trn_visitors guide_2012

TRN252578

wwwWICHITAFALLSorg 2012 VISITORS GUIDE 1

HistoryFrom the Indians to the oilboom The Falls has a rich history

Find Family FunVisitors of all ages will fi nd plenty to keep them entertained

Find Your Inner ArtistFrom theatre and performing arts centers to some amazing sculptures the city is truly alive with the arts

Find Hidden TreasuresWhether or not yoursquore a his-tory buff you donrsquot want to miss these museums and historic landmarks and neighborhoods

Find NatureNature enthusiasts will fi nd many relaxing or bold ventures during their stay

Find Your Game FaceGolf tennis skateboarding hockey and more await you

CasinosFind your lucky streak with a quick trip across the river

Find Great NeighborsOur neighboring cities have some unique treasures all their own

References10 Important Numbers20 Accommodations21 WiFi Hot Spots25 Hike and Bike Trails Map26 City Map27 Dining Guide28 Shopping Guide32 Calendar of Events

Cover photo byJeanette VanDonge

3

4

6

11

14

18

36

44


Wichita County was organized in June of 1882 but there were visitors to this region well before that

Native Caddos Comanches Kiowas and Wichitas knew this region well for millennia before Spanish explorers hunters traders and adventurers of all sorts recorded trips through the wilds of what is now North Texas

Legend has it that the land that includes the original townsite of Wichita Falls was won in an 1837 poker game by JA Scott of Mississippi In 1876 Scottrsquos heirs had the townsite for Wichita Falls laid out and surveyed A great portion of that original townsite remains today exactly as JA Scott Jr (for whom Scott Avenue is named) had it surveyed

Over time in a fl urry of municipal activity and self-promotion interest in Wichita Falls steadily grew Schools were established churches set up and county offi cials appointed With the arrival of the Fort Worth amp Denver City Railroad in 1882 the townsite was formally opened for sale and Wichita Falls was made available to people from all over the country

The arrival of the railroad brought Wichita Falls to life and by 1883 1000 or more settlers were here In November of that year Wichita Falls became the offi cial county seat

of Wichita County By the early 1900s Wichita Falls was a bona fi de city

attracting nationwide attention Of course the townrsquos notorious saloon section featuring 21 less-than-wholesome establishments went a long way in establishing the cityrsquos slightly scandalous reputation and giving birth to the unsavory but colorful nickname ldquoWhiskey-Taw Fallsrdquo

The discovery of oil in North Texas touched off a new surge of interest in Wichita Falls Wildcatters and oil opera-tors fl ocked to the area hoping to bring in ldquothe big onerdquo

Wichita Falls Junior College was established in 1922 making the community one of the fi rst in the region to offer higher education Eventually the small college grew into Midwestern State University

In 1917 Wichita Falls was approved as the site of a two-squadron aviation training school Call Field The school evolved into Sheppard Air Force Base named for Sen Morris Sheppard who was instrumental in its procurement

Today with its major shopping centers government facilities medical institutions and numerous cultural and educational opportunities Wichita Falls proudly wears the prestige of being a major ldquohub centerrdquo for North Texas and Southern Oklahoma

Historyof Wichita Falls


THE KEMP CENTER FOR THE ARTS1300 Lamar 940-767-2787wwwkempcenterorg

Originally built in classic revival style as a public library in 1917 The Kemp Center for the Arts is the center of the art community in the Wichita Falls area Both permanent and rotating art are exhibited in the NorthLight Gallery West End Studio Gallery and Whatrsquos Up Downstairs Gallery The Art on the Green Sculpture Garden is an oasis in downtown Wichita Falls This outdoor garden features eight permanent exhibits and 10 sculptures that are ldquoinvitedrdquo to spend a year on the grounds of the Kemp Center Changed out each May the invitational sculpture exhibit brings renewed vitality and interest to the grounds as well as the opportunity for the community and visitors alike to enjoy sculptures from a variety of artists and cultures Guided tours of the Kemp Center for individuals or groups may be arranged Annual events include Arts Alive Home amp Garden Show and Art Affair on Kemp Square Open MonndashFri 9 am-5 pm Sat 10 am-4 pm Most activities are free

STOMPING GROUND STUDIOCall for directions 940-438-2330wwwstompinggroundstudiocom

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beauty of Jack Stevensrsquo work while here His bronze sculptures include the Wee-Chi-Tah one of Americarsquos largest sculptures that features the First Nation of America and the new Mustangs at MSU Jack invites visitors to his studio but he only asks that you call fi rst as hersquod hate to miss you when you come

