Discover all the charming attractions in Midland, West Texas! This quickly-growing city is home to over 130,000 people and boasts a bustling atmosphere with plenty of historic sites and outdoor recreation areas for both locals and tourists. Explore vibrant Midland today – there’s something special here waiting just for you.
Interactive Map of 25 Things to Do in Midland (TX)
1. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is an educational and interactive museum celebrating West Texas’s oil production history. It features many exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell how oil has shaped this area for over 100 years. Visitors can explore more than 10,000 square feet of shows, including original drilling equipment from past decades and historical photographs and documents. Additionally, visitors can learn about geology through hands-on activities like core sample analysis or take part in guided tours to better understand what life was like during those early days of exploration. With over 50 million barrels produced yearly from over 6500 wells throughout West Texas, the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum provides an engaging look into how this region became one of America’s leading energy producers.
2. Museum of the Southwest
The Museum of the Southwest is a premier cultural and educational center, offering an array of engaging experiences. Home to 10,000 objects showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary artwork in three galleries – Turner Memorial Art Museum (American art), Marian West Science Gallery (interactive exhibits on science & tech) and Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum (family activities) – as well over 300 events annually such lectures, concerts and more- this dynamic institution truly has something for everyone!
3. Cinergy Midland Featuring EPIC
Cinergy Midland Featuring EPIC is the ideal destination for movie fans looking for some engaging entertainment with a side of delicious eats! Enjoy 12 digital auditoriums, luxurious recliners and reserved seating in this state-of-the art cinema complex. And, to top it all off – an extensive menu of food and drinks that will make your experience complete.
4. The George W. Bush Childhood Home
The George W. Bush Childhood Home in Midland is a historic site and museum dedicated to the life of former President George W. Bush. The home was originally built in 1951 by his parents, Barbara and George H.W. Bush, and it served as the family’s residence until 1964, when they relocated to Houston for business reasons. Today, visitors can explore the house’s original furnishings and artifacts from the Bushes’ time living there, including furniture from their childhood bedrooms, books from their personal library, and photographs of them growing up in Midland during the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, visitors can take part in guided tours that tell stories about important moments of President Bush’s early years, such as attending elementary school nearby or playing Little League baseball at local fields just down the street!
5. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Study
The I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Study is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This 1,100-acre preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, bobcats and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can participate in guided hikes and learn about the area’s history from knowledgeable staff members. The preserve also features a variety of educational programs, such as bird-watching classes and workshops on topics like local ecology and conservation efforts. There are even opportunities for guests to participate in hands-on activities such as planting native vegetation or helping with habitat restoration projects!
6. Sibley Nature Center
The Sibley Nature Center provides access to over 1,000 acres of land and is home to many species of animals and over 200 species of birds. The center also offers educational programs, classes and workshops on topics like local ecology and conservation efforts. Additionally, visitors can participate in hands-on activities such as planting native vegetation or helping with habitat restoration projects! With so much to explore indoors and out, the Sibley Nature Center will surely provide an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves the great outdoors!
7. Big Sky Drive-in
For over five decades, Big Sky Drive-in has been providing movie nights of fun and entertainment with their two large screens playing up to three films each weekend. Guests are invited to bring a picnic basket or purchase delicious refreshments from the concession stand that includes popcorn, candy and soda; while FM radio audio ensures you don’t have worry about bringing your speakers! With its ample parking space and incredible features, it’s no wonder why Big Sky is known as one of the area’s best drive-in theaters around.
8. Midland County Horseshoe Arena
Midland County Horseshoe Arena in Midland is the place for anyone who loves horseshoes. The arena has been around since 1976 and offers various activities, tournaments, leagues, open play, clinics and more. In addition to its official horseshoe pits, the arena also features a concession stand with burgers, hot dogs and other snacks and outdoor seating so visitors can enjoy their food while taking action. With over 50 horseshoe courts available at any given time and up to 250 players competing during peak season times such as summer months or holidays like Memorial Day weekend, Midland County Horseshoe Arena will provide plenty of entertainment for everyone!
