Balmorhea, Texas

The largest spring-fed pool in the world, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Balmorhea features overnight lodging, historic photos, and desert wetlands wildlife.
 

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Located on the scenic and historic Pecos River, Carlsbad makes a welcome stop for travelers between El Paso and
Lubbock, Texas. Visitors may enjoy a river cruise or rented paddle boat on Lake Carlsbad, or visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.
 

The everchanging scenery and contrasting terrain of this authentic working ranch will take you back to the Old West. 

Along the Rio Grande and active in 1680, this is the oldest of three still-active religious congregations housed in adobe mission church. While you're in the area, visit the Tigua Indian Cultural Center as well! 

Within easy walking distance of the heart of downtown are the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso History Museum, the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, and fine examples of Trost & Trost architecture such as the Anson Mills Building. The state-of-the-art Southwest University Park ball field is home to the AAA El Paso Chihuahuas. 

The Adobe Territorial home of a pioneering multicultural family, now open for house and garden tours. 

Legendary gunfighter John Wesley Hardin is buried in El Paso’s own historic “Boot Hill” along with Buffalo Soldiers, Texas Rangers, Civil War veterans, Mormon pioneers, Florida (Lady Flo) Wolf, and lawman John Selman. 

Aerial gondolas soar above a rugged canyon in the Franklin Mountains State Park, providing a view of more than 7,000 square miles, encompassing three states and two nations.

Equipment, vehicles, weapons, and documents in this unique museum cover the history of the United States Border Patrol from the old West and the days of the Texas Rangers through Prohibition, WWII, right up to current operations. Guided tours may be booked in advance. 

The museum and nature trail tell the story of the first inhabitants of the El Paso area, the greater Southwest, and northern Mexico.
 

The park comprises a desert botanical garden, wetlands, and a 4,500-year-old archaeological site, one of the oldest villages in the United States. 

Enjoy a bottle of Rising Star wine from the vineyard patio, taking in the view of the majestic Franklin Mountains and experiencing the warm West Texas sun and the cool mountain breezes flowing through the Mesilla Valley. 

Towering above the city, this is the largest state park in an urban setting at almost 27,000 acres. Here you can hike rugged desert wilderness with 125 miles of multi-use trails. Camping and picnicking are also available.

Preserving history from ancient pictographs to ruins of a stagecoach stop along the old Butterfield Overland Trail, Hueco Tanks is also a haven for hikers and rock climbers from around the world. 

Guadalupe Mountains

Two national parks are situated just 40 miles apart: Guadalupe Mountains NP, with the highest peak in Texas and a Butterfield Overland Mail Stage stop, and Carlsbad Caverns NP, renowned for its bat flight and famous caves. 

Housing more than 170 rare and fully restored windmills that tell the story of irrigation, ranching, and railroads. Adults and children alike will enjoy the awe-inspiring “Legacy of the Wind” mural and world’s largest model train.

Home to six wineries, some of the best wines in Texas are bottled right here on the High Plains. Whether you prefer dry whites or deep reds, we have a glass of award-winning wine just for you.

This newly expanded museum, situated on a prominent hilltop above the Canyon Lakes, features unique agriculture exhibits such as horse-drawn implements, crop dusters, and GPS-driven equipment

The Depot District offers nightly live music at various venues such as the historic Cactus Theater, The Blue Light, or The Garden. Within walking distance is delicious restaurants, quaint boutiques, and local galleries.

A larger-than-life tribute to the Lubbock musician who inspired the world of rock ’n’ roll, and “Walk of Fame”
honoring other West Texas music legends from Waylon Jennings to Natalie Maines. 

Located in the historic Depot Entertainment District, the center houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and music of Buddy Holly and displays unique memorabilia donated by the family, friends, and fans of Lubbock’s favorite son. The newly restored J. I. Allison House opened in 2013, invites visitors to see what home life was like in the 1950s for Buddy Holly and his Crickets band members. 

LHUCA (Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts) is a must-see when it comes to contemporary art on the South Plains. Visitors will find that LHUCA is not only a place to see art, but experience it as well. Its campus includes multiple working studios, visual art galleries, a theatre and rehearsal hall and various classes that you can drop into throughout the year.

An internationally recognized archaeological and natural history preserve where mammoth bison once roamed, you’ll find an interpretive center, multiple exhibits, plus 4.5 miles of outdoor trails.

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From 1942 to 1944, Lubbock was home to the majority of American Glider Pilots and their flight training for World War II. To preserve their history and bravery, the Silent Wings Museum tells the story of the U.S. Glider Program and is home to three exhibit galleries, a C-47 airplane, research library, multimedia theater and one of the few fully restored World War II gliders in existence.

