Nestled in the scenic beauty of West Texas, the vibrant city of Midland is a melting pot of rich history and culture. With its close ties to neighboring Odessa and a thriving oil industry, Midland offers a plethora of exciting activities for visitors to indulge in. If you are planning a trip to this city, you might want to explore some of the things to do in Midland TX. From its fascinating museums that showcase the city’s past to a bustling performing arts scene that will leave you spellbound, there’s something for everyone in Midland.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore the city’s beautiful parks and gardens or indulge in thrilling adventures like hiking, camping, and kayaking. And don’t forget to try out Midland’s unique local dining scene, which offers an array of mouth-watering dishes that’ll tantalize your taste buds. No matter what your interests are, Midland promises an unforgettable Texas getaway that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Museums

Midland is home to several fascinating museums that allow you to explore the area’s diverse history and culture.

Museum of the Southwest

One of Midland’s top attractions, the Museum of the Southwest offers an intriguing look at the heritage of West Texas and the surrounding region. Exhibits highlight area pioneers, Native American artifacts, ranch history, and folk art. Don’t miss seeing the impressive collection of traditional Hispanic retablos, and exquisite religious folk paintings. The museum also houses a planetarium and an art gallery displaying works by acclaimed regional artists.

Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

See the oil industry that drives Midland’s economy at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. Located on the outskirts of town, this museum includes informative exhibits explaining the science of petroleum geology and engineering. Visitors can also see examples of oil derricks and pumping units and vintage photographs chronicling Midland’s oil boom days. The museum’s library and archives offer opportunities for in-depth research.

Midland County Historical Museum

Midland County’s history comes alive at this local history museum housed in a historic 1932 library building. Exhibits spotlight Native American inhabitants, pioneering ranchers, the establishment of Midland’s railroads, and the area’s World War II aviation training programs. Visitors can also view a log cabin depicting 19th-century homestead life. Historic artifacts, clothing, and other memorabilia provide insight into Midland’s frontier periods and later development.

George W. Bush Childhood Home

History buffs will want to visit the childhood home of the 43rd U.S. president. This house in central Midland was George W. Bush’s home from age two until he left for college. It’s now a museum showcasing photographs, furniture, and other artifacts from Bush’s early years. Exhibits glimpse 1940s and ’50s life in West Texas while highlighting the future president’s family and upbringing.

Performing Arts

Midland’s active performing arts scene includes Broadway-style theater productions, symphony performances, and ballet.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

This state-of-the-art performing arts venue presents national touring productions and headline entertainment acts. Musicals like Wicked and Mamma Mia have recently played here, along with country, rock and pop concerts. The Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale also performs in the center’s 1,800-seat concert hall.

Globe of the Great Southwest

Head to the Globe of the Great Southwest for locally produced plays and musicals. Midland’s community theater troupe puts on several shows annually in the Globe’s intimate theater space. Productions range from comedies like Boeing Boeing to thought-provoking dramas like Twelve Angry Men.

Midland Community Theatre

One of the oldest community theaters in Texas, the Midland Community Theatre has been staging stellar local productions since 1947. Performances include musicals, dramas, comedies, and youth-oriented shows. Talented directors, actors, designers, and crew from Midland and Odessa volunteer their time for each high-quality show.

Ballet Under the Stars

Midland hosts a signature outdoor dance event, Ballet Under the Stars, every fall. Performers from the Midland Festival Ballet company present classical and contemporary ballet pieces choreographed to live music. Watching graceful dancers under the West Texas night sky makes for a magical evening.

Annual Events & Festivals

Throughout the year, Midland hosts family-friendly annual events celebrating the community.

Midland County Fair

Ride thrilling carnival rides, delight in tasty fair food, and experience agriculture exhibitions at the Midland County Fair each August. Daytime festivities include livestock shows, creative arts displays, and a petting zoo. The carnival midway lights up for nights filled with games, rides, and entertainment when the sun goes down.

Celebration of the Arts

Nearly 200 artists from across the nation converge each May on Midland for the Celebration of the Arts festival. Fine artists sell paintings, sculpture, photography and other works in downtown Centennial Park. Local school students also exhibit their artistic talents. Musical performances and children’s activities round out the weekend event.

St. Ann’s Family Fair

The largest annual fundraiser for Midland’s St. Ann’s Catholic School takes place each October. The St. Ann’s Family Fair spans an entire weekend and boasts food, games, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and carnival rides. A Saturday night street dance draws crowds ready to two-step and polka. Proceeds from the popular community event support St. Ann’s educational programs.