9. Midland Downtown Farmers Market
Midland Downtown Farmers Market is great for fresh and locally grown produce. This open-air market takes place every Saturday morning from April through October, offering abundant fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and other items for sale. The farmers come from all over the region to display their goods at this popular event, attracting hundreds of shoppers weekly. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances while they browse the stands that fill up two city blocks in downtown Midland! With its wide selection of products ranging from organic produce to homemade jams and jellies, everyone will have a great time visiting Midland and getting to know its people.
10. Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of our nation’s commitment to the brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War. With over 500 names inscribed on two walls, this memorial pays tribute to their courage with an impressive bronze sculpture of three soldiers standing watch. Throughout each year, services such as flag-raising ceremonies are held at the site and educational displays offer insight into how this war shaped America’s past – making it both a place of remembrance for veterans and recognition for those still here today.
11. Astound Broadband Stadium
Astound Broadband Stadium is a modern, multi-purpose facility offering an array of unique amenities for guests. It has become the distinguished home not only to Minor League Baseball’s Midland RockHounds but also serves as host for concerts and other events. This 10K capacity stadium boasts state-of-the art technology from free Wi-Fi access throughout to luxury suites with unparalleled views of downtown Midland, plus signature ballpark food offerings providing visitors with all they need in one convenient location!
12. Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is an impressive, multifaceted hub for entertainment. With over 1,800 seats and seven performance spaces including a two theaters as well as black box theater and studio theaters, this venue can be host to numerous events from Broadway shows to classical concertos – not forgetting the 690-seat Gilliland Family Theatre that serves home of the Midland Community Orchestra & Chorale! Along with its array showstopping performances options patrons also have accesses 20 classrooms on site offering educational classes in arts or workshops related topics.
13. Midland Army Air Field Museum Hangar
The Midland Army Air Field Museum Hangar is a remarkable museum offering an in-depth look into the history of aviation and air combat. Visitors can explore three floors brimming with vintage aircrafts, including WWI and WWII planes along with helicopters and drones – all housed within a hangar built back in 1943 when it served as a training facility for B-25 bomber pilots during wartime. Interactive exhibits offer hands-on activities that give guests opportunities to take control: launch virtual airplanes, simulate takeoff and landing procedures or test their skills at recreating actual flight maneuvers from bygone eras!
14. Haley Memorial Library & History Center
Located on the campus of Midland College, this impressive library and history center was founded in 1975 by former First Lady of Texas Mrs. J. Evetts Haley as an educational foundation to preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage and promote historical literacy among its citizens. Haley Memorial Library & History Center houses over 30,000 volumes of West Texas history, including rare books and manuscripts from the 19th century onwards. It also serves as a repository for photographs, maps, newspapers and other documents that tell the story of West Texas’ past. Additionally, it holds regular events such as book signings and lectures from prominent historians throughout the year, which make it an ideal place for those interested in learning more about this unique corner of America!
15. RTD Skatepark
RTD Skatepark in Midland is a dream come true for skateboarding enthusiasts. With over 15,000 square feet of Russian birch ramps to explore and master, this state-of-the-art facility has something for every level of skater. The park features an array of obstacles, including ledges, rails, banks and quarter pipes that will challenge even the most experienced riders. It also offers two mini ramps with spine transitions, multiple flat bars, and grind boxes perfect for grinding tricks or practicing technical maneuvers.
16. Doug Russell Pool
If you are looking for an excellent place for a family to spend some quality time together during the hot summer months – Doug Russell Pool is the one. With its two large pools and one kiddie pool, there’s something for everyone at this aquatic facility. The main pool features a zero-depth entry section with sprayers and fountains perfect for cooling off on hot days, while the second pool offers three water slides and an interactive play area. There are also several shaded areas where visitors can relax in the shade or enjoy a snack from the concession stand.
