Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Midland, TX

  • Published 2022/09/05

A long line of adventure seekers, entrepreneurs, and wildcatters have been drawn to Midland.

But did you also know that Midland, Texas, is home to various world-class attractions?

Midland was designated by MSN Money as one of America’s fastest-growing towns in 2014 the same year.

A presidential home may be visited, and you can search for the Big Dipper during a Star Party, watch a variety of off-Broadway shows, go to public markets, see the first bell that rung over the Alamo and enjoy the plenty of open-area tourist attractions.

Now let’s have a look at the 25 best things you can do in Midland, Texas!

Discover What It’s Like to Be in the Former President George W. Bush’s Childhood Home

View of George W. Bush’s Childhood Home

Blueag9, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National Park Service has announced that the 1,400-square-foot home in Midland, Texas, where former President George W. Bush spent part of his youth, is being considered for inclusion in the national park system.

In a previous statement, the agency also stated that it would host a virtual meeting for the public to learn more about Mr. Bush’s former house, which has been already transformed into a museum.

Closer View of George W. Bush’s Childhood Home

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to see where the 43rd President resided, head to the George W. Bush Childhood Home in Midland, located at 1412 West Ohio Avenue.

Everything in the house has been restored to portray the houses back in the 1950s.

So don’t forget to visit the site, snap some photographs, and enjoy what this place has to offer.

Interior of President George W. Bush’s Childhood Home

Blueag9, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taste the Sweetness of Susie’s South Forty Candy Factory

If you want to feel like a kid again, you should go to Susie’s South Forty Candy Factory, located at 401 S. Marienfeld Midland, Texas, which has long been a favorite of tourists and residents.

Susie Hitchcock-Hall, the factory’s owner, started her firm in 1991, and it has become the city’s largest candy manufacturer.

To pique your curiosity even further, this Midland candy factory holds the Guinness World Record for producing the world’s most significant piece of toffee – fashioned like the state of Texas!

That being said, you should definitely include this place in your itinerary.

Have Fun Shopping at Midland Downtown Farmer’s Market

Located at 1705 West Missouri Ave, Midland, Texas, Midland Downtown Farmer’s Market offers a wide variety of fresh products, including seasonal vegetables raised by the West Texas farmers.

There are also gluten-free baked products, handmade soaps, grass-fed meat, local honey, organic coffee, and organic spices.

They also feature live music, a children’s play area, food trucks, and information from the local Master Gardener.

Though it’s a crowded area, you will still enjoy shopping since they play live performances to pique the interest of everyone to go down the public market.

Enjoy this place of what it’s like to purchase products directly from the local farmers.

Experience the Wilderness in I-20 Wildlife Preserve

The 99-acre Wildlife Preserve is located at 2201 S. Midland Dr. in Midland, Texas, and is managed by a non-profit organization.

Here, you’ll find the Hawk Observation Tower, 4 Teaching Platforms, 2 Butterfly Gardens, 4 Feeding Stations, a 2105-foot Boardwalk, and 7 Bird Blinds.

You can go hiking in this place as well!

And they have a playa environment, which is ideal for birding and animal observation throughout the rainy and dry seasons.

Additionally, there are bobcats, badgers, porcupines, raccoons, rabbits, reptiles, and amphibians, in addition to the various birds and butterflies flying around.

The best aspect about the Wildlife Preserve is that it is free of admission.

Spend Time Reading Books in the Haley Library and History Center

The Haley Library and History Center should be on your list of locations to visit if you’re seeking a neighborhood library.

It’s also recognized for being the home of Western authors and journalists.

On a side note, the library has approximately 30,000 titles about western exploration, early railroads, ranching, mining, petroleum, and politics.

There is also a collection of bronze sculptures, paintings, and antiquities to gaze at in the library.

The neighborhood library is situated at 1805 West Indiana, Midland, Texas, but if you want to be extra sure, you can always use Google Maps.

If you’re concerned about the cost of admission, don’t worry because it’s free and always available to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Invest Your Leisure Time at Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

Outside of Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

Plazak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At the Petroleum Museum, which is conveniently located in the heart of the Permian Basin, guests of all ages may engage in interactive education and entertainment.

On a related note, almost one million people from all over the world have visited the Petroleum Museum and witnessed all of the historical events that have taken place there.