More than 100 sculptures, viewable from a vehicle or on foot, grace the grounds of one of the nation’s most beautiful university campuses. The collection, ranked in the Top 10 of university public art collections by Public Art Review, is guided by members of the University Public Art Committee, which includes faculty, staff, students, alumni, university and community leaders.

Explore exhibits featuring a total of nearly 5 million objects at the Museum of Texas Tech University. You’ll discover collections in the arts, humanities and natural sciences, as well as the Moody Planetarium with daily laser and star shows.

Entertainment and education meet at one of Lubbock’s favorite attractions, the Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater. Kids and adults alike\ will step into a unique, hands-on museum that features interactive science exhibits, Lubbock’s only public aquarium, thrilling programs at the OMNI Theater and much more.

Unique museum and outdoor park with 50 historic structures dating back to the 1700's. In addition to the 19-acre historical park, the NRHC has 42 life-size bronze steer sculptures and a 44,000-square-foot museum with seven galleries featuring art exhibits, photography and artifacts that capture historical and contemporary Western life

4ORE! is an upscale golf entertainment facility with competitive golf-simulated games for guests of all ages and skill levels. 4ORE! also includes event space, a golf academy and a full-service bar and grille.

Founded in 1969 by Suzanne Aker, Ballet Lubbock is a private, nonprofit organization that is an integral component of Lubbock’s cultural fabric. Each holiday season, Ballet Lubbock produces "The Nutcracker Ballet," one of Lubbock’s favorite holiday traditions.

The Cactus Theater was constructed in Lubbock in 1937 and opened in April 1938 as the first suburban, neighborhood movie theater. The Cactus Theater officially reopened in 1995 as a live performance theater featuring musicals, plays and concerts.

The Charles Adams Studio Project is a privately owned non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to cluster artists in the Lubbock Cultural District by maintaining an inclusive environment that’s mutually beneficial for working artists, curators, galleries and students. This successful collaboration has led to four live/work studios that are regularly open during the monthly First Friday Art Trail, allowing visitors to connect with each artist.

Located in downtown Lubbock, the Charles Adams Gallery is a multi-service gallery that has become one of the most trafficked spots in the Lubbock Cultural District. The unique facility is home to many permanent and rotating art collections, including work from famous artists such as Andy Warhol.

Children & Adults Theatrical Studio's mission is to provide an organization for the production and promotion of theatrical events and the theatrical experience.

Joyland is a fun-filled West Texas tradition located in the heart of Lubbock’s popular Mackenzie Park recreation area. Joyland features more than 30 great rides and attractions – ranging from a log ride, water coaster and roller coasters to junior rides and family classics, such as the colorful carousel. The park also features food favorites, exciting games and group outing facilities. It’s a place where family, friends and coworkers can share fun times and create unforgettable memories. Open March through October.

Coordinated by American Legion Post 575, a monument to the soldiers of this region, men and women, who have served in the military in times of peace and war.

Spanning over 1.42 square miles, Lubbock’s Cultural District gives West Texans the chance to experience culture and art in an authentic way. The Lubbock Cultural District is proud to be the home to numerous facilities, all of which encourage the use of arts, culture and entertainment. Lubbock Cultural District Neighborhoods include: Art District, Depot District, Texas Tech University, and Canyon Lakes.

One of the premier locations in Lubbock to view contemporary art, the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery is made up of 2,500 square feet of gallery space in the Buddy Holly Center. Visitors can feed their artistic spirit with various visual arts exhibitions showcased each year. With everything from jewelry to paintings and sculptures, the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery is a cultural experience.

Located in the heart of Lubbock, The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is a unique 93-acre open space and historical site located in K.N. Clapp Park. Whether you desire a quiet, peaceful walk or an active family adventure, the Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events, tours and classes for people of all ages and interests. Within the sanctuary of the various plantings, come investigate the 1.18 mile trail that is accessible to everyone.

The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra boasts nationally known guest conductors and soloists, a full-time professional administrative staff and dozens of talented professional musicians who represent the business community, public school staff and faculty, and the faculty and student body of Texas Tech University.

Make a splash at Lubbock's premiere water park! Enjoy tidal waves, giant water slides, a kiddie pool and a lazy river. Open throughout the summer. Family ticket packs and season tickets available.

At 248 acres, Mackenzie Park is Lubbock’s largest recreation area and features a wide variety of fun for all ages. Tee off at the recently renovated Meadowbrook Golf Course, or for more variety, the park offers a world-class disc golf course and Joyland Amusement Park. Visit Prairie Dog Town and watch these pint-sized critters put on a show, or bring your horses and ride through incredible landscapes on the park’s equestrian trails.

The Texas Tech University Department of Theatre and Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and has a rich heritage of productions dating back to 1926. Performances are held throughout the year, and ticket information can be found online.

