The city of Odessa brings images of oil derricks, sand, and tumbleweeds. That is not necessarily wrong, but there's a lot more to this rapidly expanding metropolis experiencing a considerable oil boom.
Odessa is located in the Permian Basin of West Texas and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” The city has a rich history, and its location makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a day of exploration, a weekend of adventure, or a week of relaxation, Odessa has something for everyone.
Odessa makes good use of the desert's natural surroundings. There are many things to do here; spend some time at Stonehenge Replica, drive out to the Meteor Crater to observe desert vegetation and wildlife, or explore one of the lovely parks you will find here; Floyd Gwin Park is one of them.
For those looking for some outdoor exploration, Odessa has several parks and trails perfect for hiking or biking. The Odessa West Texas Trails System is a network of trails that wind through the city and provide great views of the surrounding area. The trails are well-maintained, and travelers can take advantage of the area’s natural beauty. The trails are also great for horseback riding, and the city has several stables that offer riding lessons for those wishing to try their hand at equestrian activities.
For those looking for a day of history, Odessa has several historical sites to explore. The Presidential Museum and Leadership Library is a great place to learn about the history of the United States and its presidents.
For a more relaxing day, visitors can take advantage of the many shopping and dining options in Odessa. The city has a variety of restaurants, from barbecue to Mexican to seafood. Odessa also has several shopping centers, where visitors can find anything from clothing to souvenirs. The city also has several art galleries, where visitors can explore local and international art.
There are several live entertainment venues in town; you'll have so much fun in Odessa. A museum of art connected to the Smithsonian at times also displays exhibitions.
One day in Odessa, Texas - Things you can't miss out on:
- Stonehenge Replica
- Ellen Noël Art Museum
- George W. Bush Childhood Home
- Meteor Crater Site
- Chris Kyle Memorial
Explore with us the best things to do in Odessa, TX
1. Stonehenge Replica
Video made by The Texas Bucket List
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Stonehenge Replica. This impressive structure is a faithful recreation of the original Stonehenge in England, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The Stonehenge Replica is located in a beautiful park, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees. As I approached the structure, I was struck by its size and grandeur. The massive stones are arranged in a circular pattern, just like the original Stonehenge, and they tower over visitors, giving the impression of ancient power and mystery.
It is made up of about 20 stone blocks which are almost the same in terms of look, shape and size compared to the Stonehenge in England. Best of all, it can be accessed for free at any time.
The Stonehenge Replica team produced a similar version of the English original in just a few weeks.
I spent some time walking around the structure, admiring the intricate carvings on the stones and trying to imagine what life must have been like for the people who built the original Stonehenge. It was fascinating to think about the centuries of history that this structure represents, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.
In addition to the Stonehenge Replica, the park also features a visitor center where I was able to learn more about the history and significance of the original Stonehenge. The exhibits in the visitor center were well-done and informative, and I especially enjoyed the interactive displays that allowed me to explore the structure in more detail.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Stonehenge Replica in Odessa, Texas. It was a fascinating and educational experience, and I would definitely recommend it to other tourists visiting the area. Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking for a unique and interesting attraction, the Stonehenge Replica is a must-see.
2. Ellen Noël Art Museum
Video made by Cruising Along
Located in the Presidential Archives at UT Permian Basin on 4919 E. University Blvd., Odessa.
There are three different galleries to explore at the Ellen Noel Art Museum. It is one of the very few art museums in Texas that has been given the status of an official Smithsonian Affiliate, which allows it to display a variety of Smithsonian artwork and participate in Smithsonian-sponsored events.
It includes a lovely garden that is completely accessible and user-friendly, making it suitable for guests with visual or physical impairments. The artworks and sculptures in the garden may also be seen by visitors.
The Museum provides quality art to West Texas through changing exhibitions, a growing collection, collaboration with regional schools, and educational programs.
They also have a permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits.
Definitely, it is one of the best midland attractions.
3. George W. Bush Childhood Home
Video made by The Daytripper
The house where George W. Bush spent his childhood is a charming little gem from the 1950s!
If you would like to know what to do in Odessa, a visit here is something you should definitely consider doing among the fun activities. The excitement of the guided tour is related to the Bush family and the decade of the 1950s in general. The duration of the tour is around half an hour.
Genuine artifacts are passed down through the generations. You'll recall all the wonderful things from the past.
This wonderful piece of history is now accessible to everyone as a result of the labor of love and study that was put into it. Wonderful for both young people and older people alike.