STUDIO BRAZOS GALLERY2407 Kemp Blvd 940-322-3372wwwstudiobrazoscom

Bob Beckrsquos original artworks refl ect his fondness of the South and Southwest with subjects ranging from old

homesteads deep in the heart of Texas to old churches and pueblos in New Mexico to the majestic streams and mountains of Colorado His work is represented in galleries in Santa Fe Chimayo and Taos Open MonndashFri 10 am-5 pm Free Bob frequently travels so it is suggested that you call fi rst to ensure the gallery is open

WICHITA FALLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA1300 Lamar 940-723-6202wwwwfsoorg

In May of 1952 the fi rst full-time conductor a Hungarian refugee by the name of Erno Daniel took the podium and the following year the Wichita Falls Symphony League was formed In 1964 the symphony featured Van Cliburn as guest pianist The current conductor Dr Candler Schaffer of West Melbourne Florida presents a series of six subscription concerts in Memorial Auditorium each season The orchestra now employs about 70 professional musicians for its performances and annually features outstanding guest artists

THE WICHITA THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER919 Indiana Ave 940-723-9037wwwwichitatheatrecom

This designated historic landmark theatre fi rst opened in 1908 as a vaudeville and opera house welcoming tour shows to Wichita Falls From the rsquo40s through the rsquo70s it was a premier movie theatre Now completely restored to its full art deco appearance adding in a new lobby gift shop concession area and event space itrsquos a nonprofi t organization featuring Broadway-type musicals and the Encore Theatre 4 Kidz productions Celebrating its 104th Anniversary Season The Wichita Theatre offers year around entertainment suitable for the entire family

SculpturesStatuesamp Memorials


8 2012 VISITORS GUIDE wwwWICHITAFALLSorg

CRAPE MYRTLE9th and Broad Streets (Harold Jones Park)

As a work of public art it has seldom been appreciated When this 12-foot enamel-on-iron sculpture was commissioned to commemorate the cityrsquos centennial and installed in 1982 a furor arose over both the representation of the hearty North Texasrsquo Crape Myrtle and the New York artist chosen to do so Much of the local citizenry were unnerved by the statuersquos $100000 price tag though half of the money came from the National Endowment for the Arts with the other half from local taxes In time however this sculpture has become a shady place for visitors to sit and a cheerful place for children to play

GATES OF HERCULESTaft Boulevard and Nocona Trail (MSU Campus)

This impressive sculpture was completed in commemoration of MSUrsquos 75th Anniversary Each limestone block weighs 5000 pounds Created by Sandi Stein of Fairview Texas

HOTTER Nrsquo HELL HUNDRED CYCLISTSComanche Trail and CouncilDrive (MSU Campus)

Local artist Jack Stevens continues his tradition of leaving a legacy of beautiful art in our city with the Cyclists at MSU in honor of the Hotter Nrsquo Hell Hundred cycling event held here each August

LIBERTY BELLTaft and Hampstead(front lawn of Hardin Building on MSU Campus)

An exact replica of the Liberty Bell mdash from the inscriptions to the crack mdash was donated to Midwestern State University by community members Aurora and Phil Bolin The bell itself stands 42-316 inches high has a diameter of 44-12 inches and weighs 2050 pounds Cast in bronze this amazing piece was handcrafted by a company in France The 12000-pound display includes a large granite base and two plaques one of the Preamble of the US Constitution and the other of the Declaration of Independence

THE MUSTANGSCorner of Midwestern Parkway and Taft (MSU campus)

By local artist Jack Stevens Three larger-than-life-sized mustangs staged as ldquorunning wildrdquo are made of bronze

THE SUN WATCHERCouncil Drive and Wigwam Trail (MSU Campus)

Another of Jack Stevensrsquo phenomenal sculptures

WEE-CHI-TAH SCULPTURE500 block of Wichita St

By local artist Jack Stevens this is one of Americarsquos largest sculptures that features the First Nation of America This marvelous life-sized sculpture features a Comanche family crossing the Wichita River The actual legend of their crossing defi nes where Wichita got its name This multi-part artwork is of a woman her child two braves their horses and a colt set in the natural beauty of rock and fl owing water The woman is testing the riverrsquos depth as the legend tells and describes it is ldquowaist-deeprdquo which is how ldquowee-chi-tahrdquo is translated