July 4th Fireworks at Hogan Park

Midland’s Fourth of July annual celebration occurs at Hogan Park Baseball Complex. Daytime festivities like bounce houses and waterslides keep kids amused before nightfall. As darkness falls, revelers spread blankets for the fantastic fireworks show choreographed to patriotic tunes. Food vendors and live music add to the celebration’s All-American atmosphere.

Outdoor Activities

With its mild climate and wide open spaces, Midland offers many options for enjoying the outdoors.

Hiking at Grasslands Ecology Village

Experience the diverse landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert at Grasslands Ecology Village on Midland’s southwest side. Six hiking trails wind through the 300-acre nature preserve’s grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. Informative signage identifies common desert flora like agave, creosote and mesquite. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of roadrunners, jackrabbits, and other wildlife.

Mountain Biking at Flagstone Park

Midland’s Flagstone Park caters to mountain bikers with a series of off-road dirt trails. Riders can test their skills on the park’s hills, jumps, berms, and other technical trail features. Less intimidating beginner-level loops also exist for casual pedaling among the mesquite trees. After working up a sweat, take a break in the picnic area near the trailhead.

Disc Golf at Dennis the Menace Park

Dennis the Menace Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course winding through the tree-dotted park. Alternating between open grassy areas and wooded sections, the course challenges players of all skill levels. The course is open daily and available on a walk-up basis with no fees. Just bring your discs to try hitting the chained pole targets.

Fishing at Midland County Reservoirs

Pack your tackle box and head to the Midland County Reservoirs to try catching bass, catfish, and panfish. Stubblefield and T-Bar Lakes both offer shoreline access and fishing piers. Nearby Oak Creek Reservoir is stocked seasonally with rainbow trout ready to bite down on bait or lures. A state fishing license is required for those over 17 years old.

Birdwatching at I-20 Wildlife Preserve

Positioned along a major migration flyway, the I-20 Wildlife Preserve provides prime birdwatching from spring through fall. More than 75 bird species reside in or pass through the wetland environment. Spotted sandpipers, killdeer, yellow-headed blackbirds, and vermilion flycatchers are some of the sightings reported here. Free guided bird walks occur monthly during peak migration periods.

Local Flavor Dining

Midland restaurants dish up Texas-sized portions of Lone Star State flavor when hunger calls.

Ranchland Hills Golf Club

Boasting panoramic views of Midland, the Ranchland Hills clubhouse restaurant serves upscale American cuisine in a refined ranch setting. Specialties include certified Angus steaks, seafood flown in fresh daily, and housemade desserts like bread pudding and carrot cake. Breakfast brings options like crabcake eggs benedict and French toast stuffed with blueberries.

Wall Street Bar & Grill

For all things beer-battered, Wall Street is a local favorite. Dine on fried seafood platters, chicken fried steak and jumbo onion rings at this casual downtown pub. Daily lunch specials like pot roast sandwiches and chicken pot pie make Wall Street a top lunch spot. And with 36 beers on draft, the bar keeps Midlanders happily hydrated.

Doug’s Bar-B-Cue

In Midland, no one does barbecue better than Doug’s. Tender smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and spicy sausages are standouts on the menu. Family-style platters let you sample all the slow-smoked meats plus sides like potato salad, coleslaw and pinto beans. Cold beer and scratchmade cobbler round out meals at this old-fashioned joint.

Gerardo’s Casita

Authentic Mexican food shines at Gerardo’s Casita, from scratchmade tamales and chili con queso to sizzling fajitas. Other favorites include combination plates of enchiladas, tacos, and flautas served with rice and refried beans. Try Thursday’s special chicken mole poblano seasoned with Mexican chocolate and chili peppers for a real treat.

Cafe at the Gardens

Tucked inside the West Texas gardens at the Sibley Nature Center, the Cafe at the Gardens incorporates locally sourced ingredients into creative sandwiches, soups, and salads. Menus change seasonally but may include watermelon gazpacho, grilled pear paninis, and pecan chicken salad croissants. Enjoy your garden-fresh meal at a table on the tranquil patio.

Iconic Local Businesses

Beyond oil, Midland’s small businesses showcase independent Texas spirit.

The Bar

Operating since 1947, The Bar feels like stepping back in time. Neon signs glow nostalgic over this no-frills watering hole’s wooden booths and vinyl barstools. Locals love The Bar for its jukebox tunes, shuffleboard table, and inexpensive ice-cold beer. The minimalist menu features giant burritos, Frito pie, and burgers cooked on a generations-old flat-top grill.

