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.
City: Midland
Region: Big Bend Country
With so many amazing things to do in Texas, there’s not enough room to feature them all. So check out some popular attractions to see just how much fun your Texas vacation can be.
Battle Of Adobe Walls
City: Stinnett
Region: Panhandle Plains
Lakes near Dallas
City: Dallas
Region: Prairies and Lakes
Lake Conroe Park
City: Conroe
Region: Piney Woods
Galveston Island Beach
City: Galveston
Region: Gulf Coast
Lakes near San Antonio
City: San Antonio
Region: South Texas Plains
Devil’s Backbone
City: Wimberley
Region: Hill Country
Balmorhea State Park
City: Balmorhea
Region: Big Bend Country