LITTLE GIRL SCULPTUREHarrison at Monroe(Bridwell Park)

VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL4709 Barnett Road(Memorial Stadium)

WWI MEMORIAL1300 7th Street(Memorial Auditorium)

WWII WAR MEMORIAL900 7th Street(Wichita County Courthouse)


Hike amp Bike Trail System (See map on page 25)

WICHITA RIVER TRAILS

This trail system has 437 miles of connected trails stretching along the Wichita River from Lucy Park to Williams Park It is also connected to 155 miles of the Holliday Creek trails Starting in Lucy Park you can travel all the way to East Scott Street and back 128 miles roundtrip Along the way yoursquoll fi nd some of the most beautiful scenery in the city Wildlife such as white-tailed deer squirrels and all kinds of birds can often be seen Bridges are a consistent theme along the Wichita River Trails The railroad bridge that crosses the river near Scott Street is the oldest functional railroad bridge in the United States on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe system The ldquoWee-Chi-Tahrdquo sculpture can be seen across the river near the site of the original falls

HOLLIDAY CREEK TRAILS

This trail system stretches from Lake Wichita to Williams Park and follows Holliday Creek Trail goers whether biking skating skateboarding running or walking can presently travel from Lake Wichita Park to Hamilton Park (111 miles roundtrip) The trail starts again at Scott Street and stretches to Williams Park where it connects with the Wichita River Trail System Therersquos quite a view in all directions from atop the Lake Wichita spillway At the base therersquos a park-like area with vehicle parking Itrsquos a perfect place to start your adventure on the Holliday Creek Trails

Wichita MountainsFrom I-44 N take Highway 49 (exit 45) Go west 10 miles to the Refuge Gate580-429-3222wichitamountainsfwsgov

Less than an hourrsquos drive north of Wichita Falls are the Wichita Mountains which rank among the oldest ranges on earth These mountains host a rare piece of the past ndash there are legends of lost mines and cached treasure Spanish traders bartered with several Indian tribes for hides and other artifacts and legends persist of hidden treasures of Spanish gold Established in 1901 the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service This 59020 acre refuge provides a home for large native-grazing animals such as American bison Rocky Mountain elk white-tailed deer and Texas Longhorn cattle One popular site is Holy City a 66-acre attraction that looks much like Israel during Biblical times and is the site of the nationrsquos longest-running Easter passion play These historic mountains also offer hikers and climbers some very challenging opportunities Campgrounds are available for the general public and organized youth groups Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only in the Charonrsquos Garden Wilderness Area Guided bus tours and hiking tours for amazing star-gazing scenic wildfl ower walks eagle watching historical tours and more are conducted each year See the website for tour info or call 580-429-2151

Nature enthusiasts fi nd a visit to Wichita Falls adventurous and fulfi lling We hope the information below on our trail systems parks Wichita Mountains and more becomes your guide to many bold ventures during your stay

in the FallsNatureFind

Continued on 6


WEE-CHI-TAH TRAIL940-322-3223 wwwweechitaorg

The Wee-Chi-Tah Trail is a 13-mile off road trail that starts at Berendrsquos Landing (by the Wee-Chi-Tah Sculpture) and travels west along the north side of the Wichita River into the Lucy Park area Primarily used for hiking mountain biking and running the trail is an all-natural surface It offers the challenges of short steep climbs and drops along with other obstacles that you would fi nd on a native Texas trail It was named the ldquoBest Urban Off Road Trail in Texasrdquo by the Subaru Trail Doctors with Texas Parks and Wildlife The trail is wild so we caution that you enjoy it but at your own risk

LakesLAKE ARROWHEAD STATE PARKFM 1954 East 940-528-2211 tpwdstatetxuslakearrowhead

This 524-acre lake covers 16200 surface acres The lakeshore is 106 miles long with outdoor recreation opportunities that include bicycling birding boating camping canoeing fi shing hiking horseback riding nature study picnicking swimming and wildlife observation Five miles of hiking trails are available as well as a 300-acre equestrian area for riders Numerous RV and primitive (tent) campsites including several equestrian campsites are offered The park offers a large pavilion and a smaller dining hall with full amenities boat ramps a fi shing pier restrooms with showers concessions and even an 18-hole disc golf course