4. Meteor Crater Site, Odessa
Video by The Texas Bucket List
Consider making a brief stop here if you feel the urge to stretch your legs if you are in the area.
The National Natural Landmark is recognized as having one of the country's biggest impact craters; however, the crater itself is not very impressive due to the fact it is primarily covered with dust and debris.
The primary portion of the meteorite, on the other hand, is still located 164 feet below the crater. It is patiently waiting for the mother ship to arrive so it may be taken back home. :)
The Odessa meteor crater is described as the biggest of numerous minor craters produced by the impact of thousands of octahedrites, which are a kind of iron metallic meteorite that fell in ancient periods.
The Odessa Meteor Crater is a gigantic crater in the earth that may bring to mind scenes from science fiction. There is also an interpretative center you are sure to love, which is packed with facts about science.
5. Presidential Archives, Odessa
Incredible museum in Midland, which has information on each president as well as artifacts from their campaigns.
Following the tragic killing in 1963 of President John F. Kennedy, a group of prominent Odessa residents formed a committee with the intention of erecting a memorial exhibit in his honor.
Artifacts related to other presidents were also donated. As a result, the committee decided to establish the Presidential Museum, which would be dedicated to the office of the president and the electoral process.
It is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting items in honor of all of the individuals who have held the office of President of the United States.
The collection was purchased in 2010 by the University of Texas in the Permian Basin, which then transformed itself into the Presidential Archives.
The library holds about 20 million pages of historical material from President Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency to those of Presidents Clinton, Bush I, Bush II, and Obama.
The library also has a collection of artifacts from every president since LBJ, including his clothing, shoes, briefcases, pens, coins, and documents. All of the materials are arranged in chronological order and are available to scholars, students, and visitors.
Each visit to the archive provides you with a unique perspective and new insights into the events and issues of the past. It is easy to forget that we live in a time of change and that new information is always being discovered.
The records of the past are important to our understanding of history and can help us to better understand ourselves and how we arrived at the point we are at today.
6. Chris Kyle Memorial
Video made by Cruising Along
This memorial pays honor not just to Chris Kyle, but also to everyone else who has served their country in the military. A lot to think about, and it is well done and does a good job of showing the respect due to him.
Even for those who are not familiar with his life's journey, the memorial is touching and artistically fitting.
The dog tags reproduced in the ground were one of my favorite parts, and the quotes and space around the monument were equally as spectacular as the statue itself.
Please take a moment for a minute to remember one of the people who served their country in the past.
7. White-Pool House
Video made by Kelsie Bennett
In 1887, it was built by the White family on a small hill in the area that is today known as South Odessa. The history of this beautiful home, which dates back to the 19th century, is at the very least a little bit fascinating.
The years immediately after the end of the Civil War were a trying time for the grain business run by the White family in Indiana; This, in conjunction with the fact that the family had previously shown interest in moving, served as the impetus for the departure into the Western region.
They were in the process of traveling when they became aware of an opportunity to acquire property in Ector County, Texas, that was being offered by a railroad land corporation, the walls of the inside of the home are constructed of plaster masonry that is covered with wooden lattice boards.
The outside walls of the building are made of red brick.. The home also has a variety of exquisite antiques in various rooms.
8. Ector County Coliseum (fun attractions)
Video made by Adrian Gonzales
The Ector County Coliseum is a cross-entertainment venue that has an arena with seating for 8,000 people, an exposition hall that spans roughly 145,000 square feet, and over 2,000 hotel rooms. They are experts in the organization and management of a wide range of events.
The Odessa Jackalopes play their home games at this venue, which also hosts the annual Permian Basin International Oil Show, which brings together professionals from all facets of the petroleum sector.
Odessa, Texas attracts influential people from all over the globe so they may do business, get up with old acquaintances, and learn about the newest innovations in technology and equipment.
9. Altitude Trampoline Park, Odessa
Video made by LiveNOW from FOX
Is the Altitude Trampoline Park in Odessa an exciting place for families looking to have fun?
Yes! It is an exciting and high-energy entertainment venue that offers several fun activities.
Altitude Trampoline Park is an amazing and thrilling place where you will be able to bounce off the walls and jump in the air as high as you want.
A huge trampoline area offers the perfect opportunity to play with your kids or get a group together.
This location is hopping because of the thousands of square feet of wall-to-wall trampoline attractions that are linked with one another, as well as the almost 30,000 square feet of indoor trampolines and other facilities.
