Lake Wichita Park

Park Overview

Located on the southern edge of Wichita Falls near Texas Highway 79, Lake Wichita Park spreads across 234 acres of land. The park sits right alongside Lake Wichita, a historic reservoir that dates back to 1901 - practically ancient by Texas standards!

If you're interested in fishing, the lake offers several options. The 1,224-acre lake is home to several fish species including white and hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, and white crappie. With the park open daily from 5AM to midnight, you've got plenty of time to cast a line or enjoy any of the other activities on offer.

Trails and Recreation

One of the park's highlights is its 2.6-mile concrete hiking and biking trail stretching from Fairway Avenue to the dam. The trail, which was recently repaved, connects to other paths in the area including routes to Lucy Park. It's wide and smooth, good for jogging, biking, or evening walks with lake views. Plus, it offers a nice windbreak when those Texas breezes pick up.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the lighted baseball, softball, and football fields for evening games. Disc golf fans can test their skills on the 18-hole disc golf course - locals consider it one of the most challenging in the region, but better hole markers would be a welcome addition to help navigate the expansive course.

Families haven't been forgotten either. The park features several playgrounds that are well-maintained and kid-friendly, along with picnic areas scattered throughout. Need to host a larger gathering? The 10-unit picnic shelter can accommodate up to 60 people, and the spacing between areas gives each group their own little glimpse of privacy.

Unique Features

The park features the only model airplane landing strip in Texas state parks. On nice days, you'll spot radio-controlled aircraft enthusiasts showing off their flying skills, and they're usually happy to have an audience. If you're more of a dog person, the large off-leash dog park offers separate areas for small and large breeds, giving your four-legged friends plenty of room to run and play safely.

The park is also home to a thoughtfully designed veterans memorial that stands as a beautiful tribute. For those seeking quieter moments, several swinging benches are placed around the park, offering peaceful spots to relax and take in lake views. The sunsets over the lake can be quite beautiful.

Wildlife and Natural Setting

Lake Wichita Park serves many bird species, making it a good spot for birding enthusiasts. Beyond the feathered residents, you might spot native plants and occasionally larger wildlife like deer, wild hogs, and turkeys going about their day.

A quirky feature that locals love pointing out is what they call the tallest man-made hill in the area. It's worth the climb for the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. While the lake has faced its share of ecological challenges and sometimes suffers from low water levels during drought periods, ongoing revitalization efforts aim to improve the lake's condition.