LAKE WICHITASouth side of Wichita Falls off Texas Hwy 79 or take Fairway S

A 1224-acre lake with a maximum depth of 95 feet there are excellent fi shing opportunities for bass catfi sh and crappie with two public boat ramps to accommodate small to medium-sized boats Lake Wichita Dam was completed in 1901 and offers spectacular views from the top At the bottom of the spillway therersquos a scenic park-like setting with parking

SpecialtyLAKE WICHITA OFF-LEASH DOG PARK5205 Fairway Blvd

Wichita Falls has gone to the dogshellipliterally Residents and visitors alike now have a place to let their four-legged friends run free and play The Lake Wichita Off-Leash Dog

Park situated at the intersection of Fairway Boulevard and Langford Lane offers two fenced areas designated for large breeds and small breeds The City of Wichita Falls encourages guests who plan to use the dog park to become familiar with the rules before using the facility A list of rules is posted outside the entrance to the dog park and can also be found on the cityrsquos website wwwwichitafallstxgov Come out bring your dogs and enjoy the park

WICHITA FALLS SAILING CLUBLake Arrowhead wwwwfsailorg

You may be surprised to fi nd that there are sailors in Wichita Falls but we love the water as much as anyone If you have a love of sunshine fresh air excitement and good company then come join us Everyone is welcome from land-lubbing beginners to crusty old salts Just want to watch a race in action Check out our website for our race schedule then grab a spot on the shore


LUCY PARK5th and Sunset 940-761-7490

Lucy Park is a 178-acre regional park located in the center of the city The park is in a bend of the Wichita River which gives it a natural setting with huge pecans cottonwoods and numerous other species of native and introduced trees

Some of the many features include a swinging bridge across the Big Wichita River and a scenic walk along the trail that leads to the Waterfalls For hiking and biking enthusiasts a 17 mile concrete trail circles the park This is the western starting point for the Wichita River Trail System A large pond area is dedicated to waterfowl and ducks and geese

can be found year-round Other wildlife you might see includes white-tail deer bobcats raccoons squirrels ducks geese turtles butterfl ies or a Mississippi Kite There are 2 large picnic shelters that can be reserved at no charge The main shelter has 20 picnic tables and seats approximately 120 people The Lucy Land shelter has 15 tables to seat around 90 people A Log Cabin can also be reserved for parties and accommodates 55 people A large swimming pool basketball goals 18-hole disc golf course 3 modular playgrounds 2 sand volleyball courts and 1 concrete volleyball court are also part of this beautiful park There are 5 smaller picnic shelters 30 individual picnic tables 34 barbeque grills 4 drinking fountains and 86 benches River Bend Nature Center utilizes 15 acres of the park along 3rd Street

KIWANIS PARK4400 Southwest Pkwy 940-761-7490

Kiwanis Park is a large 60-acre park located off Southwest Parkway east of Fairway offering the only prairie dog town in the park system and the only area designated exclusively for fl ying kites It has 4 lighted baseball fi elds 2 public restrooms and a large picnic shelter with 10 tables There is also a large playground 3 small shelters and 3 barbeque grills

LAKE WICHITA PARKS Fairway Blvd 940-761-7490

Lake Wichita Park is a large 234-acre park located on the north shore of Lake Wichita Within the park is a 26 mile concrete hike and bike trail that runs from the southern tip of the park at Fairway Avenue to the dam on the lake The trail continues onto Hamilton Park The park has public restrooms a modular playground basketball goals drinking fountains and many picnic areas The park has a large picnic shelter that can be reserved with 10 picnic tables that will seat approximately 60 people There are also 2 lighted baseball fi elds 2 lighted softball fi elds 3 lighted football fi elds and an 18-hole disc golf course Lake Wichita Park has the only model airplane landing strip in the park system

WEEKS PARK1900 block of Southwest Pkwy North to Midwestern Pkwy940-761-7490

Named after WF Weeks and Harry C Weeks who donated 258-acres of land to the city for park use in 1926 it is the largest of the cityrsquos parks Located along both sides of Holliday Creek it is bounded by Midwestern Parkway on the north and Southwest Parkway on the south The cityrsquos municipal golf course The Champions Course at Weeks Park is located in the heart of the park The course features an 18-hole course driving range pro shop and restaurant A 3-mile concrete hike and bike trail (part of the cityrsquos 14-mile trail system) runs along the east side of the park along Holliday Creek The park has a tennis center with 9 lighted courts and pro shop Weeks Park has a large picnic shelter with 30 picnic tables that seats 180 people There are public restrooms numerous barbeque grills benches and a basketball court