George T. Abell, one of Midland’s early pioneer oilmen and philanthropists, was instrumental in its founding in 1975 when it comprised around 500 local community leaders.

Outside of Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Additionally, this museum tells the discovery of petroleum and the arduous lives of men and women who were searching for a better life.

If you still have a lot of questions about this museum, put it on your bucket list and visit this place so that you can learn more about the intriguing items you’ll find in this museum.

Wander Around the Museum of the Southwest

Exterior view of Museum of the Southwest

Kara Browning, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Museum of the Southwest promotes discovery, engagement, and exploration of art, science, culture, and history, enhancing the lives of people of all ages.

The Museum of the Southwest is located in the heart of downtown Tucson, at 1705 West Missouri, Midland.

Through its collections, exhibitions, programs, and events, the museum harnesses the power of various disciplines to arouse the imagination, inspire thinking, and live entertainment.

While some of the locations mentioned are free, this museum is not one of them.

Admission is $5 for those aged 12 and up, $3 for those aged 3-11 and seniors, and free for those aged two and under.

Additionally, facility leases are available.

Visit Sibley Nature Park

If you need a nice long break or to decompress for a short while after a long stressful week, you should consider adding The Sibley Nature Center to your list.

Over 10,000 individuals come to the center every year, which is entirely free and open to the public.

This area does not just allow you to relax.

Here, lectures and workshops, in which you may also participate, will educate you about the region’s nature and history.

Sibley has educational exhibits, a vast research library, and changing displays and “learning modules” for the enjoyment of students and visitors.

The park also has the Sibley Camera Club, dedicated to providing ideas and information on creating professional and inspirational photographs.

It is a chance for nature photographers, or those interested in photography, to interact with people of all skill levels.

And the good thing is that you are welcome to take advantage of all the complimentary amenities this center offers!

Experience the Big Sky Dive-In Theatre

Most people go to the movies regularly, but how often do they recall their past excursions to the theater as pleasant memories?

Well, if you want to see a movie but want to stay in your car, then this is the right location for you!

Purchase a ticket, find a good spot to park your vehicle, and enjoy viewing your favorite movie beneath the star-dotted sky.

Guests like you can enjoy the movies from the comfort of their vehicles, or you can choose to sit outside your vehicles in lawn chairs or on blankets if you so want.

They also offer delicious, reasonably priced concession meals, selected foods, beverages, and other refreshments to satisfy you throughout your double feature movie experience.

On a side note, the Big Sky Dive-In Theatre is a dog-friendly facility, and you are welcome to bring your dogs with you if you like.

Take Advantage of RTD Skatepark’s Free Skating Lessons

Skateboarding isn’t for everyone, but you should give it a shot if you want to learn how to do it!

Known as the only indoor skatepark, RTD Skatepark was built by some of the most brilliant building specialists in the country.

The RTD Skatepark is located on the grounds of Rock the Desert, at 2000 South FM 1788 Midland.

In addition to a cutting-edge skating arena for skateboarders of all levels, it offers a range of additional activities everyone may participate in.

On a side note, the Park will host artistic exhibitions, camps, and various after-school programs and events for music musicians from throughout the country.

RTD Skatepark also has a permanent contemporary art display that showcases some of the world’s most well-known pro skateboarders and skateboarding artists.

Every Saturday morning, you can learn the foundations of skating or come to the open skate session, held every Tuesday through Saturday.

It is open from 6 pm. to 10 pm on Tuesdays (excluding holidays) and on Saturdays from 4 pm until 10 pm.

Enjoy the Performances at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Outside Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Nicolas Henderson from Coppell, Texas, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you seeking a place to unwind and have a good time?

Do you want to witness world-class performances yourself?

The Wagner Nol Performing Arts Center is an $81 million state-of-the-art performing arts venue located between Midland, Texas, and Odessa.

It is a theater that exhibits all Broadway plays, world-famous musicals, contemporary performances, comedic acts, etc.

Visit this place while in Midland, Texas.

You’ll certainly enjoy it.

Spend the Day at Hogan’s Run Dog Park With Your Dogs

Visit this place if you have your dog with you while in Midland.

Here, you can let your dog run around and enjoy himself without worrying.

This is due to the facility’s tight fencing and a double-gated entrance system, which makes it difficult for dogs to run when other guests approach the park from either side.

