Activities & Attractions

Museum's collections, exhibits and interpretation of the oil industry make it an outstanding visitor site. Historical highlights include 1,000-year-old reed mats and woven fiber articles from the area's prehistoric population; superb historical paintings; cowboy tack and early railroad artifacts. Petroleum exhibits include historic photos of early boom-town activities; well-drilling techniques shown in paintings, models and hardware; 3-D models of oil strata; geological AV shows and the story of oil formation; actual oil-well cores from deep underground. Step back 230 million years and walk 30 feet "under water" in a Permian-age sea. Stand amid a wrecked drilling rig and experience a simulated wild well blowout. Experience transportation history as you view the Jim Hall Chaparral racecars displayed in the new transportation wing. Rarely seen by the public, these racecars were instrumental in the development of technology still used in racing today. Outside you can find a large collection of antique oil drilling rigs and equipment. This museum features the largest collection in the nation of Tom Lovell works. Open Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 2–5 p.m. Admission fee. 1500 I-20 west , exit 136 in Midland. 432/683-4403.