City ParksThe City of Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation Department truly does a superior job of creating beauty in the 37 parks throughout the city as well as hosting fun-fi lled events The parks range in size from small neighborhood facilities to the 258 acres of Weeks Park featuring The Champions Course at Weeks Park an 18-hole golf course Many parks have spacious picnic shelters barbeque grills playgrounds walking trails and more The ones listed below are some of our outstanding parks with many unique features We invite you to enjoy the beauty and accommodations of them all Events in the parks include the Concert in the Park Series Falls Fest Kids Fishing Rodeo amp much more


Hike amp Bike Trail SystemSee page 14 for information about the cityrsquos trail system



JanuaryBoys amp Girls Clubsrsquo Juried Art

ShowJanuary 5-31

Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU(940) 397-8900

wwwmwsueduwfma

Wichita County Jr Livestock ShowJanuary 13-14 8 am-8 pm

JS Bridwell Ag Center (MPEC)(940) 716-8610

httpwichitaagrilifeorg

Santarsquos Express Train Showthrough January 14

Thursdays amp Fridays 6 pm amp 7 pmSaturdays 2 pm 3 pm

6 pm 7 pmWichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU

(940) 397-8900wwwmwsueduwfma

Kim Ward Exhibit through January 14

Kemp Center for the Arts(940) 767-2787

wwwkempcenterorg

Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs New Mexico Mustangs

January 14 705 pmKay Yeager Coliseum (MPEC)

(940) 716-5555wwwwfmpeccom

KFDX Bridal MarketJanuary 14 9 am-4 pm

Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall (MPEC)(940) 691-0003

wwwtexomashomepagecom

The FantasticksWeekends January 20 ndash February 4

plus a special Valentinersquos Day performance on Feb 14

8 pmBackdoor Theatre Dinner Stage

(940) 322-5000wwwbackdoortheatreorg

Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs Corpus Christi Ice RaysJanuary 20-21 705 pm

Kay Yeager Coliseum (MPEC)(940) 716-5555

wwwwfmpeccom

Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast

January 21 7 am-11 amRay Clymer Exhibit Hall (MPEC)


8th Annual Kemp CarnivalJanuary 21 630 pm


wwwkempcenterorg

Gary Kingcade ExhibitJanuary 26 ndash March 24


wwwkempcenterorg

University Kiwanis Pancake Festival

January 28 6 am-6 pmJS Bridwell Ag Center (MPEC)

(940) 691-3470wwwuniversitykiwaniswforg

Texas Weapon Collectors Gun amp Knife Show

January 28-29Saturday 9 am-6 pmSunday 10 am-5 pm


wwwjoetomwhitecom

Ben Jacobi Exhibitthrough January 28


wwwkempcenterorg

Harlem GlobetrottersJanuary 31 7 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

FebruaryForeign Film SeriesFebruary 2 7 pm


wwwkempcenterorg

Wichita Falls High School Art Exhibit

February 2 ndash March 17Kemp Center for the Arts

(940) 767-2787wwwkempcenterorg

Liverpool LegendsFebruary 3 730 pmMemorial Auditorium


Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs Texas Tornado

February 4 705 pmKay Yeager Coliseum (MPEC)


Roseanne Snyder Exhibitthrough February 4


wwwkempcenterorg

WWE Raw Midday MadnessFebruary 5 2 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs Amarillo Bulls



Quilters Guild ExhibitFebruary 9 ndash April 7


wwwkempcenterorg

Art on Campus Art Collected by MSU since 1920

through February 10Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU


Permanent Collection February 10 ndash May 18


wwwmwsueduwfma

Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra

featuring The Texas TenorsldquoWith Loverdquo

February 11 8 pmMemorial Auditorium

(940) 723-6202wwwwfsoorg

Heart of a Woman BrunchFebruary 11 8 am-11 am


wwwunitedregionalorgheart-of-a-woman-brunch-1

KFDX Womenrsquos ExpoFebruary 11 9 am-4 pm



Mercy Me February 11 6 pm


wwwwfmpeccomClassic Film SeriesFebruary 14 7 pm


wwwmwsueduwfma

Obedience Training Club of WFObedience Dog Trials

February 18-19 8 am-4 pmJS Bridwell Ag Center (MPEC)

