gazebo on the riverbank provides picturesque views of the park and water.
• Kemp Center for the Arts: Located right next to the park, this arts center houses an 1,800-seat theater, classrooms and art galleries.
• Playgrounds and Sports Facilities: Lucy Park has multiple playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball pits and a skate park.

With so much natural beauty and amenities, it’s easy to spend hours in Lucy Park exploring, relaxing or being active. It’s definitely one of the top landmarks in Wichita Falls.

Location: Between 9th Street and Wichita Street along Museum Place, Wichita Falls, TX

The Falls

Wichita Falls gets half its name from the waterfall on the Wichita River that runs right through the city. Though not large, the cascading falls are a significant landmark and neat to see up close.

Located in Lucy Park, the iconic falls tumble over a small dam just a few feet high. Visible from the pedestrian bridge or pathway along the river, the shallow falls make for great photos.

While the falls aren’t grand or powerful, they represent an important part of Wichita Falls’ local history and identity. The city was established around the falls in the late 1800s to power a local mill.

So if you want to see the actual “falls” in Wichita Falls, be sure to check them out during their flowing season in spring and early summer. They are most impressive after heavy rains.

Location: In Lucy Park adjacent to Wichita Street, Wichita Falls, TX

The Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University

For a dose of culture and art, visit the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University. This museum holds a renowned collection of contemporary Texas art including paintings, sculptures and prints.

Some of the highlights at the museum include:

• Works by famous Texas artists like Julian Onderdonk, Jerry Bywaters and Alexandre Hogue
• A growing collection of contemporary Latino art
• The Sculpture Garden displaying large-scale sculptures outdoors
• The Martin Atkins Photography Collection featuring 1,200 historic Texas photographs
• Special visiting exhibitions ranging from Latino art to cowboy culture

With free admission, this small but excellent art museum is a must-visit landmark in Wichita Falls for art lovers and visitors who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Don’t miss the gift shop filled with unique jewelry, art and gifts from local Texas artists as well.

Location: 3410 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308

The Forum

No list of Wichita Falls landmarks would be complete without the iconic Forum building located downtown. Built in 1917 as the Kemp Hotel, this historic 10-story property later operated as an office building.

Today, The Forum serves as a multipurpose events center hosting weddings, meetings, reunions and more. Some key features that make The Forum a landmark include:

• Striking historic architecture with a facade marked by columns and arches
• An elegant ballroom that can accommodate over 300 guests
• Meeting rooms and conference spaces
• A grand lobby featuring marble floors, carved railings and murals on the ceiling
• A prime downtown location next to the Wichita River

With its historic charm and event spaces, The Forum continues to be a hub for community gatherings in Wichita Falls today. It’s a photogenic icon representing the city’s long heritage.

Location: 713 Indiana Avenue, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

The Wichita Falls Public Library

The Wichita Falls Public Library system has been serving the city’s residents since 1904 with its main branch located downtown. This Collegiate Gothic-style building opened in 1960 and remains a top landmark today.

Some interesting facts about the downtown Wichita Falls Public Library include:

• Features a facade made of striking pink granite and limestone
• Home to over 10,000 square feet of public space spread over two floors
• Houses over 200,000 books, magazines, DVDs and more
• Provides free access to computers, WiFi, online resources, ebooks, classes and more
• Displays local art, including paintings from the Wichita Falls Art Association
• Recognized as a Texas Historical Building Medallion recipient in 2018

Whether you want to admire the architecture, access library resources or attend a class or event, the downtown public library is a must-see historic and cultural destination in Wichita Falls.

Location: 600 11th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

MPEC (Multi-Purpose Events Center)

If you’re looking to attend a concert, convention or athletic event during your visit to Wichita Falls, odds are it will be held at the MPEC. This large complex downtown is the city’s primary venue for major indoor events.

The MPEC encompasses several buildings including:

• Kay Yeager Coliseum: This arena seats up to 10,000 people for concerts, sports games and more. It is home to the Wichita Falls Force indoor football team.
• Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall: This 45,000 square foot hall hosts conventions, trade shows, conferences and banquets.
• Memorial Auditorium: Built in 1922, this historic 1,750-seat performing arts theater presents Broadway shows, concerts and special events.
• J.S. Bridwell Ag Center: Used for rodeos, horse shows and agriculture expos.

With its mix of historic and modern event spaces, the MPEC has been a major entertainment hub and landmark in Wichita Falls since opening in 1997. It attracts big names and big crowds year-round.

