Big Springs, Texas, is large and expansive, filled with nature and interesting sites, perfect for travelers looking to lose themselves in a new and unfamiliar place.
It’s also a place where nature is still one of its biggest attractions, making it perfect for the outdoorsy kind of traveler.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any history or culture to witness when visiting there, because there certainly is.
Interested to know more about this place?
Here are the 15 best things to do when visiting Big Springs, Texas:
Barbara Brannon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Camping, hiking trails, and picnics aren’t the only thing Big Springs has to offer.
If you’re more interested in contemporary history, then the Hangar 25 Air Museum is the place for you.
Barbara Brannon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Just head on over to 1911 Apron Drive to catch a glimpse of the fully restored World War 2 era hangar.
The building had sat deteriorating for years since the war ended until a group of concerned citizens took the initiative and restored it to the historic site we see today.
Nowadays, it boasts several displays of planes from that era and information regarding their history.
Barbara Brannon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Start off your vacation with a bang by visiting The Train Car.
It’s a famous cigar bar located at 100 S Main St. and features drinks, music, events, and cigars!
Their main goal is to provide a great experience to travelers and community members.
The bar offers a wide variety of wide drinks for all kinds of people, as well as different types of unique and exotic cigar flavors.
You can also stop by just to listen to the entertainment; the establishment regularly invites different musicians and performers to liven up the atmosphere.
And, when you do visit, don’t forget to pick up some of their exclusive in-store merch to commemorate the amazing experience.
The Heritage Museum, chartered in 1971 and located at 510 Scurry, is a definite must-see for every visitor to Big Springs.
The establishment hosts several large exhibits that will surely interest people of all ages and interests.
For the people interested in the wild west, stop by the area dedicated to cowboys and cowgirls; toy enthusiasts can also view the numerous dolls that the museum has displayed.
There are also several events spread throughout the year to keep your visit fun and interesting, such as an annual chuck wagon meeting, a Christmas tree forest, and a Lonesome Dove exhibit.
The museum also has a gift shop with snacks and various souvenirs for every hungry and interested traveler out there.
Leaflet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Spring State Park at 1 Scenic Drive is another one of those iconic places that you simply can’t leave out of your travel itinerary.
The first thing you have to do when you get there is to climb atop the 200ft bluff and see the wide expanse of Texas and try to wrap your mind around the sheer size of everything surrounding you.
And there isn’t a shortage of things to do in this park either, ranging from hiking to biking, nature watching, having a picnic, or simply sitting down and appreciating the scenery around you.
Leaflet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are also a lot of sites to see if you’re looking to get a few great pictures alongside some amazing memories.
At the top of the scenic mountain, for example, you can find a group pavilion, playgrounds, and several picnic tables.
There’s even a several-mile nature trail for all those outdoor enthusiasts out there that travels up the hills and cacti that’ll lead you to a breathtaking view at the very end.
Leaflet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Of course, sometimes visiting a place isn’t just an opportunity for fun history learning but also a way to pay our respects to the people who have passed.
The Big Spring Vietnam Memorial, located on the former Webb Air Force Base and at the intersection of Rackly and Swords, is a place where we can commemorate the sacrifices of our veterans, both living and dead.
In 1987, the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce sponsored the construction of a mobile wall to commemorate our Vietnam Veterans.
When the wall was ready to move on to other locations, the community decided that the spot where it had stood would become a permanent memorial to that wall and everything it represented, and thus the Big Spring Vietnam Memorial was born.
Now, its primary goal is to promote education about wars and conflicts and their victims.
The caretakers of the memorial regularly host air shows and other events to honor fallen soldiers and raise money for the continued maintenance of the memorial.
Moss Creek Lake, located on the Medina River, was constructed in 1938 to serve as a surface water source.
Nowadays, the water inside it is pumped from the EV. Spencer Reservoir feeds into the lake, which in turn provides some much-needed H2O for Howard County and surrounding areas.
But this place doesn’t just exist for utilitarian purposes; approximately 640 acres of it is reserved for recreational use.
There are several areas you can visit to satisfy your need for fun, such as the paintball area, the dirt bike course, and the beach swimming area.
The area also has a camping site where travelers who want to experience more outdoor living can set up their tent or park their RV.
And if you’re coming with a large party, there are even two large pavilions you can reserve for all your needs.
State parks and large lakes aren’t the only natural wonders that Big Springs has to offer, either.
Really, the most iconic spot in this area is the one it was named after: the actual Big Spring.