There’s no better place in Lubbock than Prairie Dog Town to watch these pint-sized critters in their natural habitat. Prairie Dog Town was the first protected prairie dog colony of its kind and is located in the majestic Mackenzie Park.

Bring the family or take your sweetheart to see the latest blockbuster hits under a moonlit sky. Visitors can enjoy two new movies for one amazing price, and kids under the age of 5 get in free! Come early and let the kiddos have a blast on the playground, while you grab delicious items like box dinners, nachos or the famous Chihuahua Sandwich. Just don’t forget a sweet funnel cake or a bucket of popcorn for the show.

Each Fall, James and Patti Simpson of At'l Do Farms transform their 12-acre corn field into an ""amazing maize"". By day or by night, this is an adventure to challenge your wits. After navigating through the maize, take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, shoot the corn cannon or reserve a campfire for your group.

West Texas breezes carry the fresh scent of more than 6,000 apple and peach trees to those who visit The Orchard. Pick your own apples or purchase jams, jellies, local raw honey, fresh veggies from the garden, and apple pies and cakes in the unique gift shop, bakery or Country Café. Designed as a pick-your-own operation, the 30-year-old orchard is comprised of 30 varieties of apples.ns.

The Vietnam Center and Archive is responsible for collecting and preserving the documentary record of the Vietnam War and supports and encourages research and education regarding all aspects of the American Vietnam experience. The Vietnam Archive has collected millions of pages of material and tens of thousands of photographs, slides, maps, periodicals, audio and books related to the Vietnam War.

Tornado Gallery is a collaborative space that interacts with its neighborhood to make downtown Lubbock a vibrant, energetic scene.

Nowhere else in the U.S. have so many prominent political figures called one place home: two presidents, two governors, a first lady, an ambassador, and a CIA director.
 

Located inside the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, see the creations of Jim Hall and Chaparral Race Cars.

The Durham Children’s Museum features three exhibition areas emphasizing interactive learning through pure creativity and imagination for children of all ages. Art Works classes for kids take place four times a year. Tours and group rates are available by appointment; contact the Museum of the Southwest to Schedule.

Experience the Digistar 5 Digital Planetarium system, the most advanced planetarium system in the world, with capabilities including full stereoscopic 3D shows, astronomical simulations, real-time 3D graphics renderings and many other features. Dome shows are included with admission to the Museum of the Southwest.

The RockHounds are the Four-peat Texas League Champions of the Oakland Athletics. The season begins in April and goes through September.

For over 16 years, the Hispanic Cultural Center has enhanced the quality of life within the community by creating artistic educational opportunities, building self esteem and pride in a multicultural group and promoting cultural efficiency. Programs include instruction in art, dance, drama, music, and speech. Throughout the year, the Center hosts special events including Ballet Folklorico recitals, mariachi competitions and concerts, the Diez y de Septiembre Parade and Fiesta and a Cinco de Mayo Celebration.

The 36-holds of the Roadrunner and Quail Golf Courses each offer four sets of tees and a challenge at nearly 7,000 yards and 6,600 yards respectively from the back tees. Roadrunner is a links style course and Quail is a traditional course. Open year round.

Dedicated to the men of the oil fields, the Oil Patch at the Permian Basin Petroleum is home to the world’s largest collection of antique drilling equipment. Enjoy a 40-acre outdoor exhibit area of drilling rigs and related equipment.

It can’t be explained, it must be experienced. Visit Summer MuMmers at the historic Yucca Theatre, it is the oldest continuous melodrama in the U.S. Bring your friends, bash the villain with popcorn and enjoy side-splitting laughter during the olio. June-Labor Day.

The Centennial Branch of the Midland County Public Library is a cutting edge facility filled with books, art, hand on experiences and more than you can imagine. More than a repository for books, adventure awaits visitors of all ages.

The Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale (MOSC) provides a full season of Pops, Masterworks, Chorale and Chamber Concerts to patrons in the Permian Basin. The MOSC chamber ensembles include; The Permian Basin String Quartet, the Lone Star Brass and the West Texas Winds. The Chorale and Voices of the Permian Basin Kids’ Choir join with the Orchestra for the annual Holiday Pops concert, as well as for significant choral-orchestral works throughout the season. Performances now in the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center.

Midland’s only indoor skatepark. The RTD Skatepark offers a state-of-the-art venue for skateboarders of all levels and abilities. Come and learn basics every Saturday morning or head over to the open skate session Tuesdays through Saturday.

Nowhere else in the U.S. have so many prominent political figures called one place home: two presidents, two governors, a first lady, an ambassador, and a CIA director.
 

The first bell that hung over the Alamo is on exhibit, along with artworks of leading Western artists, in this research library built to house Texas and southwestern history, including the cattle and oil industries. 

A 3.4_mile wooded walking trail with hawk tower and several bird blinds surround a 30-acre urban playa wetland on this 99-acre preserve also featuring a 1.45_mile ADA-accessible trail loop.
 

