Attractions and Places To See around Midland - Top 15

Midland offers several natural attractions. You can explore the Lost Pond in Mueller State Park, a peaceful lake surrounded by woodlands. For urban nature, visit the I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center, an urban oasis with a boardwalk and trails, or the Sibley Nature Center within Hogan Park, offering trails and educational exhibits on West Texas flora and fauna. Centennial Park and Beal Park also provide green spaces with walking paths and gardens.

Yes, Midland has a rich history. You can visit the George W. Bush Childhood Home, offering a glimpse into the early lives of two U.S. presidents. The Midland County Courthouse, built in 1930, is a notable landmark with Renaissance revival architecture. For local history, the Midland County Historical Museum showcases the city's evolution from a railroad town to an oil and gas hub.

Midland boasts several cultural institutions. The Museum of the Southwest is a multi-faceted complex with art, science, and history, including the Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum and the Marian West and William Blanton Blakemore Planetarium. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum details the history of the oil industry, and the Haley Memorial Library & History Center is dedicated to Texas history, housing thousands of books and artifacts.

Families can enjoy the Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum within the Museum of the Southwest. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center offers easy trails for spotting wildlife. Parks like Centennial Park, Hogan Park, and Windlands Park provide playgrounds and open spaces. For indoor entertainment, Cinergy Midland Featuring EPIC offers movies, bowling, escape rooms, and virtual reality.

For expansive views, the Pikes Peak summit offers breathtaking vistas from 14,115 feet. You can reach it via the Pikes Peak Cog Railway Summit Station, the highest railway in North America. Another great spot is the Lone Eagle Overlook, which provides a good overview of Mueller State Park at 9,400 feet. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve is also an excellent spot to photograph West Texas sunsets.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find trails around natural attractions like the I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Sibley Nature Center. For more extensive hiking, explore routes like The Crags Trail or Pancake Rocks Trail. You can find more details on various hiking options in the Hiking around Midland guide.

For easy walks, consider the trails at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center, or the peaceful paths at Sibley Nature Center. In Mueller State Park, the Outlook Ridge and Geer Pond Trail Loop and the Elk Meadow and Peak View Pond Loop are considered easy. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Midland guide.

Midland has a vibrant performing arts scene. The Yucca Theatre, an iconic downtown landmark, hosts plays, concerts, ballet, and films. The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue that attracts Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, symphonies, and stand-up comedy with its premium acoustics.

Yes, for a unique local experience, visit Susie's South Forty Candy Factory, which is a popular attraction known for its confections and treats.

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from the historical insights at the George W. Bush Childhood Home and the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum to the natural beauty of the I-20 Wildlife Preserve. The community also enjoys the breathtaking vistas from high-altitude viewpoints like the Pikes Peak summit and the peaceful environment of places like Lost Pond.

Yes, the Midland Army Air Field Museum is dedicated to military aviation, preserving the history of Midland's military base and featuring exhibits on its impact, including ancient aircraft.

Midland offers several running trails for various fitness levels. Popular routes include the Dome Rock loop via Willow Creek Trail for a challenging run, or the Aspen and School Pond Trail Loop for a moderate option. You can explore more running trails in the Running Trails around Midland guide.