(940) 851-0694wwwfacebookcomOTCWF

Tops in BlueFebruary 21 7 pmMemorial Auditorium


Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs New Mexico MustangsFebruary 24-25 705 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

3rd Annual Lone Star Cart Nationals

February 25 1130 am-930 pmJS Bridwell Ag Center (MPEC)

(940) 256-2459wwwlonestarkartnationalscom

Arts Alive Home amp Garden Festival

February 25-26Saturday 9 am-6 pmSunday 11 am-5 pm

Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC)


Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs New Mexico MustangsFebruary 27 705 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

MarchForeign Film Series

March 1 7 pmKemp Center for the Arts



Monster JamMarch 2-3 7 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

Faith City Kennel Club Dog ShowMarch 3-4 8 am-6 pm


wwwfaithcitykennelcluborg

Wichita Falls Ranch amp Farm ShowMarch 7-8

Wednesday 9 am-5 pmThursday 9 am-4 pm


wwwwichitafallsranchandfarmexponet

Jeff DunhamMarch 8 730 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

The ProducersWeekends March 9-24 8 pmBackdoor Theatre Main Stage


Texas Invitational Biennial Survey of Texas Artists

March 9 ndashJune 14Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU


Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs Odessa JackalopesMarch 9-10 705 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

Spring Break CampMarch 12-16 830 am-12 pm

River Bend Nature Center(940) 767-0843

wwwriverbendnaturecenterorg


March 14 705 pmKay Yeager Coliseum (MPEC)


St Patrickrsquos Day Downtown Street Festival

March 17 5 pm-11 pm600 Block of 8th Street

(940) 322-4525wwwdowntownproudcom

Classic Film SeriesMarch 20 7 pm


wwwmwsueduwfma

Wichita Falls Wildcats Hockeyvs Odessa JackalopesMarch 21 705 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

Wichita Falls Wildcats HockeyVs Topeka RoadRunnersMarch 23-24 705 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

Annual Garage SaleMarch 24 8 am-4 pmRiver Bend Nature Center

(940) 767-0843wwwriverbendnaturecenterorg


featuring Ruth Morrow piano ldquoFinalerdquo

March 24 8 pmMemorial Auditorium


Wichita Falls Art Association Exhibit

March 29 ndash May 12Kemp Center for the Arts


Wichita Falls Wildcats HockeyVs Odessa JackalopesMarch 30 705 pm


wwwwfmpeccom

ldquoCowboy Truerdquo Art ExhibitMarch 31 1 pm-6 pmThe Kemp at the Forum


Celebration of the CowboyMarch 31 6 pm-930 pm

The Kemp at the Forum(940) 767-2787

wwwkempcenterorg

Spring Downtown Culture CrawlMarch 31 5 pm-9 pmDowntown Wichita Falls


AprilSpanish Fortnight

April 2-14Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU


Foreign Film SeriesApril 5 7 pm


wwwkempcenterorg

Allred Prison Art ExhibitApril 12 ndash June 2


wwwkempcenterorg

Cattle Baronrsquos Ball 2012bene tting the American Cancer

SocietyApril 14 530 pm-1230 amJS Bridwell Ag Center (MPEC)

wwwwfcattlebaronsballorg

Classic Film SeriesApril 17 7 pm


wwwmwsueduwfma

Conference for WomenApril 18 9 am-4 pm


wwwnonpro tcenterwforg

Steve Martinrsquos ldquoThe UnderpantsrdquoWeekends April 20-May 5 8 pm

Backdoor Theatre Dinner Stage(940) 322-5000

wwwbackdoortheatreorg

Earth Day CelebrationApril 20 845 am-130 pm



Earth Day Eco-FairApril 21 9 am-4 pm



9th Annual Red River Wine FestivalApril 21 6 pm-11 pm


wwwredriverwinefestivalcom

Autism Conference of TexomaApril 21 8 am-430 pm


Obedience Training Club of WFAgility Dog Trials

April 21-22 8 am-4 pmJS Bridwell Ag Center (MPEC)


Texas Alliance of Energy Producers Oil amp Gas Expo

April 25 9 am-4 pmRay Clymer Exhibit Hall (MPEC)

(940) 723-4131wwwtexasallianceorg

MayKFDX Kids Fest

May 5 9 am-4 pmRay Clymer Exhibit Hall (MPEC)