The Museum of the Southwest is comprised of the Juliette and Fred Turner, Jr. Memorial Art Museum, a sculpture garden, the Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum, and the Marian West and William Blanton Blakemore Planetarium. The Museum of the Southwest inspires discovery, interaction, exploration of art, science, culture, and history, enriching the lives of people of all ages. The museum uses the power of these disciplines to ignite the imagination, stimulate thought, and provide enjoyment through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and events. The Museum of the Southwest hosts several events every year including; Septemberfest, an Annual Juried Art Show the weekend following Labor Day; and Christmas at the Mansion throughout the month of December. Admission; $5 for ages 12 and up, $3 for ages 3-11 and seniors, Free for ages 2 and under. Facility rentals available.

The interactive museum takes visitors step by step through the dynamic search for black gold, from deposits 230 million years old to classic race cars and a working oil rig. The museum's 40-acre outdoor exhibit area of drilling rigs and related equipment is the largest collection of its type in the world.

Tour, sample, and take home goodies from the mouth-watering candy factory that holds the Guinness World Record–holding largest piece of toffee.
 

From outdoor trails to indoor exhibits, celebrate nature and history at this unique nature center educating visitors about the plants and animals native to West Texas.
 

A state-of-the-art, award willing venue featuring first-class Broadway, musical, and entertainment productions. 

Monahans, Texas

Glistening sand dunes as high as 70 feet offer camping, hiking, sand-surfing, nature viewing, and historical exhibits. 

Monahan, Texas

The site of a large outdoor oil storage tank, Rattlesnake Bomber Base Museum, Coca-Cola Museum, and other exhibits. 

Get inspired at the Ellen Noël Art Museum, one of Texas' Smithsonian Affiliate museums. Summer is the museum's Annual Permian Basin Juried Art Exhibition season, which means you can see works from artists across West Texas, along with more fine art in the museum's four galleries. Participate in fun activities together in Art Haus, the family space for hands-on learning, and then head outdoors for a botanical experience in the Sculpture and Sensory Garden. Check the museum calendar for Art Tales story times for kids and special Community Art Day events where the whole family can create, learn and play together. 

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Odessa Arts is a great resource if you’re looking for more information about Odessa’s Cultural Community. You can find them at odessaarts.org

The Chris Kyle Memorial Plaza is composed of granite and Texas limestone and is located adjacent to the Veterans’ Clinic on the property of Medical Center Hospital on SH 191. The monument is centered on honoring Chris,  however, upon careful inspection, you’ll see it is actually three plazas, interlinked, with the sculpture of the American Sniper in the central plaza.

This beautifully restored home is the oldest standing building in Odessa. It's a popular spot for weddings and special events, with the windmill, and a replica of the original White-Pool House barn. Learn what West Texas home life was like in the late 1800s, when the house was built—and also in the 1920s, when the Permian Basin oil boom prompted the home's then owner to convert it into apartments for workers who were flocking to the area, hoping for their share of black gold. 

Enjoy performances from classical to modern at this replica of Shakespeare’s sixteenth-century Globe Theatre in London; also tour the gardens and Anne Hathaway Cottage. 

A premier research library and exhibition space dedicated solely to the office of the American president, from George Washington to the present.
 

Located at the Music City Mall, an official-size skating rink and the only one between Fort Worth and El Paso.

On the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin stands a limestone replica of the original Stonehenge in England. 

Walk the trail around the second largest meteor crater in the U.S.s and visit the interpretive center to see meteorite
fragments. 

Many of the action sequences for the 2004 feature film Friday Night Lights were shot in this stadium seating nearly
20,000, where the Odessa Permian High football team has played since 1982 and the UTPB team played its inaugural season in 2015.
 

Pecos, Texas

Occupying the 1896 Orient Hotel and 1904 saloon, with three stories of exhibits, and including a relaxing outdoor park. 

Seminole, Texas

The museum showcases the history of this agricultural and petroleum-producing county, depicting the stories of five major cultures that contributed to it: Comanches; early Anglo pioneers; Hispanics; Black Americans from whom the city of Seminole derived its name; and the German-speaking community (Mennonites). 

Terry County

The 1928 former home of A.M. Brownfield, built in 1928, displays exhibits from prehistoric artifacts to the modern era. The grounds also contain Terry county’s first jail, Brownfield Depot, and a large windmill. 

Terry County

Situated in Terry County, the official Grape Capital of Texas, with more than 35 vineyards and 1,300 acres of grapes, this facility that makes wine for wineries across the state also features a tasting room and gift shop. 

Van Horn, Texas

Enjoy a drink at the Gopher Hole Bar in this elegantly restored Trost-designed 1930 hotel, closest lodging to the
Guadalupe Mountains National Park.