Midland Boot Company

Midlanders have turned to Midland Boot Company for quality custom boots since the 1940s. The family-owned shop’s skilled bootmakers handcraft traditional West Texas boots from start to finish. Choose your leather, toe shape, and color before seeing the bootmaking process up close. The shop also offers repair services to keep your boots lasting for years.

Wall Furniture

In business for over 50 years, Wall Furniture remains Midland’s go-to place for quality home furnishings. The 25,000 square foot showroom displays living room sets, dining tables, bedroom suites and more from brands like Ashley, Lane, and Tempur-Pedic. Shop here for big savings on everything you need to decorate your home in style.

Betty’s Beans

Betty’s Beans roasts up small-batch coffees and teas using premium beans from around the world. Their downtown Midland cafe serves specialty drinks like mochas, lattes, and nitrogen-infused cold brew. It’s also a welcoming spot to enjoy freshly baked pastries, breakfast tacos, or lunch paninis alongside your customized coffee or tea.

Midland Meat Company

Midland Meat Company provides top-quality steaks, chicken, pork, and more for grilling, smoking, or cooking up in your own kitchen. The full-service butcher shop dry ages beef on-site and makes its own sausages from scratch. You can even order custom cuts like tomahawk ribeyes and Wagyu filets to enjoy sizzling backyard barbecue feasts.

More Things to Do

Beyond the major attractions, many other activities exist to get to know Midland’s unique local character.

• Shop for antiques, collectibles, and secondhand treasures at Junker Val’s Unique Marketplace.
• See classic and custom-built motorcycles at the Permian Basin Biker’s Museum.
• Catch an action-packed day at the racetrack watching horse racing and quarter horse racing at Midland Horseshoe Arena.
• Play a round on the Tall City Open miniature golf course’s colorful artificial turf fairways.
• Take young kids to Imagine That! for hands-on science experiments and play in interactive themed areas.
• Watch semi-pro football under Friday night lights as the West Texas Roughnecks take the field.
• Photograph West Texas landscapes at an Odessa College photography workshop held in Midland.
• Pick your fruits, like peaches and blackberries, that are in season at Cox Berry Farm just outside Midland.
• Admire vintage aircraft up close on guided Commemorative Air Force hangar tours at Midland International Airpark.
• Catch touring Broadway musicals, famous comedians, and top country acts when they visit the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center.

Final Thoughts

Looking for things to do in Midland TX? The city offers a range of interesting activities for tourists and locals alike. You can explore its rich oil heritage at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, catch a performance at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, or take a stroll through the beautiful I-20 Wildlife Preserve. With so many options, Midland is the perfect vacation destination for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

Midland’s lively calendar of events means there’s always community excitement happening year-round. And the city’s distinctive local businesses showcase authentic Texas pride, from decades-old cafes to custom boot shops.

With a pleasant climate, walkable downtown area, diverse dining scene, and wealth of family attractions, Midland invites visitors to enjoy genuine West Texas hospitality. Discover why Midland is the heart of the Permian Basin for an unforgettable Lone Star State getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to visit Midland?

A: Midland enjoys a mild climate, so any time can work for visiting. Fall and spring offer warm days without intense summer heat. Late spring brings blooming wildflowers. 

Q: How do I get to Midland?

A: Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) provides daily regional flights. Major Dallas, El Paso, and Lubbock airports connect to Midland flights. Visitors also drive in via I-20 or Highway 349. 

Q: Is Midland walkable?

A: Midland is very spread out, typical of West Texas cities, so a car is recommended for getting around easily. 

Q: What kind of accommodations does Midland offer?

A: National chain hotels and motels are plentiful, especially along Highway 349 near Loop 250. Local independent lodgings include the DoubleTree Midland Plaza downtown and the Ranchland Inn andSuites bed & breakfast beside Grasslands Ecology Village. 

Q: Does Midland have kid-friendly activities?

A: Definitely! Midland parks like Dennis the Menace Park and Grasslands Ecology Village cater to families. Museums like the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum provide interactive exhibits for kids. 

Q: What restaurants are must-try dining spots in Midland?

A: Top picks for visitors include Gerardo’s Casita and Wall Street Bar & Grill downtown for Tex-Mex and pub grub. Doug’s Bar-B-Cue is perfect for barbecue. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant serves hearty Southern Italian cuisine.