11 Museums in Odessa and Midland, TX
Are you looking for museums in Midland or Odessa, Texas? Look no further! We’ve collected the best museums you can visit while you are in town.
But why two places at one? Just look at the map. Odessa and Midland in Texas are practically one place. Sure there’s a small non-residential area between the two but they are incredibly close to each other. So we’ll take a look at both because they both have some great museums and you can visit them all from either of the towns.
1. Midland Army Air Field Museum Hangar
One of the best museums in the Midland/Odessa TX area. The Midland Army Air Field Museum Hangar is located right next to the Midland International Air & Space Port.
This museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn about WWII machinery. They have a superb collection of WWII Era airplanes. You can check out most of the US planes that took part in the conflict.
You can also see weapons, documents, and some uniforms from the era. The museum is definitely leaning heavily on the WWII theme.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/mv8HN4i4M5Mf9tCw9
2. Midland County History Museum
The Midland County History Museum is a small, unassuming space filled with a fascinating collection of vintage toys, clothes, household products, and local mementos.
It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours if you’re looking to get a taste of what life was like in this small town in years gone by. It’s a place where you can step back in time and learn about the people and the places that have made this county what it is today.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8L7hGFq8UmYPJYjt9
3. Midland Downtown Lions Club Fire Museum
Another great museum for those who love vintage machinery. This time around it’s about firetrucks. We are sure that every man has a little child inside them that just lights up when they hear firetruck museum.
Of course, it’s only a few firetrucks. You’ll also be able to see other items related to firefighters. From clothing to old fire hoses the museum does a great job to explain how the firefighters of a bygone era worked.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TvNUTfWnRKSW3DZQ6
4. Museum of the Southwest
The Museum of the Southwest is an institute that showcases regional art, culture, science, and archaeology. It is located in the 1934 Turner Mansion.
The museum is a beautiful example of an old mansion, and the interior is filled with stunning examples of regional art. The museum also has a strong focus on education and offers a variety of programs and events for the community.
Location: https://g.page/MuseumSW?share
5. The George W. Bush Childhood Home
Did you know that George W. Bush grew up in Midland, TX? You can visit his childhood house and learn about the ex-president’s early years.
There are guided tours available of the house. If you avoid the crowds you can get lucky and have the tour all for yourself. It’s great because the tour guides are very knowledgeable and you’ll be able to ask all your questions.
Even if George W. Bush is not among your favorite presidents the childhood house is a nice visit. It’s restored very nicely to its original condition and it tells a story about the beginnings of a president’s life.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Nu2Sktbd2QVgH3En7
6. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum’s interactive displays provide a wealth of information on the history of oil, its geology, and the modern origins of the petroleum industry.
Visitors can learn about the early days of oil exploration and production, and see how the industry has evolved over time.
We highly recommend this one for those who are interested in the topic. The interactivity makes this museum especially fun.
Location: https://g.page/PetroleumMuseum?share
7. Ellen Noël Art Museum
The Ellen Noel Art Museum is a fine arts institution that boasts a sculpture garden and a variety of cultural events, such as talks and workshops.
The museum has rotating exhibits so make sure to check its website regularly. They have interesting topics like Salvador Dali or the Texas Photography Exhibition.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2rm388qRveAhjKpp6
8. Presidential Archives
Those who like learning about US Presidents will love this place. Portraits and documents belonging to numerous US presidents can be found in the university archive.
This collection offers a unique glimpse into the lives of some of the most influential people in American history. The archive is open to the public and is popular among tourists.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VpNmAwsWhvYD9DQ37
9. Stonehenge Replica
Did you know that there is a Stonehenge Replica on the local campus in Odessa, TX? Yes, that’s right, you can visit this replica. It’s a minor tourist attraction and can be considered a somewhat historical site. Though we must admit, it’s not as good as the real thing.
10. White-Pool House
The White-Pool House is a historic structure in Odessa, Texas. This 2-story brick Victorian, built in 1887, is open for tours.
The White-Pool House is a beautiful example of early West Texas architecture, and it’s well worth taking a stroll around the grounds. The house has been meticulously renovated.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3EAfw9jKjesb6Lnc6
11. Odessa Meteor Crater
Finally, we have a museum and a natural phenomenon in one. The Odessa Meteor Crater is the second-largest meteor crater in the United States. It is located in Odessa, Texas, and is a popular tourist destination.
The crater has a small trail for exploration and a visitor’s center. Inside the visitor’s center you can learn about the meteor that has created the crater and the effects of the impact.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bUtJfWHdgfTGcAjcA