Another benefit is that it is widely appreciated by many dog owners in the region due to its size, inviting environment, and diverse range of amenities.

In addition to drinking fountains and dog bowls to keep canines hydrated, the facility has a kiddie pool for cooling down and agility equipment for dogs.

If you forgot to bring waste bags, they also have free waste bag dispensers, pooper scoopers, and trash cans placed throughout the facility.

Hogan’s Park also has features like picnic spaces, playgrounds, and public bathrooms, as well as sports fields and nature paths.

In any case, it’s a great spot to spend the day outside without having to pay a fee, because it’s open every day, except on Fridays from 8 am to 9 am.

Summer Mummers’ Global Performances

Another notable theater you should visit is the Summer Mummers, a summer institution in the Permian Basin for more than fifty-nine years and is the oldest continuously running melodrama in the United States and globally acclaimed.

This one-of-a-kind group has had the opportunity to perform in Dundalk, Ireland, and Dongying, China, demonstrating that one does not need to learn a foreign language to entertain.

Summer Mummers opens its doors on Friday, allowing you to watch all of the great acts.

You can purchase tickets and find out more information by visiting the organization’s official website.

Chilling at The Hemingway

The Hemingway, a destination for fans of fine wines and fine cigars, should include this spot in their itinerary.

Situated at the corner of Wadley and Garfield, they provide a comprehensive range of cigars, excellent wines, a large selection of pipes and pipe tobacco, craft brews, and a fantastic selection of gift ideas for your loved ones.

With the newly extended and refurbished patio, you may rest in the luxury of the new seating, which includes heaters and fire pits to provide virtually year-round comfort in almost any weather.

Hemingway is not only a fantastic location to shop, but it’s also a great place to gather with friends and family for special occasions.

There is live entertainment five nights a week.

Experience the Epicness of the Cinergy Midland

Cinergy offers a vast range of video games, an above-ground ropes course, escape rooms, a full-service sports bar, and movies, among other things that a person needs for a fun and relaxing day.

While you’re engrossed in the film, the crew brings you a variety of beverages and chef-prepared favorites to your plush reclining seat.

Furthermore, Cinergy offers state-of-the-art Dolby ambient sound and the option of Digital or Digital Epic 3D screenings, which enhances the experience of viewing movies.

For those who prefer a gentler experience, Cinergy offers “sensory-friendly” screenings of popular first-run films on one Saturday of each month.

Closed captioning, detailed narration, and assisted listening are all provided, as well as accessible seating and other accommodations for those with special needs.

Practice Your Shooting Skills at Family Armory & Indoor Range

Family Armory and Indoor Range consist of a weapons training facility, a retail shop that sells firing accessories, a retailer of firearms with a federal permit, and a firing range indoors.

To help the kind-hearted, law-abiding individuals who want to practice shooting their weapons in a secure, weather-controlled setting, they opened their facilities in 2015.

They encourage their clients to engage socially, learn about, and practice safe handgun use.

Family Armory and Indoor Range have ten lanes at 75 feet in their facility, and there is plenty of space behind the stalls.

Family Armory’s inventory covers the entire shooting experience!

Buy a Snack and Watch a Show at Midland Community Theatre

All individuals of all ages have access to Midland Community Theatrical’s opportunity to engage in and enjoy high-quality theatre arts and schooling.

Productions start on time; therefore, they advise viewers to arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand.

Doors open sixty before the performance, and seating starts 30 minutes before the start of the act.

Before the show and at intermission, snacks and drinks are available in the lobby from the concessions and lounge areas.

Enjoy a drink, the gallery’s artwork, and the friendly company of others in the lobby.

Additionally, they provide creative play, fine arts camps, theatre school, academy programs, summer theater school classes, and more!

Explore and Learn History at Midland Army Air Field Museum

Volunteer teams keep the Midland Army Air Field Museum from the Commemorative Air Force’s High Sky Wing.

They are in operation and constantly modifying the gallery areas in the High Sky Wing complex’s Primary Hangar to show different collections.

They maintain the heritage of the biggest bombardier teaching school in the country during World War II by displaying the extensive collection of the Midland Army Air Field Museum.

The influence of West Texans in World War II is the subject of several displays.

