City of Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls officially became a city on September 27,1872, when town lots were sold at what is now the cornerof Seventh and Ohio Streets. The City has a richhistory as a center for oil manufacturing and agriculturalproduction. Today, the City’s pro-business attitudecontinues to encourage entrepreneurship and sustainablelong-term growth. Major area employers include SheppardAir Force Base, North Texas State Hospital, United RegionalHealthcare System, Wichita Falls ISD, and Midwestern StateUniversity.Wichita Falls offers abundant recreational, cultural, andentertainment opportunities. Recreation programs cover awide range of activities including softball, volleyball,kickball, flag football, disk golf, basketball, dance, fitness,special events, senior activities, and more. Local amenitieslike the River Bend Nature Center, Castaway CoveWaterpark, Lake Wichita, and Lake Arrowhead attractoutdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The Kemp Center for theArts, Museum of North Texas History, Kell House Museum,Wichita Falls Railroad Museum, and the Juanita Harvey ArtGallery at MSU provide cultural enrichment and educationopportunities for the whole family. Popular annual eventssuch as the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Red River WineFestival, Cajun Festival, Oil Bowl, Art and Soul Festival,Freedom Festival, City Light Parade, and THOR 5-K rundraw visitors from throughout the region.