Art, culture, nature, and shopping – there’s something for everyone in Midland, Texas!
Whether you’re a history buff looking to tour some sweet museums, a family traveling with rambunctious kids, or a nature enthusiast just looking for a scenic hike, or maybe you’re looking to move to Midland, you’ll have no trouble finding a ton of interesting things to do in Midland!
Let’s dive right in and see what this West Texas town has to offer!
Here are the 21 best things to do in Midland, Texas, one of the best places to visit in Texas.
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How to get around Midland
Like most of Texas, the best way to get around Midland is to explore on your own by car!
If you’re visiting and need to rent a car to get to your Midland activities, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).
Click here to check out Discover Cars.
Where to stay in Midland
From renovated VRBOS to boutique hotels, here are the best places to stay in Midland.
- (Hotel) Tru by Hilton Midland – want a bright, colorful, and cheerful place to stay in Midland? Tru by Hilton is just the place, with comfy furniture, a pool table in the lobby, and spacious, clean, and functional rooms at great prices. Don’t look anywhere else – book here. Click here to check prices and read reviews.
- (AirBnb/VrBO) Midland Hot Tub Delight – soak the day away in the hot tub at this Midland townhome, where you’ll get to relax and unwind and soak in the sunshine. With three bedrooms, each with their own flat-screen, you can have a whole family reunion here if you want! Click here to check prices and read reviews.
1. Visit the Museum of the Southwest
Start your vacation in Midland with some arts and culture!
Located in a mansion from 1934 (worth a visit in itself, really), the Museum of the Southwest has over 12,000 works to awaken your creative side.
But it isn’t just art at this expansive museum!
Check out the planetarium on campus, where you’ll enjoy an immersive theater experience.
Or, take the kids to the Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum!
With four different buildings laid out on the museum’s campus, the Museum of the Southwest is easily one of the best things to do in Midland!
2. Bring the family to Fiddlesticks Farms in the fall
It’s not just fun to say!
Fiddlesticks Farms is one of the most fun and family-friendly places to go in Midland.
From September through November, the farm’s Fall Festival makes for a fun-filled weekend.
With hay rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, animals, slides, games, and more, kids will love spending a Saturday afternoon at one of the best seasonal Midland attractions!
3. Step into nature at the Sibley Nature Center
Thirsting for the great outdoors?
The Sibley Nature Center is free to enter, and spans 49 acres of walking trails, gardens, a duck pond, and plenty of educational opportunities!
Check out this nature preserve’s indoor exhibits, including taxidermy of local wildlife, and a library full of history related to the natural area.
The shaded areas throughout the park make for a great picnic location, and dogs will love the chance to roam the scenic trails – just be sure to keep them on a leash!
4. Learn about oil at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
Oil and gas are big parts of our lives in the United States, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum will give you a thorough and immersive look into the history of the industry.
The museum’s educational exhibits span over 230 million years of history, with plenty of fascinating interactive pieces to keep even young visitors entertained.
Be sure to check out the race cars on display at the museum, and the colorful mineral gallery, too!
5. Go to The Destination for some live music at an artistic location
One of Midland’s hidden gems, The Destination is the place to go for a lively night in a unique setting!
From the classic Chevy that greets you at the entrance, to the gorgeous fountain inside the venue, to all the artistic, industrial-style seating areas and stage, you’ll have an unforgettable time when you attend one of The Destination’s concerts or community events!
The stage is adorned with all sorts of old abandoned instruments, and the venue’s dozen or so patios each have their own unique, rustic theme.
Kick back with friends and sip on something from the bar while live music fills the air.
Or, maybe you’ll want to get up and dance!
Hungry?
The Destination hosts food trucks during their community events and concerts, so you can chow down while you enjoy the music in an atmosphere like no other!
6. See a performance at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Concerts, comedians, magic and more – you’re in for a treat when you see a performance at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center!
This modern, contemporary performance hall is always bustling with events for all ages and interests.
Take the kids to a live performance of their favorite cartoon, or bring a friend to a laugh-out-loud comic show!
See what’s on at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center when you’re in town!
7. Check out the Stonehenge Replica in Odessa, TX
Just 20 minutes out of town, this is one of the coolest things to do near Midland!
Stonehenge II is an almost-full-scale replica of the famed British monument, located in Odessa, TX on the University of Texas Permian Basin campus.
The educational plaques around the site will enlighten you on the history of the real Stonehenge, and the towering stones make for a great photo op!
8. Learn about local history at the Midland County History Museum
What was life like in West Texas 50 years ago? What about in the pioneer days? Or even back in prehistoric times?
Don’t let the small size of the Midland County History Museum fool you – this museum has all that and more!
From Native American artifacts, to 20th century war mementos, to ancient fossils dating back as far as 9000 BCE, this free museum is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Midland!
9. Eat, relax, or splash around at Centennial Park
Not sure what to do in Midland on a nice day?
Head over to Centennial Park, right in the heart of downtown!
Enjoy a meal from one of the local eateries as you sit along the North or South Promenades, or throw a blanket down on the Great Lawn for a nice little picnic.
Kids will have a ton of fun climbing around on the structures in the nature play area, or cooling off at the Splash Pad during the summer!
Traveling with furry friends?
They’ll jump at the chance for some fresh air and freedom at the fenced dog park!
