Midland, Texas: A Guide to the Major Landmarks

Midland is located in west Texas, halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso. With a population just over 150,000, Midland serves as the economic hub for the Permian Basin oil fields.

While known mostly as an oil town, Midland has a surprising number of landmarks, attractions, and events that showcase the culture and history of west Texas. This guide will highlight some of Midland’s major landmarks that residents recommend to visitors.

Downtown Midland

Downtown Midland is where you’ll find many of the city’s historic buildings and cultural attractions clustered together.

Midland County Courthouse

The Midland County Courthouse was built in 1930 and stands out with its distinct Renaissance revival architecture featuring four large limestone columns in front. The interior murals and woodwork are equally impressive. The courthouse hosts events and architectural tours year-round.

Museum of the Southwest

This museum has an excellent collection of traditional Texan and Native American art. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions related to the history and culture of the region. Visitors recommend checking out the sculpture garden.

Midland Center

Opened in 2019, the sleek, modern Midland Center provides over 90,000 square feet dedicated to arts, sciences, and the community. Highlights include the 250-seat community theater, the in-house professional symphony orchestra, rotating art exhibitions, a hands-on children’s museum, and outdoor garden spaces.

Yucca Theatre

Built in 1946, the Yucca Theatre is an iconic downtown landmark hosting plays, concerts, ballet, and films year-round. The exterior neon marquee lights up downtown Midland each evening.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

In addition to downtown, Midland has some excellent parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Hogan Park

This 100-acre park includes playgrounds, walking trails, sports fields, a botanical center, and the Sibley Nature Center which hosts educational wildlife exhibits and programs. During the summer, Hogan Park has a popular concert and movie series.

Dennis the Menace Park

This park dedicated to the classic comic strip character Dennis the Menace features unusual play structures, climbing towers, mazes, and tunnels along with a carousel and mini train ride. Kids love it.

Centennial Park

Opened in 1936, Centennial Park covers 33 acres in downtown Midland and has walking paths, a duck pond, botanical gardens, an amphitheater for concerts, a Veterans Memorial, and spaces available to rent for special events.

Grasslands Equestrian Park

Those interested in horses will want to visit this park which has a competition arena, practice facilities, and miles of trails open to the public. Horse shows and rodeos occur here regularly.

Sports and Entertainment

When it comes to sports and entertainment, Midland has a few popular hot spots.

Scharbauer Sports Complex

This sports complex is home to the Midland RockHounds minor league baseball team and also hosts regional tournaments and events. The complex includes a football stadium, expo center, baseball field, and volleyball/basketball arena. Locals recommend catching a RockHounds game on a warm summer evening.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

For world-class performances, the Wagner Noël center brings in Broadway musicals, famous music artists, comedians, dance troupes, and guest speakers in their 1,800-seat theater. With premium acoustics and amenities, this performing arts hall attracts some renowned talent.

Cinergy Entertainment

For family entertainment, Cinergy has a dinner movie theater, bowling alley, escape rooms, laser tag, arcade games, and multi-level go-kart tracks all in one complex. Great for rainy days or as a unique date spot.

Historic and Cultural Attractions

From petroleum museums to restored homes, Midland has no shortage of history on display.

Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

This museum covers the science and history of the west Texas oil boom with geological exhibits, vintage equipment, and interactive displays. Visitors give rave reviews of the mineral gallery showcasing crystals, fossils, gems and minerals found in the Permian Basin.

traversing the oil fields

Through the museum, you can book a guided tour in a vintage bus to some of the major oil fields outside Midland and see pump jacks in action while learning how oil exploration developed the landscape.

Midland County Historical Museum

Located in a restored historic hotel, this collection includes Native American artifacts, a recreated boomtown street scene, minerals and fossils, a military display, and a large model railroad. The staff are extremely knowledgeable about local history.

Cattle Ranches

The land surrounding Midland has dozens of large-scale cattle ranches many of which offer tours providing a uniquely Texan experience. at many you can hike the property, observe cattle roundups, enjoy cowboy meals, or even stay overnight in rustic cabins. Popular picks are the Claydesta, the Tongue River Ranch, and Ranchland Hills.

Annual Events and Festivals

Almost every month Midland hosts a signature event or festival bringing the community together. These are the highlights.

Midland Festival Ballet

Each spring this professional ballet company puts on full-scale productions like Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, and Cinderella featuring guest artists from top ballet companies around the world.

Summer Mummers

For over 70 years, the Summer Mummers theater troupe has performed an original melodrama every summer in Midland. It is hilarious, family-friendly entertainment centered around a Western theme.

Star-Spangled Salute

This Independence Day event at Hogan Park is arguably the best Fourth of July Show in West Texas with live music, food trucks, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show synchronized to patriotic music. Locals camp out to get the best spots.

West Texas Fair and Rodeo

For 10 days each September, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo takes over the Midland County Horseshoe complex with carnival rides, livestock shows, PRCA rodeo events, demolition derbies, bull riding, concerts, food vendors, agricultural exhibits representing the region, and displays of western art and culture. A true Texas experience.

Celebration of Lights

During the holiday season, locals bundle up with hot chocolate to meander through downtown Midland enjoying the festive light displays and giant Christmas trees that line the streets along with seasonal vendor stalls. The evening culminates in lighting the courthouse star marking the start of Christmas in west Texas.

Bustin’ for Badges Clay Shoot

Hosted by the Midland Police Department each fall, this beloved charity fundraising event at Windwalker Farms offers barbecue, contests, raffles, live music and a clay shooting tournament with proceeds benefiting first responders.

As you can see, Midland has much more to offer visitors than just oil fields. By booking a trip around some of these annual events and landmarks, you are sure to experience genuine west Texas hospitality and culture during your visit. So come on out and explore the Tall City for yourself!