Lubbock is a vibrant and sunny city in Texas.
It is nestled along the South Plains in West Texas and is also the seat of Lubbock County.
Because of its accessible location and excellent transportation network within the city, Lubbock is also nicknamed “Hub City.”
Besides its transport systems and location, Lubbock is also known to have more music venues than all the other cities in Texas.
This city is where the rock music legend Buddy Holly was born!
Although Lubbock has gone through many changes since it was incorporated in 1909, its citizens’ hospitality and charm keep people coming back to the city.
Today, Lubbock is a melting pot of different cultures in West Texas, boasting diverse destinations and attractions.
Explore the city without spending a dime by checking out these 15 free things to do in Lubbock, Texas!
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Learn about ranching history and discover its impact on the city and the state when you head to the National Ranching Heritage Center.
The National Ranching Heritage Center is located on 4th Street and was established to showcase and preserve the history of ranching.
Ranching is one of the most valued industries in the country, and you’ll learn why it’s still relevant in today’s time and age in this center.
Here, you’ll be able to check out exhibits with artifacts and photographs that reveal the story of ranching from years past.
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There are also displays about cattle breeds and the history of cattle breeding.
You’ll also be able to explore a trail filled with life-size statues of Longhorns and take pictures with it.
An outdoor park is also available within the center’s premises, where you can explore historic structures that early ranchers once used.
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Remember the brave heroes of the nation at Huneke Park.
Huneke Park is nestled along 82nd Street and was originally constructed to be used by the West Side Railway.
This park features a wide open space where kids and adults can roam around and enjoy the scenic sight of the landscape.
While people enjoy visiting the park to spend the day outdoors, most individuals who stop by this park visit it to check out the Veterans Memorial within its premises.
The Lubbock Area Veterans Memorial is located at this park and was built to honor the veterans who passed away serving the country.
This memorial features a curved structure, bricks, and flags, all installed to remember those who were killed during the wars and those who helped the community.
Drop by this memorial in Huneke Park to take a moment to appreciate the life and works of the courageous veterans.
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Watch cute burrowing squirrels in their natural habitat when you visit Prairie Dog Town!
Nestled along MacKenzie Park Road, Prairie Dog Town is one of the most visited destinations in Lubbock.
Established in the 1930s, this attraction became the first protected area filled with adorable prairie dogs.
Watch prairie dogs play around and roam the open grassland!
If you’re lucky, some of the friendlier prairie dogs may even come close to you, so ready your cameras to snap a quick picture!
There are also burrowing owls around the area that you can try to spot when you visit this wildlife park.
Prairie Dog Town is a great destination for families, especially if your loved ones are interested in these unique and adorable creatures!
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Check out artifacts and historic artworks, which will give you a glimpse into the past at the Museum of Texas Tech University.
Drive through 4th Street and drop by the Museum of Texas Tech University to see pottery, wooden sculptures, and even bones from centuries ago.
This museum is considered the top resource for those interested in discovering the different significant eras in the city’s history and the world.
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You’ll see artifacts related to Anthropology, Natural History, Paleontology, and more.
You can also check out the Moody Planetarium, a new addition to the museum where you can join programs focusing on different Astronomy topics.
Whether you’re interested in the sciences or history, this museum is a destination you must visit!
Mae Simmons Park is a popular spot to spend the day outdoors with family and friends.
The city established this park on Oak Avenue in 1953 to honor the civic work of Mae D. Thomas Simmons, a known civic leader in the state.
Mae Simmons Park features an open, grassy area perfect for kids who love running around and adults who want to engage in open-field sports.
You can play disc golf, tag, and other fun activities here.
You can also bond with your kids at the playground or take in the beautiful sight of the lake nearby.
There are also trails around the park that will take you around the natural areas within the premises.
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Unwind and relax by strolling around the scenic Mackenzie Park.
Mackenzie Park is a stunning city park accessed through Interstate 27.
It features numerous fun amenities, like an amusement park and a wildlife preserve, but many people come to this park for its trails.
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With its lush greenery, tranquil lake, and numerous ponds, Mackenzie Park is a great place to visit if you want to walk around surrounded by nature.
Let the peaceful sight of the waters relax you as you stroll alone or with your loved ones.
When you get tired, you can rest by sitting by the picnic areas around the park’s water features.
Feast your eyes on artworks at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts or LHUCA.
LHUCA is a space where artists can freely cultivate their craft with other artists, and it’s accessible through 511 Avenue.
This art hub serves those who work with visual, literary, and even performing arts.
When you visit Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, you can check out their galleries for free to see stunning artwork.
From paintings and sculptures to photographs and mixed media works, the galleries at LHUCA feature a wide range of art!
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Soak up the natural beauty of Texas when you explore Lubbock Lake Landmark.
Accessible through Landmark Drive, Lubbock Lake Landmark is a stunning preserve that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its amazing archaeological and geological features.
This landmark is said to contain proof of early settlers who lived within the area over 12,000 years ago.
Stop by the Interpretive Center before exploring the trails here to make the most of your visit.
