Midland TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Midland, Texas.
1. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
OIL INDUSTRY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum offers interactive exhibits on the history and technology of the petroleum industry that shaped the region. Visitors can explore the outdoor display of historic drilling equipment and view a unique race car collection. The museum provides a comprehensive educational experience about the importance of oil to West Texas and the nation's economy.
2. Bush Family Home State Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY HISTORY
The Bush Family Home State Historic Site preserves the 1950s childhood home of President George W. Bush. This remarkable historic residence was home to two Presidents, two Governors, and a First Lady, offering visitors a unique perspective on American history. The carefully restored property provides insight into the formative years of the Bush family and mid-century life in Midland.
3. Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art venue hosting a variety of performances from Broadway shows to concerts. The center offers exceptional acoustics and modern amenities for audiences to enjoy cultural events in West Texas. With its impressive architecture and prime location, it serves as a cultural hub for both Midland and Odessa residents.
4. I-20 Wildlife Preserve
URBAN NATURE SANCTUARY
The I-20 Wildlife Preserve is a 100-acre urban playa wetland providing habitat for native wildlife and migratory birds. Visitors can explore walking trails, observation points, and even spot reptiles, butterflies, and occasionally bobcats in this natural oasis. The preserve features a Hawk Observation Tower, making it an ideal location for bird watching and experiencing spectacular West Texas sunsets.
5. Museum of the Southwest
ART AND SCIENCE COMPLEX
The Museum of the Southwest encompasses an art museum, children's museum, and planetarium on a beautiful historic campus. The complex offers rotating art exhibitions, interactive children's activities, and stellar astronomy programs throughout the year. Its diverse programming makes it a cultural cornerstone for the Midland community, appealing to visitors of all ages.
6. Midland Community Theatre
THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Midland Community Theatre is one of the largest community theaters in the nation, founded by Art Cole in 1946. The theater hosts numerous productions annually, ranging from classic plays to contemporary works and musicals. Notable for being the first community theater in the USA to produce 'The Producers' in 2008, it continues to bring quality theatrical entertainment to West Texas residents.
7. Centennial Park
DOWNTOWN OUTDOOR RECREATION
Centennial Park offers a modern outdoor space in the heart of downtown Midland for recreation and community gatherings. The park features open green spaces, walking paths, and water features that create an urban oasis. It serves as a venue for various community events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.
8. Susie's South Forty Candy Factory
SWEET TREATS DESTINATION
Susie's South Forty Candy Factory produces handmade Texas confections that have earned national recognition. Visitors can take tours of the facility to watch the candy-making process and sample delicious treats like their famous Texas Trash. The factory store offers a wide selection of chocolates, pralines, and other sweet specialties that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
9. Sibley Nature Center
WEST TEXAS ECOSYSTEM EDUCATION
The Sibley Nature Center sits on 49 acres in northwest Midland, showcasing the flora, fauna, and history of West Texas. Visitors can explore the interpretive center with wildlife viewing areas, beehive exhibits, and research library. The center's nature trail winds through diverse habitats including a salt playa, pond, grassland, and mesquite areas, providing an educational glimpse of the region's natural environment.
10. Midland Army Air Field Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Midland Army Air Field Museum preserves the history of one of America's largest bombardier training bases during World War II. Exhibits feature authentic aircraft, equipment, and personal stories from the men and women who served at this strategic facility. The museum honors the significant role Midland played in training pilots and bombardiers who contributed to Allied victory.
11. Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial
TRIBUTE TO FALLEN HEROES
The Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to those from the region who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. The memorial features inscribed names, symbolic elements, and reflective spaces for remembrance. Visitors can pay respects and learn about the local impact of a conflict that shaped a generation.
12. Cinergy Cinemas & Entertainment
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Cinergy Cinemas & Entertainment offers a comprehensive family entertainment experience beyond just movies. The venue features bowling lanes, arcade games, laser tag, and other attractions alongside cinema screens. Its diverse entertainment options make it a popular destination for families, date nights, and group gatherings in Midland.
13. Big Sky Drive-in
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
Big Sky Drive-in maintains the classic American tradition of outdoor movie viewing under the stars. The theater features multiple screens showing first-run films that visitors can enjoy from the comfort of their vehicles. Its retro charm combined with modern projection technology creates a unique entertainment experience for moviegoers of all ages.
14. Fiddlesticks Farms
SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL ATTRACTION
Fiddlesticks Farms offers a seasonal agricultural experience featuring a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, and various farm activities. Families can enjoy wagon rides, corn cannons, barnyard animals, and special events during the fall harvest season. The farm combines education about agriculture with entertainment, creating lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
15. Marfa
ARTISTIC DESERT DESTINATION
Marfa is a renowned arts destination located about 190 miles southwest of Midland, known for its minimalist art installations and mysterious night lights. The small desert town attracts visitors with galleries, boutiques, and the famous Chinati Foundation showcasing large-scale works by Donald Judd and other artists. Its remote location and unique cultural offerings create an otherworldly experience unlike anywhere else in Texas.