end of Main Street. The annual Bob Wills celebration is held in April (
www.bobwillsday.com). The city’s population grows up to 15,000 during the festival.
BOB WILLS MUSEUM—The museum honors the man known as the King of Western Swing, who was reared on a farm just north of the town. It includes memorabilia of the Texas Playboys and of Wills’ career. Sixth and Lyles streets. 806/423-1253 or 806/423-1033.
HISTORIC INN—Hotel Turkey—Built in 1927, it has re- mained in continuous operation and is listed with the state and national historic registries. The hotel is run as a bed- and-breakfast today but retains its 1927 decor. Third and Alexander streets. 806/423-1151 or 800/657-7110.
VEGA POP. 945
ALT. 3,300 MAP D-9
OLDHAM COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 806/267-2828.
www.oldhamcofc.org.
The town is named for the Spanish word meaning “grassy plain.” N.J. Whitfield purchased the land in 1899 for $1 per acre, later selling portions to establish the town site. In 1926, Vega became a stop along the famous Route 66.
DOT’S MINI MUSEUM—Dot’s family shares her collection of Western artifacts and memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. 105 N. 12th St. on the old Ozark Trail and Route 66. 806/267-2367.
MAGNOLIA STATION—Built in the early 1920s, this re- stored station was one of the first along Old Route 66. It offers a glimpse into travel in the 1920-50s.
OLDHAM COUNTY HERITAGE FARM AND RANCH MUSEUM—An outdoor display features farm and ranch equipment of the early settlers. It includes horse-drawn and early motorized equipment, and cattle brands. On Vega Boulevard between 11th and 12th streets.
VERNON POP. 11,113
ALT. 1,205 MAP F-14
VERNON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 1614 Main St. 940/552-2564.
www.vernontexas.net.
Vernon was established as Eagle Flats. About 15 miles north is Doan’s Crossing, one of the most famous historic cattle crossings on the Red River. The city is home to Ver- non Regional Junior College and the Santa Rosa Palomino Club, which has been legislatively proclaimed as Texas’ Ambassadors on Horseback. Events include the Santa Rosa Roundup, Doan’s May
Picnic and Celebrate the Western Trail in May; Summer’s Last Blast and Vernon Burnin’ Bike Ride in August; Red River BBQ Battle State Championship and Cowboy Mounted Shooting in October and the Christmas on the Western Trail in December.
RED RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM—Exhibits include game trophies, archaeological artifacts, area ranching history, a sculpture by Frederick Remington and other artwork, and a trombone of native son and jazz musician Jack Tea- garden. 4600 College Drive (U.S. 70). Adjacent to the Vernon College campus. 940/553-1848.
www.redriver
valleymuseum.com.
WELLINGTON POP. 2,225
ALT. 2,078 MAP E-12
COLLINGSWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 806/447-5848.
www.wellingtontx.com.
This town was named for the Duke of Wellington by one of the English owners of the Rocking Chair Ranch. The ranch was known by Texas cowboys as “Nobility Ranche” because of ownership by British noblemen, including the Baron of Tweedmouth (Sir Dudley Coutts Majoribanks)
170
and the Earl of Aberdeen (John Campbell Hamilton Gordon). The restored historic Wellington Ritz Theatre hosts events and movies.
COLLINGSWORTH COUNTY MUSEUM AND ART CENTER—Exhibits trace the history of the area. 824 East Ave. On the square. 806/447-5327.
www.collingsworth
countymuseum.org.
WICHITA FALLS POP. 105,142
ALT. 946 MAP G-15/VV-12
WICHITA FALLS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 1000 Fifth St. 940/716-5500.
www.wichitafalls.org.
The city is named for the Wichita people who lived near waterfalls on what is now the Wichita River. The Fort Worth and Denver Railroad established the town as a trade cen- ter. An oil boom in the early 1900s made the city a head- quarters for petroleum production, and it is home to Sheppard Air Force Base. The city is a leading gateway to Texas on I-44. Cultural amenities include a symphony orchestra, ballet,
theater, museum, an art center and Midwestern State Uni- versity. The Backdoor Theater, originally the “People’s Ice House,” is a 1921 venue that offers theater productions and live concerts.
www.backdoortheater.org. Events include Red River Wine Festival in April; West-
ern Swing Music Festival, Texas Oklahoma Jr. Golf Tourna- ment and Texas-Oklahoma Oil Bowl Game in June; Texas Ranch Round-Up and Festival and Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred Bike Race and Festival in August; Downtown City Lights Festival in November; and MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights Display in December.
CASTAWAY COVE WATERPARK—It features tropical- themed waterslides, a “Kiddie Park,” Lazy River floating stream and Tidal Wave pool. Admission charge. 1000 Central Freeway East. 940/322-5500.
www.castawaycovewaterpark.com.