The Midland Army Air Field Museum offers visitors the chance to explore the views and sounds of West Texas in the 1940s through informative presentations and possibilities for aircraft excursions, in addition to the substantial variety of aircraft preserved and managed on the High Sky Wing Campus.

Communities are reconnected with the West Texas ghosts thanks to the High Sky Wing.

Develop Your Skills at Ally Outdoors

Ally Outdoors is thrilled to provide a range of courses on firearms.

The Ally Outdoors trainers aim to provide everyone with the chance to acquire and develop the critical abilities required to succeed, regardless of the assignment.

Additionally, with 8,500 square feet of store space, they will work to serve all gun owners, from rookies to shooters.

They provide a wide range of weapons and lenses in addition to outerwear, knives, coolers, vaults, and archery supplies.

Grab a buddy and stop by for a meal before hitting the range; with options like their Flatbreads and the well-liked Burgers, this will quickly become your new go-to lunch location!

Support Teams Playing at Scharbauer Sports Complex

Sporting competitions are popular in Midland, drawing locals and tourists to the Scharbauer Sports Complex, which hosts many of them.

Sports activities practically take place at the complex’s baseball, soccer, and football stadium for most of the year.

A pavilion is also available for gatherings and performances.

Around the facility, there are open fields where you can see neighborhood sports teams practice most time.

Support the home teams by attending a game and cheering on the Texas League’s minor league Midland RockHounds.

Look Back on Heroism at Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Midland is home to the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The memorial honors the lives of the 225 soldiers from 30 counties in West Texas’s Permian Basin who lost their lives while serving their country during the Vietnam War and those who fought and survived.

You may see the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard plaques within the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial’s pentagonal walls, dedicated on November 12, 1994.

Read the names of those who perished in the conflict etched on the pentagonal monuments.

The Veterans Memorial Park features unique attractions close to Midland International Airport.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in the Permian Basin also features a sculpture garden, a children’s playground, picnic tables, and a memorial to the fallen soldiers of the Vietnam War.

Discover Contribution of the Surrounding Region to Midland’s Growth at Midland County Historical Museum

The Midland County Historical Museum lies in a converted metal warehouse, which houses a modest collection of artifacts from Midland and the surrounding West Texas area.

See fantastic and fascinating artifacts and events from Western Texas’ past in the Midland County Historical Museum.

When it comes to museums that foster a love for the arts, science, and history, the Midland County Historical Museum stands out from the crowd.

The Museum has engaging displays for visitors of all ages.

Exhibits aim to encourage curiosity among the region’s budding young explorers.

Bring Home a Special Gift to Your Loved One from Pardue Silversmith

The bread and butter of the Pardue Silversmith in Midland are stunning buckles, saddle gear, engraving, and jewelry.

Michael Pardue is an accomplished belt buckle maker and abs silversmith with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

The Pardue Silversmith produces entirely handmade items. Y

ou may also get western jewelry, etched knives, and handcrafted conchos here.

Michael Pardue is happy to include his clients’ thoughts and suggestions in his handmade creations.

See Gorgeous Footwear at El Rancho Boots

For those needing high-quality, one-of-a-kind footwear for men and women, go no farther than El Rancho Boots.

The El Rancho Boots store is the most fantastic option for finding fashionable and high-quality footwear in Midland.

El Rancho Boots carries a wide variety of Western accessories, including boots, headwear, FR, horse trappings, jewelry, clothing, cachas de Pistola, and spurs.

El Rancho Boots has a pleasant and helpful staff that can assist you in finding the perfect pair of boots.

At El Rancho Boots, you may get fashionable items at reasonable prices.

One of the ideal things to do in Midland is to stop by El Rancho Boots.

Chill at Midland Beer Garden

The Midland Beer Garden along Highway 80 has excellent beer, good cuisine, and a fun atmosphere.

If you’re visiting Midland and are looking for a fun location to meet and greet locals, this bar makes for a pleasant detour.

Grab a bite and a drink with your travel companions.

Midland Beer Garden provides draft beer and wine in a pleasant outdoor setting, with picnic tables and performances by local musicians.

It also has pleasant and helpful staff.

Final Thoughts

Midland, indeed, is one of the most popular destinations in the country.

It’s hard not to fall in love with all Midland offers to tourists and its residents.

While planning your next vacation, be sure to check out this list and include the most world-class locations in the city on your bucket list.

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