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Midland is a city of about 135,000 people in West Texas, set on the flat plains of the Permian Basin halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso. It began in 1881 as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railway, named Midway for its position between the two cities, and was a ranching town until oil was discovered nearby in the 1920s.
The Permian Basin is one of the most productive oil fields in the world, and Midland grew into the business center of the oil industry, with a downtown skyline of office towers that earned it the nickname the Tall City. Former presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush both lived here, and their childhood home is now a museum.
Midland's attractions tell the story of the region. The Petroleum Museum covers the oil industry with drilling rigs and hands-on exhibits, the Commemorative Air Force's American Airpower Heritage Museum displays World War II aircraft, and the Museum of the Southwest has art, a planetarium and a children's museum. Momentum Bank Ballpark hosts the RockHounds minor league team, and the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center stages concerts and shows.
A large museum telling the story of the Permian Basin oil industry, with an outdoor collection of drilling rigs and pumpjacks, interactive exhibits, a model of an ancient reef and the Chaparral race cars gallery. Allow two to three hours, and see the outdoor equipment park.
A museum at Midland International Air and Space Port run by the Commemorative Air Force, with exhibits on World War II aviation, aircraft nose art panels and vintage planes. It honors the people who flew and maintained them. Check open days and look for the famous nose art collection.
A museum complex in a 1934 mansion with art galleries, a children's museum and the Marian Blakemore Planetarium, plus gardens and sculptures. It covers art and archaeology of the Southwest. Check planetarium show times and allow a couple of hours.
The modest 1950s house where George W. Bush lived as a boy, also the home of George H.W. and Barbara Bush, now restored with period furnishings and exhibits on the family. It is a rare home of two presidents. Guided tours are offered; check open days.
A research library and museum focused on the history of the American West and ranching, with art, saddles, artifacts and a grand reading room. Its collections include the work of historian J. Evetts Haley. Check opening hours before visiting.
A nature center in Midland's Hogan Park with exhibits on the plants, wildlife and geology of West Texas, plus trails through native grasses and a pond. It is a good place for birdwatching and learning about the region. Admission is free or low.
A wetland preserve in south Midland around a playa lake, with walking trails, boardwalks and bird blinds. Migrating ducks, shorebirds and other birds stop here in large numbers. Visit early in the morning with binoculars for the best birdwatching.
Midland's compact downtown, known for its oil company skyscrapers that earned it the nickname Tall City, with Centennial Plaza, restaurants and cafes. It is busiest on weekdays. Walk around to see the skyline and stop at local restaurants for lunch.
A modern performing arts center between Midland and Odessa, run by the University of Texas Permian Basin, hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts and the Midland-Odessa Symphony. Its acoustics are excellent. Check the calendar and book seats ahead.
The ballpark of the Midland RockHounds, a minor league baseball team, with a family-friendly atmosphere, fireworks nights and promotions. It is part of a sports complex in west Midland. Tickets are affordable; evening games are cooler in summer.
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