Lake Wichita Park Holds the North-Shore Trail

Lake Wichita sits on the south side of Wichita Falls, just off State Highway 79. The reservoir covers 1,224 acres, has a maximum depth of 9.5 feet, and dates to 1901. Its shallow water supports bulrushes, lotus, and cattails along the shore.

The city park covers 234 acres on the lake's north side. A 2.6-mile concrete trail runs from Fairway Avenue to the dam, then continues north toward Lucy Park. Ballfields, an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic areas, a playground, basketball goals, restrooms, and an off-leash dog park share the same long shoreline park.

The fishing structure is plain enough to recognize from land: riprap along the dam, old pier poles, a floating pier, and a boardwalk. Together, the plants, shallow water, and built fishing spots give the reservoir a different texture from the park's mowed fields. Lake Wichita is both a piece of the Circle Trail and a close-to-home place to stand at the water's edge.