KELL HOUSE—This is the historic home of community leader, Frank Kell. Its original 19th-century furnishings in- clude a player baby grand piano, hand-stenciled decora- tions and changing exhibits. 900 Bluff St. 940/723-2712.
www.wichita-heritage.org.
KEMP CENTER FOR THE ARTS—The center was origi- nally built as a public library by Joseph Kemp as a gift for his wife. It includes permanent and rotating exhibits. The Art on the Green garden features permanent and changing sculptures. Tours are available. Free. 1300 Lamar. 940/767-2787.
www.kempcenter.org.
LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE PARK—On gently rolling open plains, this 16,400-acre lake brings an influx of an- glers, boaters and swimmers. Includes campsites, boat ramp, an 18-hole disc golf course, trails, and an active prairie dog town. Admission charge. About 15 miles south of Wichita Falls via U.S. 281 south, F.M. 1954 east. 940/528-2211.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ lake-arrowhead.
LAKES—Lake Arrowhead—Recreation areas include Lake Arrowhead State Park and West Arrowhead Park (940/761-7491). Parks offer swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. About 14 miles southeast of Wichita Falls. Boaters, call ahead for lake levels. Lake Kemp—A City of Wichita Falls reservoir. Camp-
sites, boating and fishing available. Call ahead about water levels. About 48 miles southwest of Wichita Falls off U.S. 183/283. 940/761-7477.
THE LITTLEST SKYSCRAPER—This 1919 building was built, according to legend, as a result of stock fraud. It is said that the architect presented the plans in square inches instead of feet. When completed, the building measured 10 feet wide, 18 feet deep and 30 feet tall. 511 Seventh St. at La Salle.
MUSEUM OF NORTH TEXAS HISTORY—Displays fea- ture petroleum, Western heritage, more than 500 hats and a large military collection. Auxiliary site: rare Curtis JN4 aircraft (“Jenny”) from World War I in flying condition at Call Field Memorial Museum. 720 Indiana. 940/322-7628.
www.month-ntx.org.
RAILROAD MUSEUM—A collection of vintage rail cars, includes MK and T diesel switch engine, a Pullman car, World War II troop sleepers, Fort Worth and Denver baggage car and post office car and a Burlington coach “Silver Falls.” 500 Ninth St. 940/723-2661.
www.wfrrm.com.
RIVER BEND NATURE CENTER—This environmental education center features a wetland pond, bird habitat and a one-mile interpretive nature trail. One-half mile of the nature trail is wheelchair-accessible. Admission charge. 940/767-0843.
www.riverbendnaturecenter.org. Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly Conservatory is a 7,000-
square-foot glass structure that features native wildflowers and plants, plus hundreds of species of butterflies.
TEXAS TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER—Near the Texas-Oklahoma state line on I-44 (Central Freeway), one of the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers operated by the Texas Department of Transportation for the convenience of the traveling public. 900 Central Freeway. 940/723-7931.
www.txdot.gov.
WEE-CHI-TAH SCULPTURE—A sculpture by Jack Stevens on the banks of the “waist deep” Wichita River is a life- sized depiction of a Comanche woman and her compan- ions as she tests the river’s depth. Near the Front Street Bridge in the 500 block of Wichita Street.
WICHITA FALLS MUSEUM OF ART AT MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY—Art, science and history exhibitions at the museum change frequently. Includes Live @ the Lake Summer Concert Series and kids’ summer camps. 2 Eureka Circle. 940/397-8900.
WICHITA FALLS WATERFALL—A 54-foot-high waterfall replaces the original falls, which were washed away in a flood. Faces north on I-44, on the Big Wichita River, about a mile south of the Texas Travel Information Center.
WICHITA THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER— Built in 1908 and noted with a state historical marker, this theater is home to a variety of family entertainment, including live concerts, touring shows, musical dramas, performing arts and film events. 919 Indiana Ave. 940/723-9037 or 800/275-2889.
www.wichitatheatre.com.
Fill ‘er Up
DRIVE BACK IN TIME along Historic Route 66 to see restored 1920s-era service station buildings. The most famous is the U-Drop-Inn in Shamrock with its Conoco tower. Cruise over to the Phillips 66 station in McLean and pause to look at the Route 66 murals around town. Head west through Amarillo to Vega for a stop at the Magnolia Station.
WINTERS POP. 2,635
ALT. 1,860 MAP L-13
WINTERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 100 W. Dale St. 325/754-5210.
www.winterschamber.us/index.html.
Z.I. HALE MUSEUM—Includes the optometry clinic of Dr. Z.I. Hale, the Rock Hotel Heritage Center and the Drum- mer House. The museum features area history. The histor- ic Rock Hotel includes an exhibit on Baseball Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby. 242 W. Dale St. 325/754-2036.
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