10. Music City Mall
Video made by EJ's Guitars
The Mall features 100 Merchants, weekend live music, and food choices. There are so many businesses here that you will never get bored. The mall is very convenient, and you can find almost anything you need here.
It is, without a doubt, a wonderful shopping area, and it is undeniably a hidden gem. The Fourth of July backdrop for picture-taking is such a cute idea for children!
When the weather outside is too severe, you may use the indoor playgrounds and listen to artists performing on the stage. There is also a pretty good shopping center that moreover has a cinema.
11. MCM Rink N' Roll Roller Skating Rink
Video made by Music City Mall Odessa
One of Texas's most spacious roller rinks. Their skating rink is 14,000 square feet in size and has bumper cars.
You have a very busy schedule ahead of you here! Children have a wonderful time, the staff members are kind, and the building as a whole is kept in immaculate condition.
It is a perfect place to have a lot of fun.
For a low price, you can enjoy a day of roller skating. The rink also provides children's shows as well as special events that are open to the public.
They open every day at noon so you can go skating before it gets too hot, and they are even installing fans to assist counteract the heat of the Texas summer. Unquestionably an excellent location for a fun day outing, suitable for both adults and children.
12. Jenna Welch Nature Study Center and the I-20 Wildlife Preserve
Video by Brian Groves
What a stunning location in the western part of Texas. A nature sanctuary that is wonderful for children, families, and adults alike can be found tucked away just off of Interstate 20. Bring your own water, however, there are two bathrooms available on the site. Bring your own snacks. If you want to view a lot of animals, birds, and other wildlife, the best time to go is just after it has rained.
This is a pleasant hiking area. Even if they plainly do not have a staff to maintain the location, the hike alone is worth visiting to see since it will make you forget you are in Midland.
The loop that goes around the preserve is about 1.45 miles long, and it has many turnouts that go into densely forested regions or provide stunning areas of the lake.
After passing through the entrance, continue down the rocky dirt road until you reach the gates. Continue moving forward without stopping, enter the roundabout, and park anywhere you choose.
When you approach the gates, there are signs providing instructions throughout the preserve. Roughly seventy per cent of the pathways are covered in shade, while the remaining portions are open. The location has a few bridges that provide breathtaking views of the whole preserve.
13. Monahans Sandhills State Park
Video made by Texas Parks and Wildlife
There are about 4,000 acres of sand dunes, and some of the activities available there include "surfing," camping, hiking, picnics, and observing birds and other animals.
One of my favorite state parks is the Monahans Sandhills State Park, which is located just outside of Odessa. Go there for sunset and sunrise, it’s so relaxing! Camping here is a fantastic experience. I would strongly recommend Spot 9, the best place to access the dunes for sunrise. Watching the sunrise on top of the sand dune will refresh your soul.
14. The Ector Theatre
Video made by KMID
The atmosphere is quite enjoyable. The renovation turned out well. Downtown comes alive with top performances, and the Ector Theatre is a timeless institution. It is just the right size to be enjoyable regardless of where you sit, but it is also big enough to draw in enormous audiences and exceptional acts.
15. Park Place RV Park, Odessa TX
Video made by NE Management
RV park with excellent facilities. The staff members there are helpful and courteous. There is a spot where kids may play and hang out with their families. You may utilize the little grill if you want to.
There is a gym available if you want to work out; the equipment is in excellent condition.
There is a small event space next to the office you may hire if you want more privacy with your family. On sweltering Texas days, the pool is clean and pleasant. The park's proprietor is a kind and pleasant person. In comparison to other RV parks that don't provide as much, the pricing is also quite good.
16. Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Video made by Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
This performing arts facility is excellent! The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (WNPAC) may be found halfway between the Texas towns of Odessa and Midland.
The building has a really interesting appearance. Every seat in the theatre is comfortable, and you always have a wonderful view.
The facility itself is a respectable size, but not enormous.
It is one of THE BEST places in Texas to enjoy a rock concert performance! The staff is really welcoming. This location for music venues comes highly recommended.
The University of Texas owns WNPAC, which is situated on one of its satellite campuses in the Permian Basin.
17. Sibley Nature Center
Video made by Taehyun Kim
It's so lovely to have a little, straightforward nature trail in town away from the bustling roads. Because Midland is in west Texas, expect to see a lot of local farmland along the path. It's good because you won't be able to hear or see the adjacent traffic.
Sibley Nature Center has an auditorium, a study center with hundreds of books, and a nice small collection of animals.
Excellent trails and parks. There is a lot of open space, and the pond in the rear is a peaceful place to spend some time.