(940) 691-0003wwwtexomashomepagecom

Wichita County Youth Ag FairMay 11 7 am-2 pm



Art on the Green Outdoor Sculpture Garden Opening

May 12Kemp Center for the Arts


Downtown Cajun FestivalMay 12 12 pm-10 pmDowntown Wichita Falls


Dallas Zoo ExhibitMay 14-18 11 am amp 1230 pm



Garland Weeks ExhibitMay 17 ndash July 21


wwwkempcenterorg

Texas Weapons Collectors Gun amp Knife ShowMay 19-20

Saturday 9 am-6 pmSunday 10 am-5 pm


wwwjoetomwhitecom

JuneZombie Prom

Weekends June 1-16 8 pmBackdoor Theatre Dinner Stage


Summer Camp June 4-8 830 am-12 pm



Calendar continued on page 36

BOWIE940-872-1173 wwwbowietxchamberorg

Looking back at Bowie history is as much fun as ever with festivals a 100-plus-year-old trade daysfl ea market Couger Mound Chisholm Trail marker antiques and Amon G Carter Lake

Annual festivals include the Western Heritage Roundup in September Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival and Fiddle Contest in October the Fantasy of Lights Parade and Festival in December and the annual Jim Bowie Days Rodeo Festival and Parade the last full weekend of June

BURKBURNETT940-569-3304 wwwyourehomenoworg

Tour the historic downtown area and delve into the ldquooil boomrdquo by visiting the restored Historic Katy Depot Museum which includes photos memorabilia and equipment Next visit the Outdoor Oil Museum and discover why the 1918-1920 oil boom at Burkburnett is one of the most noteworthy periods in Texas history Burkburnett was the setting for the 1941 movie Boomtown starring Clark Gable

IOWA PARK940-592-5441 wwwiowaparkcom

Visitors will fi nd hometown hospitality in Iowa Park ParkFest at Gordon Lake the fi rst weekend in May includes a car showcruise and a family-friendly street festival The Hawk Haven Pool amp Splash Park offers affordable family fun for everyone from toddlers to teenagers The fi rst Saturday of December enjoy our lighted Christmas Parade and take in the amazing site of our Angel Garden including more than 200 life size lit angels on Highway 287

NOCONA940-825-3526 wwwnoconachamberorg

Nocona is coming alive with an outstanding renovation of its downtown area Daddy Samrsquos Saloon was the fi rst to be reborn quickly followed by The Veranda The Veranda Hotel and RV Park is a great place to headquarter while taking in all Nocona has to offer Thanks to Pete and Barbara Horton Clay Street is being reincarnated with a New Orleans fl air Other must-see stops include the Times Forgotten Steak House and the Tales N Trails Museum

SEYMOUR940-889-2921 wwwseymourtxchamberorg

The Salt Fork Estate Complex the cityrsquos golf course offers one of the best 9-hole golf courses in the state along with a conference hall a swimming pool and a wrap-around deck overlooking the golf greens The cityrsquos 80-acre park is surrounded by a beautiful rock wall a WPA project lined with shade trees The cityrsquos pool was renovated and is one of the few salt public pools in the area also a WPA project and also located in the park Seymourrsquos most exciting annual event is its Cowboy Rodeo and Reunion held the second weekend in July

in the Falls Great NeighborsFind


TRN252715


HistoryFrom the Indians to the oilboom The Falls has a rich history

Find Family FunVisitors of all ages will fi nd plenty to keep them entertained

Find Your Inner ArtistFrom theatre and performing arts centers to some amazing sculptures the city is truly alive with the arts

Find Hidden TreasuresWhether or not yoursquore a his-tory buff you donrsquot want to miss these museums and historic landmarks and neighborhoods

Find NatureNature enthusiasts will fi nd many relaxing or bold ventures during their stay

Find Your Game FaceGolf tennis skateboarding hockey and more await you

CasinosFind your lucky streak with a quick trip across the river

Find Great NeighborsOur neighboring cities have some unique treasures all their own

References10 Important Numbers20 Accommodations21 WiFi Hot Spots25 Hike and Bike Trails Map26 City Map27 Dining Guide28 Shopping Guide32 Calendar of Events

Cover photo byJeanette VanDonge

3

4

6

11

14

18

36

44

























































Continued on Page 16






























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MayKFDX Kids Fest
















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JuneZombie Prom




















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wwwmwsueduwfma















wwwmwsueduwfma








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trn_visitors guide_2012

Documents

whiskeytaw falls

bona fi

visitors guide

county offi cials

north texas

scott of mississippi

scott avenue

arts centers