Location: 1000 5th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

The Littlest Skyscraper

One quirky landmark in Wichita Falls is known as the Littlest Skyscraper. Located at 701 LaSalle Street in downtown, this petite red brick building is only about 40 feet tall – far from an actual skyscraper!

So how did it get its ironic name? Back when it was built in 1919, a con man convinced investors it would be a much taller building. After running off with the money, he left the humiliated investors with this disappointingly small structure.

Despite its deceitful origin story, the Littlest Skyscraper is now celebrated in Wichita Falls. The current owner has decorated it with a miniature skyscraper topper complete with windows and a helicopter landing pad.

While only four stories, it has a unique charm that makes it one of the city’s most quirky and photographed landmarks. Visitors can’t miss snapping a selfie with this oddity during their Wichita Falls travels.

Location: 701 LaSalle Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Kell House Museum

History buffs will want to spend some time at the Kell House Museum operated by the Wichita County Heritage Society. This beautiful two-story home dates back to 1909 and provides a glimpse into life in early Wichita Falls.

Some features that make Kell House worth visiting include:

• One of the city’s best remaining examples of prairie-style residential architecture
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Period furnishings, clothing and artifacts transporting visitors back in time
• Displays shedding light on the Kell family who lived in the home until the 1960s
• Informative exhibits on the oil boom, clothing fashions and Wichita Falls history

With its peaceful gardens and immersive setting, the Kell House Museum provides a vintage oasis in the heart of the city. It’s a must for history lovers visiting Wichita Falls.

Location: 900 Bluff Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Frank and Joe’s Coffee Shop Sign

Long-time residents of Wichita Falls have a sweet nostalgia for Frank and Joe’s Coffee Shop. This beloved local diner closed in 1992 after over 60 years in business. While the restaurant is gone, the classic neon sign remains standing today as a landmark.

Visitors can check out the bright red and green sign along the east bank of the Wichita River along 9th Street downtown. While no longer illuminated at night, it makes for a fun photo opp and reminder of this joint’s place in Wichita Falls’ heritage.

Beyond just a sign, Frank and Joe’s continues to represent the city’s traditional culture and unite old-timers and newcomers alike. Though closed for 30 years now, this longtime diner lives on as an iconic symbol of Wichita Falls’ past.

Location: 920 9th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Pioneer Park & Cemetery

Wander back to the late 1800s with a visit to Pioneer Park and Cemetery located near downtown Wichita Falls. This quiet green space contains the graves of many city pioneers and prominent early residents.

Pioneer Park’s key landmarks include:

• Gravesites of Joseph Kemp and Frank Kell: These two businessmen were instrumental in founding and promoting Wichita Falls in its early days.
• Holt Cemetery: The oldest section of the graveyard named after early settler John H. Holt. Contains dozens of late 1800s headstones.
• Confederate Soldier Memorial: Granite monument installed in 1920 to honor Confederate vets buried in the cemetery.
• Grave of Wichita Falls’ First Sheriff: Headstone of W.H. Bates, killed in the line of duty in 1897.

With its old trees, historic headstones and monuments, Pioneer Park Cemetery offers a reflective look into Wichita Falls’ 19th century frontier past. It makes for an educational and scenic visit.

Location: Fifth and Bluff Streets, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Other Notable Landmarks

Beyond the major landmarks listed above, Wichita Falls has dozens of other points of interest that help define the city’s landscape. Here is a quick look at a few other icons.

• Wee-Chi-Tah Falls: Smaller waterfall along the Wichita River located in Lucy Park near the main falls.
• Fundome Comet Roller Coaster: Vintage wooden roller coaster at Fun Spot Amusement Park dating to 1958.
• Texas Motor Speedway: Major auto racing venue just north of the city that hosts NASCAR and IndyCar races.
• World’s Littlest Skyscraper Depot: Former train station downtown now containing exhibits about the Littlest Skyscraper.
• Kemp Center for the Arts: Sprawling downtown arts complex with a 1,795-seat theater, exhibit hall and classrooms.
• Midwestern State University: This four-year public university’s 268-acre campus is itself a Wichita Falls landmark established in 1922.
• Wichita Falls Fire Station #1: Historic downtown fire station still in operation featuring a decorative red brick facade.
• First Wichita Falls City Hall: Romanesque Revival building constructed in 1906 that formerly served as city hall.

Conclusion

From historic hotels and theaters to striking libraries and museums, Wichita Falls is filled with unique and memorable landmarks. These iconic attractions give locals pride and visitors places to marvel at and explore. When touring this north Texas city, be sure to see as many of these landmarks as possible to fully appreciate the culture and heritage of Wichita Falls.

Which landmarks are your favorites in the city? Let us know in the comments!