17. Centennial Park
Centennial Park is another great place to spend time with friends and family. There are five miles of trails perfect for walking or biking and several playgrounds and picnic areas. For those looking for fun in the sun, Centennial Park has two swimming pools – a lap pool and an activity pool – plus two splash pads. Visitors can also take advantage of the newly renovated disc golf course or play sand volleyball on one of its six courts. There’s even a fishing pond stocked with bass and catfish! In addition to all these recreational activities, Centennial Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and festivals that draw large crowds from around the area.
18. Odessa Meteor Crater Museum
The Odessa Meteor Crater Museum in Midland is the premier geological location to discover Earth’s fascinating past. With 135 acres of land, visitors can explore interactive exhibits that tell the story behind this unique crater formed millions of years ago by a meteorite impact. Get up close and personal with rare fossils such as dinosaur bones and petrified wood from Texas’ prehistoric period while learning more about our planet’s geology and space exploration. Come uncover history at its source!
19. Blakemore Planetarium at the Museum of the Southwest
The Blakemore Planetarium at the Museum of the Southwest invites visitors on an incomparable journey through our wondrous universe. Its cutting-edge technology allows guests to explore over 6,000 stars and planets from distant galaxies as they navigate with ease using “Sky Safari”, a personalized interactive guide. An additional live telescope feed provides breathtaking views of comets, asteroids and other awe-inspiring celestial objects that are beyond what’s visible in our own Milky Way galaxy!
20. Chris Kyle Memorial
The Chris Kyle Memorial is a fitting tribute to the life and service of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Located on over 5 acres of parkland, this memorial honors his legacy as one of the most decorated snipers in American military history. The memorial’s centerpiece is a bronze statue depicting Kyle with an eagle soaring above him – symbolizing his courage, strength and patriotism. Additionally, two pillars represent his bravery and dedication to protecting our freedom while serving overseas. Visitors can also explore four interactive kiosks which feature stories about Kyle’s life along with photos and videos that tell more about what made him such an inspiration to so many people worldwide.
21. Fiddlesticks Farms
Fiddlesticks Farms is a family-friendly destination that offers various activities for all ages. Located on over 17 acres of land, this farm features pick-your-own fruits and vegetables and a petting zoo with goats, sheep, pigs and chickens. Visitors can also explore the grounds to find more than 20 varieties of flowers or take part in educational programs such as beekeeping classes and nature walks. Fiddlesticks Farms also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides – perfect for making lasting memories with friends and family!
22. Beal Park
Situated on 40 acres of captivating landscapes, Beal Park offers an array of recreational facilities ranging from playgrounds and walking trails to a recently renovated 18-hole disc golf course. As if that isn’t enough, the park also features periodic events such as concerts and festivals drawing crowds from far beyond Midland; Wi-Fi access throughout the grounds provides additional delight. To top it off, guests can take in breathtaking sights downtown at its observation tower!
23. Wilderness Trek
From easy to challenging terrain, Wilderness Trek has something for everyone. Take in the stunning scenery and explore Midland’s most beautiful natural attractions from 8 miles of trails – then stay a while with fishing, camping or educational programs such as bird watching and nature photography classes! With its diverse wildlife habitats and endless activities on offer it’s no surprise that Wilderness Trek is one of Midland’s premier destinations.
24. The Buffalo Nickel by Cibolo Creek
The Buffalo Nickel by Cibolo Creek bar, located in downtown Midland Texas, is a beloved local hangout that has captivated locals’ hearts and stomachs for many years. With its rustic western décor and hand-crafted cocktails, this establishment provides an atmosphere unlike any other. Patrons flock to The Buffalo Nickel not only for their live music events featuring some of the area’s best musicians but also stay for unforgettable dishes like award-winning BBQ ribs or classic southern-style chicken fried steak to name just a few!
25. Monahans Sandhills State Park
Monahans Sandhills State Park offers an abundance of outdoor adventure, with over 3,800 acres and 25 miles of sand dunes. Winds molded the landscape into rolling hills creating several terrains for activities like camping, picnicking, hiking and more. Visitors can take a trip down one of three trails that range from easy to difficult as they travel across mounds of sand or through desert scrublands – experiencing everything this magical park has to offer!