Attractions in Midland

Midland has forever attracted adventure-seekers, entrepreneurs, and wildcatters looking to strike it big in the alluring wide-open spaces of West Texas. Named by MSN Money as one of the fastest-growing cities in America and the city with the highest income per capita in the United States in 2014, there are many world-class attractions in Midland. Visit a presidential home, spot the Big Dipper at a Star Party, watch an off-Broadway production, and see the first bell that hung over The Alamo. Below are some of the must-see attractions in The Tall City.

George W. Bush Childhood Home
Step back in time to the 1950’s at the George W. Bush Childhood Home in Midland, restored with furnishings and exhibits to showcase the home as it was when the Bush family lived here. Be sure to check out the turquoise refrigerator and take your photo with the life-size cutout of the 43rd president himself.
1412 West Ohio Avenue
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 685-1112

Haley Memorial Library & History Center
Named after historian and political activist J. Evetts Haley, the Haley Library & History Center is a revered treasure for Western writers and journalists. The Haley Library features the first bell that hung over The Alamo, more than 30,000 rare and original volumes on Western exploration and development, and first-hand interviews from trail drives across the American plains. An extensive collection on the Lincoln County War and Billy the Kid can also be found in the library, which hosts Western art sales twice a year. 
1805 West Indiana
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 682-5785

I-20 Wildlife Preserve and Jenna Welch Nature Study Center
Walk the boardwalk and hike the 3.4-mile trail across a 30-acre urban playa wetland at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, an urban oasis, and the place to spot birds, reptiles, butterflies—maybe even a bobcat. Be sure to check out the Hawk Observation Tower when you visit. This is also a great place to photograph a famous West Texas sunset.
2201 South Midland Drive
Midland, TX 79703
866-97PLAYA

Museum of the Southwest
The grounds of the Museum of the Southwest include the Turner Memorial Art Museum, the Durham Children’s Museum, the Blakemore Planetarium, and the sculpture garden. The museum is in the historic Turner Mansion & Stables, on the National Register of Historic Places and past home to two Kentucky Derby-winning horses. View the two two trophies won by the Turner, Durham, and Scharbauer families in 1959 and 1987 at the Kentucky Derby along with other items won during their time of equestrian pursuits. Special events like the Sunday Lawn Concerts, SciFridays, Star Parties, and Art Socials are hosted at the museum, so be sure to check out their calendar when planning your trip to Midland.
1705 West Missouri
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 683-2882

Permian Basin Petroleum Museum & Chaparral Racecar Gallery
Known as one of the best petroleum museums in the country, Midlands’ Permian Basin Petroleum Museum provides an inside look at how the oil industry works. Exhibits include the Permian Reef (it’s like you’re walking on the ocean floor), The Voyage of the PetroTrekker (a trip across land, under the sea, and to space to find new sources of petroleum), and the world’s largest collection of antique oil drilling equipment. Don’t miss the Chaparral Racecar Gallery, home to vintage autos used by the Chaparral Cars race team.
1500 West Interstate 20
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 683-4403

Sibley Nature Center
Hike the nature trail and discover the flora, fauna, and history of West Texas at the Sibley Nature Center, located on 49 acres in northwest Midland. The grounds include an interpretive center with a wildlife viewing area and beehive, a research library, greenhouses, and a hiking trail with views of a salt playa, a pond, grassland, and mesquites.
1301 East Wadley Avenue
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 684-6827

Susie’s South Forty Candy Factory
Susie’s South Forty Candy Factory has long been a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Owner Susie Hitchcock-Hall started her business in 1991 on 40 acres south of Midland and the business has quickly grown to a large candy factory and retail store. This Midland candy factory holds the Guinness World Record for making the world’s largest piece of toffee — shaped like the state of Texas, of course — and has been featured on Food Network’s “Unwrapped.”
401 South Marienfeld
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 570-4040

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is an $81-million, state-of-the-art, stunning venue in Midland that hosts off-Broadway productions, Cirque du Soleil performances, Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale concerts, world-famous musical and comedy acts from the likes of Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld, Loretta Lynn, and ZZ Top.
1310 North FM 1788
Midland, TX 79707
(432) 552-4430