Attractions

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; 3-D models of oil strata; geological AV shows and the story of oil formation; and actual oil-well cores. 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. View the Jim Hall Chaparral racecars displayed in the transportation wing. Rarely seen by the public, these racecars were instrumental in the development of technology still used in racing today. Outside find a large collection of antique oil drilling rigs and equipment. This museum also features the largest collection in the nation of Tom Lovell works. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 2–5 p.m. Sun. Admission charge. 1500 I-20 west, Exit 136 in Midland. 432/683-4403. www.petroleummuseum.org.