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The town takes its name from a real spring: a pool in a limestone draw that drew bison, Comanche hunters and later wagon trains across the dry plains of West Texas. That water source, now inside Comanche Trail Park, explains why a city grew up here when the Texas and Pacific Railway arrived in 1881.
Oil discoveries in the 1920s brought a boom, and the fifteen-story Hotel Settles opened in 1930 as the tallest building between Fort Worth and El Paso. After decades of decline it was restored and reopened in 2012, and it again anchors downtown. Webb Air Force Base trained pilots here until 1977, and its old hangars now hold an aviation museum.
Big Spring State Park sits on top of Scenic Mountain, with a loop road, a stone pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and wide sunset views. Add the Heritage Museum, the Potton House and the June rodeo, and the city makes a rewarding stop between Midland and Abilene on I-20.
A small state park on top of Scenic Mountain, with a three-mile paved loop road that walkers, runners and drivers share. Limestone buildings and a pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s sit along the rim, and prairie dogs live near the entrance. Come at sunset for wide views over the city.
Opened in 1930 as a 15-story luxury hotel, the Settles closed for decades before a full restoration reopened it in 2012. The restored lobby glows with period detail and the Settles Grill serves steaks and Texas dishes. Even if you are not staying, step in for a drink at the bar and a look at the historic photos.
The Howard County Courthouse stands on the downtown square of Big Spring, a mid-century stone building with modern lines and carved details that replaced an earlier courthouse. It is still a working county building. Combine a look at the square with a walk past the restored storefronts and the nearby Hotel Settles.
This large city park protects the spring that gave Big Spring its name, a historic watering hole on the Comanche Trail. Besides the spring site, the park has a lake, walking paths, picnic areas, a golf course and a stone amphitheater. Read the historical markers near the spring before walking the lake path.
Housed in a World War II hangar at the former Webb Air Force Base, now McMahon-Wrinkle Airport, the museum covers the base's training of bombardiers and jet pilots. Exhibits include restored aircraft, uniforms and photographs of base life. Allow about an hour, and check opening days ahead since hours are limited.
The city's history museum tells the story of the area from Native American history and frontier ranching to the railroad, oil boom and air base years. Displays include pioneer artifacts, Western gear and photos of early downtown. It is a good first stop to understand the city before exploring the park and hotel.
A red sandstone Victorian house built in 1901 for railroad master mechanic Joseph Potton and his family, kept with period furnishings as a house museum. Guided visits show how a prosperous railroad family lived in early Big Spring. It is managed alongside the Heritage Museum, so ask there about opening times.
Held each June for decades, this rodeo brings bronc and bull riding, roping, barrel racing and a downtown parade to Big Spring. Evening performances draw big local crowds, with food vendors and dances. Buy tickets early for weekend nights, and bring a hat for the sun at the afternoon events.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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