Colorado City TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colorado City, Texas.
1. Lake Colorado City State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Colorado City State Park offers visitors a 1,618-acre lake for fishing, swimming, and paddling activities. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, geocaching, photography, and wildlife watching throughout the park. The park features a boat ramp, fishing pier, and group sites available for reservation.
2. Heart of West Texas Museum
HISTORIC LOCAL HERITAGE
Heart of West Texas Museum is located in a restored historic mansion in downtown Colorado City, telling the story of the 'Mother City of West Texas.' Key attractions include an exhibit on the Lake Champion mammoth skeleton discovered near Colorado City in 2001, and a replica of the prehistoric bison antiquus skeleton found on Lone Wolf Creek. The museum also features farm and ranch heritage exhibits, cowboy heritage displays, a branding wall, a Missouri & Pacific caboose, and the Kiowa Chief Lone Wolf exhibit.
3. Ruddick Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Ruddick Park is a popular community park in Colorado City offering recreational facilities for residents and visitors. The park provides a peaceful setting for outdoor leisure activities and family gatherings. Visitors appreciate the open space and amenities available at this local green space.
4. Wolf Creek Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Wolf Creek Golf Course offers a round of golf amidst the scenic landscapes of Colorado City. Golfers can enjoy the course while taking in views of the surrounding West Texas terrain. The course provides recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors passing through the area.
5. Frontier Texas!
INTERACTIVE WESTERN HISTORY
Frontier Texas! is an immersive museum located in nearby Abilene that brings the Old West to life through state-of-the-art technology. Visitors can experience the frontier through holographic displays, authentic artifacts, and interactive exhibits depicting life in the 1780s through the 1880s. This unique attraction offers an educational and entertaining glimpse into Texas' pioneer history.
6. The Grace Museum
ART AND HISTORY COLLECTION
The Grace Museum in Abilene houses diverse collections of art, history, and children's exhibits in a beautifully restored 1909 hotel building. The museum features rotating art exhibitions, a permanent history gallery showcasing West Texas heritage, and an interactive children's museum. Located approximately 77 miles from Colorado City, this cultural institution offers a refined artistic experience for visitors to the region.
7. Abilene Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
Abilene Zoo houses over 1,000 animals representing 250 species from around the world. The zoo features several habitat areas including Giraffe Safari, Caribbean Cove, and the Elm Creek Backyard, providing educational and entertaining experiences. Visitors from Colorado City can make the short drive to enjoy this family-friendly attraction that includes animal encounters, a train ride, and a carousel.
8. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
OIL INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland showcases the history and science of the petroleum industry that shaped West Texas. Interactive exhibits demonstrate the technology behind oil exploration and production, while also featuring an impressive collection of vintage drilling equipment. Located within driving distance from Colorado City, this museum offers insights into the economic forces that transformed the region.
9. I-20 Wildlife Preserve
URBAN NATURE SANCTUARY
I-20 Wildlife Preserve is a 99-acre urban playa wetland and wildlife sanctuary located in Midland. Visitors can explore over 3.4 miles of nature trails while observing native plants and animals in their natural habitat. The preserve offers excellent bird watching opportunities and serves as an educational resource about the important role of playa wetlands in the ecosystem.
10. Museum of the Southwest
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Museum of the Southwest encompasses an art museum, children's museum, and planetarium on a historic campus in Midland. The complex features rotating art exhibitions focusing on Southwestern artists, interactive science displays for young visitors, and astronomy shows in the Blakemore Planetarium. This comprehensive cultural institution provides an enriching day trip option for Colorado City residents and visitors.
11. Perini Ranch Steakhouse
LEGENDARY TEXAS CUISINE
Perini Ranch Steakhouse is an acclaimed dining destination set on a working ranch in Buffalo Gap, about an hour's drive from Colorado City. The restaurant is famous for its mesquite-grilled steaks and has been recognized by James Beard and featured in numerous culinary publications. Visitors enjoy authentic ranch atmosphere and world-class Texas cuisine in this rustic yet sophisticated setting.
12. The Mill Winery
BOUTIQUE WINE EXPERIENCE
The Mill Winery occupies a restored 1920s seed mill in downtown Abilene, offering handcrafted wines in a rustic-chic setting. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, small plates, and occasional live music events in this atmospheric venue. The winery provides a sophisticated yet approachable culinary experience within driving distance of Colorado City.
13. Abilene State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Abilene State Park features historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s alongside natural outdoor attractions. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping facilities throughout the 529-acre park. The park's proximity to Colorado City makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a day trip or overnight outdoor adventure.
14. Buffalo Gap Historic Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Buffalo Gap Historic Village preserves more than 20 historic buildings dating from the 1870s through the 1920s. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the authentically furnished structures including a courthouse, jail, railroad depot, and schoolhouse. This open-air museum offers insights into pioneer life in West Texas through both self-guided tours and special interpretive events.
15. Scarborough Specialties
UNIQUE GIFTS AND ANTIQUES
Scarborough Specialties in nearby Sweetwater offers a diverse selection of gifts, home decor, and antique items in a charming shopping environment. The store features unique Texas-themed merchandise alongside vintage collectibles and contemporary gift options. Shoppers from Colorado City can find distinctive souvenirs and specialty items not available in chain stores.