10. Have a laugh with Summer Mummers at Yucca Theatre
The longest ongoing melodrama in the country, Summer Mummers is a locally and internationally adored production put on by the Midland Community Theatre.
Held every year at the Yucca Theatre in downtown Midland, the building’s gorgeous interior will make for an even more interesting experience!
It’s easily one of the most unique things to do in Midland, and a must-see if you’re traveling during the summer!
Be sure to get some popcorn, so you can join the crowd in throwing it at the stage during intermissions!
11. Chow down at Food Truck Alley
One of the most quintessential Midland things to do is to try some of the delicious food from the city’s local food trucks!
Food Truck Alley is lined with plenty of Mexican food options – just the scent of the tacos from El Indio de Michoacan will have your mouth watering!
See who’s there when you pull up for a casual meal at Food Truck Alley!
12. Go antique shopping at Wall St. Antiques of Midland
Ready to go treasure hunting?
With over 19,000 square feet of shopping, you’ll have no problem spending several hours at Wall St. Antiques of Midland.
From vintage clothing and jewelry, to nostalgic toys and games, to intricate porcelain and unique art pieces, you’re sure to find an exciting souvenir to mark your trip to Midland!
13. Get an up-close look at WWII aircraft at the Midland Army Airfield Museum
Got an aspiring pilot in your midst?
Take them to the Midland Army Airfield Museum!
Tucked away right by the Midland International Air & Space Port, this museum is one you don’t want to miss.
The knowledgeable tour guides will tell you everything you want to know about the well-preserved aircraft from several wars, including World War II.
Best of all, this museum charges no fee for entry (though they’ll gladly accept donations)!
But be sure to plan your trip accordingly, because it’s only open on Saturdays!
14. Bask in nature at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve
It’s a nature enthusiast’s dream!
The I-20 Wildlife Preserve features beautiful, accessible hiking trails – perfect for a breath of fresh air during your visit to Midland!
The preserve is home to many birds, frogs, ducks, and plenty of colorful butterflies that will help you reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Take note that dogs, bikes, and food are not permitted – so plan accordingly and be sure to grab lunch before or after your visit!
15. Take a stroll through the local farmers market
The Midland Downtown Farmers Market brings fresh produce and locally made goods to downtown Midland every Saturday morning – rain or shine!
Take a look at the local vendors across the green lawn of the Museum of the Southwest, and keep an ear open for the live music that’s been known to bring some extra ambience to the morning.
From plants, to produce, to baked goods, to arts and crafts, you’re sure to find something exciting at this charming weekly market!
16. Try your hand at the Ally Outdoors shooting range
Whether you’ve never held a gun before or you’re a confident master of aim, the shooting range at Ally Outdoors is a safe place to work on your skills.
Not a fan of guns?
Their archery range is also a ton of fun for ages 8 and up!
Or, head over to Ally Cafe and try their delicious flatbread pizzas, or the popular Bullseye Burger!
If the shooting range isn’t your thing, Ally Village across the street is a charming little shopping area, with a fine art gallery, clothing stores, and an ice cream shop!
17. Fill up on snacks at Popcorn Premiere
“Pop in” to Popcorn Premiere, where you’ll find no shortage of snacks to stock up on for your travels!
With classic sodas, nostalgic candies, and, of course, delicious popcorn, this is the best place to go in Midland to make sure your road trip isn’t lacking in tasty treats!
No matter how diverse the tastes in your travel party may be, there’s something for everyone at Popcorn Premiere.
You’ll find the huge selection of gourmet popcorn overwhelming in the best way, with over 50 mouth-watering flavors to choose from!
18. Tour the George W. Bush Childhood Home
Looking for historical things to see in Midland?
Take a guided tour of the home that built America’s 43rd president!
Politics aside, this modest Texan home is a fascinating look at family life in the early 1950s.
Check out the classic aqua-colored refrigerator, and see the toys and board games the kids played with back in the day!
The museum has also been known to host youth reading events throughout the year, which will make for a fun quiet time for the kids during your travels.
19. Honor fallen soldiers at the Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial
If you’re feeling reflective, the small but heartfelt Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a great place to pay respects to those lost.
You’ll read about the fallen on plaques and dedicated bricks, and the life-sized sculpture depicting three soldiers makes for a solemn work of art.
The memorial is located off of Wright Drive, just a mile from the Midland International Air & Space Port.
You can’t miss it, with the giant helicopter on display at the front of the memorial!
Nearby, there’s a small park with a playground, so the kids can have some fun while the adults take a moment to reflect.
20. Take the kids to Dennis the Menace Park
Looking for fun things to do in Midland for the kids?
Dennis the Menace Park is the place to go!
With several unique play structures, picnic tables and pavilions, BBQ pits, and a public restroom, you’ll be all set for an afternoon of fun with the family at this popular Midland park!
Kick back and relax at a picnic table while the kids clamber around on the themed playgrounds, including a giant treehouse and an old western town!
In the summer, your little ones will jump at the chance to cool off at a pirate-themed splash zone – it’s even got water slides!
21. Fill up on some delicious seafood at Clear Springs Restaurant
Midland may not be known for hosting a ton of aquatic life, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have its share of tasty seafood!
Clear Springs Restaurant is the place to go for some classic American seafood dishes in Midland.
The restaurant’s lively and rustic interior make for a unique dining experience, and their highly rated catfish and onion rings earn them the city’s adoration as one of the best restaurants in Midland!