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The trails include a nature trail, a wildflower trail, and an archeological trail.
Journey into the past as you explore trails once traversed by people in history.
You can also spot birds and other wildlife as you explore the greeneries at this preserve.
Lubbock Lake Landmark is the ideal destination if you love spending time outdoors and exploring nature.
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Bring your loved ones to Aztlan Park and catch up with them while enjoying the amenities of this historic park.
Aztlan Park features a grassy area where you can have a picnic and a playground where you can play with your kids.
You can also find a basketball court and an intriguing mural that reflects the area’s rich history.
This park was one of the biggest migrant labor camps during the early 20th century.
Aztlan Park was once known as the “Chihuahua District” and “Mexican Town,” where Mexican migrants who worked near railroad lines and cotton fields slept.
The park remains to be a tribute to the Tejano roots and Hispanic community in the city.
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Pay your respects to famous artists in the music industry when you visit the City of Lubbock Cemetery.
The City of Lubbock Cemetery on East 13th Street has been standing since 1892 and houses over 60,000 graves.
This cemetery has also been given the title of a Texas Historic Cemetery since it’s one of the earliest cemeteries in the state.
This is where you can find the final resting place of the legendary rock and roll songwriter and musician Charles Hardin Holley, famously known as Buddy Holly.
Buddy Holly is known for his musical pieces, which have inspired and influenced musicians who came after him.
Explore this cemetery and visit the grave of this iconic music artist!
You can also try to find the grave of Mac Davis, another popular musician known for his memorable country songs and for working with the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley.
If you’re interested in learning about the city’s historic industries, visit A Tribute to Cotton Monument.
Located on Broadway Street outside the Lubbock County Courthouse, A Tribute to Cotton Monument is dedicated to the workers who helped make the county the top cotton producer globally.
It also highlights when Lubbock was hailed as the center of the cotton industry in the south plains.
The monument is installed in the area where pioneer farmers sold cotton bales during the first half of the 1900s.
Drop by the county courthouse to check out this monument and maybe even take a picture with it.
You can also read through the inscription on the plaque to get more information about the city’s cotton industry.
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Pretend you’re holding an air guitar while you pose with the Buddy Holly Statue!
The Buddy Holly Statue is installed on Crickets Avenue, across from the Buddy Holly Center.
This statue depicts the legendary rock and roll musician Buddy Holly wearing his famous suit and playing an electric guitar.
The “Walk of Fame” also honors many other musicians who originate from the city.
Strike your best pose with the Buddy Holly Statue and take fun pictures to commemorate your visit.
You can also walk around the tiny plaza and see the names of other notable Texans from Lubbock.
Experience some quick frights when you drive through Woodrow Road and spot the Woodrow Haunted Manor.
While it has seen active and lively nights during the past Halloween season, did you know this home is popular among the locals for being an “actual” haunted house?
Before it became a Halloween attraction, the Woodrow Haunted Manor was the focal point of many horrific stories and urban legends in the community.
It’s rumored that a man was shot dead in the home’s driveway not long after it was built in 2003.
Stories about a girl who was found stabbed to death inside the home also circulate in the local community.
The most infamous story about the home is that it was once owned by a veterinarian who performed revolting experiments with animals in its shed.
This “experiment room” reportedly still exists in the home today.
While the haunted manor attraction is currently not operational, many people still stop by the house to give themselves a little scare!
Woodrow Haunted Manor is a must-visit if you’re into horror stories or dark tourism!
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Marvel at the stunning stained-glass artwork at Christ the King Cathedral.
This Roman Catholic cathedral on 54th Street is a must-visit religious institution because of its beautiful stained-glass artwork.
While you can appreciate its simple yet elegant architecture from the outside, more beauty awaits you inside.
Christ the King Cathedral features a grand altar adorned with beautiful stained-glass artwork.
There are a total of three stained-glass artworks on the cathedral’s altar.
These stained-glass works feature some of the most important figures in the Catholic religion, such as Mary and Jesus.
Stop by this cathedral if you’re a devout Catholic or a fan of exquisite works of art.
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Put on your best outdoor gear and head to Dunbar Historical Lake for an exciting, adventure-filled day!
Accessible through Canyon Lake Drive, Dunbar Historical Lake is a hidden gem in the city.
This scenic lake is a great place to take in the breathtaking water view or even go boating if you have your own kayak.
Many people from the community head to this lake to fish while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
You can also explore the trails around the beautiful natural areas.
Enjoy the stunning views of the waters and the landscape.
You may even spot rare birds in the area if you’re lucky.
If you’re looking for the best spot to watch the sun go down, Dunbar Historical Lake is the perfect destination!
All the attractions and landmarks you can visit in Lubbock are diverse and interesting.
Whatever your interests are, you’ll find something fun when exploring the city!
From historic landmarks and natural areas to memorials and even haunted houses, there’s something for everyone in Lubbock.
Keep these 15 free things to do in Lubbock, Texas, in mind to make the most out of your visit to the city!
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