Located in Comanche Trail Park, this spring was once the largest source of palatable water in the area and served as a water source for not just humans but also coyotes, buffalo, wolves, antelope, and mustang.
It’s one of the most important springs not just in West Texas but in the United States.
This place is definitely a must-visit if you want to know the history and culture of the area right from the source.
Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Now that you’ve got a handle on the landscape, history, and culture, now it’s time to have some fun by playing sports, and what better way to do that than through golf?
The Comanche Trail Golf Course at 800 Comanche Park Road is an eighteen-hole course nestled against the rolling hills of Big Springs.
Schedule your tee time in advance and turn up there to have some fun with your traveling companions!
Drive around the luscious green lawn and host competitions with your friends on who’s the best golfer out of all of you.
And once you’re done having fun, stop by their snack bar for a well-deserved treat for all your efforts.
If you’re looking for more specific information on the history and culture of Big Springs, then Howard County Library at 500 S Main St. is your best bet.
It has a wide catalog for all types of readers, so you’ll surely have an easy time finding a book that’ll suit your tastes.
They also have resources for kids and teens as well as digital collections.
If you’re ever feeling lost on your trip, making your way to the library is a great way to regain your bearings and learn more about the local community along the way.
Located at 511 Golf Course Road, this Aquatic Center, consisting of a huge pool and bathhouse, was opened in 2010.
It was named after Robert Russel (Russ) Mcewen, fondly remembered as a mayor’s beloved community member of Big Springs.
He believed that the best way to encourage and support community youth was by giving them fun and safe entertainment alternatives, which is exactly what this aquatic center strives to be.
The establishment itself now includes a zero-depth entry, climbable play structures, and two water slides.
So, if you’re looking for a place to really satisfy your summer vacation needs, then this is the spot to visit.
Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Finish off your trip with a visit to Potton House, one of the historic houses of Big Springs.
With its iconic red-brick facade built in 1901 and a tribute to turn of the century architecture, this home on 200 Gregg Street is impossible to miss.
It was first built as an investment and was leased until 1912, but the house was kept in the family well after that, and the original owner’s grandchildren occupied and maintained it as their own home.
Nowadays, it’s a relic of history that gives a glimpse of the early twentieth century.
It’s now owned by the Heritage Museum and is open for tours in the spring, so be sure to check it out as a grand finale for your vacation in Big Springs.
All the sports lovers out there may also want to visit the Roy Anderson Sports Complex at 1700 West Interstate 20.
The establishment provides recreational sports facilities, including baseball, softball, soccer, and football fields.
The building also has concession stands and picnic tables, so you’ll never go hungry.
They also various other events there, so be sure to stay for the fun.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a music festival, a sports camp, health training, and other special events.
Who doesn’t love bowling, am I right?
If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and familiar activity to do with your friends, then head on over to Big Spring Bowl-A-Rama at 3318 Interstate 20.
The area is a lovely no-smoking area that’s designed to give an amazing bowling experience to all its visitors.
You can also munch down on pizza from their snack bar while waiting for your friends to take their turn.
The Bowl-A-Rama takes reservations, so be sure to make one if you want you and your traveling companions to have the place all to yourselves.
You can even throw an all-out bowling party there if you want to maximize your fun.
When visiting Big Spring, make sure to find time to watch and listen to their local symphony orchestra.
They were formed in 1981 when a group of inexperienced but enthusiastic volunteers decided to create a local symphony orchestra for their community.
By 1983, they were a fully-fledged orchestra that regularly performed onstage.
They host several events throughout Big Springs to show their skills and musical prowess.
Now, they’re a staple of Big Springs, so be sure to pay them a visit and be enamored by the wondrous tunes that they produce.
Another place to listen to great music is at the Desert Flower Art Bar & Lounge at 123 s Main st.
The place has a wonderful atmosphere and serves great drinks alongside the performance of great artists.
It’s a great place to wind down with your traveling companions as your trip comes to an end.
The establishment hires a different performer every week, so the venue will never be dull.
Take the time there to relax, wind down, and share stories of your adventures with your friends and family.
At the end of the day, Big Springs is a place that’ll welcome you and swallow you with its whole heart.
It’s so easy to get lost in its huge parks and nature trails, and who wouldn’t want to when you get to experience such beautiful sights?
But for people less inclined to wander nature, there’s also a spot for you in this wonderful place in its museums, sports arenas, and bars.
There’s something in Big Springs that’s familiar to everyone and easy to enjoy, but also something that’ll push them out of their comfort zones, making it a top destination if you’re looking for a wondrous adventure to have.
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