15 Things to Do When You’re in Midland on Business
Located in the Permian Basin, Midland, Texas is a popular business travel destination, particularly for people in the oil and gas industry.
Also known for attracting football scouts, Midland hosts tens of thousands of corporate travelers yearly and ranks as the 14th fastest-growing city in the US based on its economic potential.
From restaurants to entertainment and more, here are 15 things worth doing the next time you’re in the Midland/Odessa area on business.
Table of Contents
1. Museums and Attractions
2. Restaurants
3. Sports and Entertainment
4. Why explore Midland?
Museums and Attractions
With art museums, science and history centers, parks and natural wonders, there are many things to do in Midland, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the most popular attractions in the area:
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is a science and technology museum with multiple exhibits and displays.
It (of course) includes plenty of petroleum installations, but it’s not only about oil and gas. Highlights of this facility include a mineral gallery and the Chaparral Gallery with race cars on display.
Museum of the Southwest
The Museum of the Southwest is much more than an art gallery, though plenty of artworks are on display. It’s actually an art and science museum, complete with a sculpture garden, the Marian West and William Blankton Planetarium, as well as the historic Turner Mansion, where you can see Kentucky Derby trophies in person!
Odessa Meteor Crater Museum
If you’re interested in astronomy, the Odessa Meteor Crater Museum is a must-see on your next trip to Midland — particularly because it might not exist for much longer.
Formed from a meteor crash, the crater was originally 115 feet deep. However, due to rain and wind erosion, it is now only 15 feet deep.
The Bush Family Home
The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is a unique opportunity to visit the family home of two former presidents. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historical site was occupied by the Bush family in the 1950s.
The 41st president, George Herbert Walker Bush, lived here as an adult just before kicking off his political career. The 43rd president, George W. Bush, lived here as a child from about ages 5-10.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
One of the most unique places on this list, the Monahans Sandhills State Park is often called “an ocean of sand.”
Sand dunes in this park reach 50 feet high, and you can rent sand disks to slide down the dunes, just like sledding down a snowy mountain.
I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Center
Enjoy a day hiking nature trails or participating in an educational or wellness program at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve.
Featuring a lake, a butterfly garden, the Jenna Welch Nature Center and multiple outdoor trails for biking or hiking, this site is perfect for connecting with nature, relaxing and partaking in a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Susie’s South Forty Confections Candy Factory
Indulge your sweet tooth and see how candy is made at Susie’s South Forty Confections Candy Factory.
This 15,000 square foot facility offers free samples and free tours where you can watch professional candy-makers work their magic. The confections they make onsite are also available for purchase.
For small groups of 1 or 2, they’re happy to accommodate walk-in tours depending on their staffing, but large groups should coordinate their visit.
Either way, just giving them a quick call ahead can ensure you get the full experience.
Restaurants
Whether it’s time for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a midday treat, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from in the Midland area.
KD’s Bar-B-Q
Top-rated in West Texas, KD’s Bar-B-Q is renowned for its authentic Texas barbeque, including beef and pork brisket, ribs and sausage. You can also enjoy a delicious assortment of hometown side dishes as well as a complimentary bean bar in a casual environment.
Cancun Bar and Grill
Cancun Bar and Grill serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu features a selection of tacos, nachos, enchiladas, steaks and seafood, all based on traditional family recipes with a Mexican flair. Add a margarita or a mojito and top off your meal with tres leches cake for a complete dining experience.
Wall Street Bar & Grill
Known for serving all-American fare including steaks and seafood, Wall Street Bar and Grill offers a contemporary dining experience, perfect for corporate dinners with colleagues and clients. Chicken-fried steak and pecan-crusted salmon are amongst some of their most popular dishes.
Venezia Restaurant
If you’re craving Italian food in the Midland area, check out Venezia Restaurant. Featuring Northern Italian cuisine and an award-winning wine list, Venezia is one of Midland’s finest dining experiences.
The menu includes traditional plates such as veal saltimbocca and chicken parmigiana, as well as distinctive dishes like grilled quail and escargot.
The Garlic Press
The Garlic Press serves globally-inspired dishes that run the gamut from Texas ribeye steak (with “cowboy butter”) to gluten-free vegan curry.
As a result, this is a great option for groups with varied pallates or dietary restrictions.
For wine enthusiasts, their extensive selection is also a big draw.
Sports and Entertainment
Looking to take in a show or watch a game while you’re in town? Midland is home to a variety of entertainment venues and sporting arenas.
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is the place to go to take in orchestral works performed by symphonies and choirs. They also host traveling Broadway performances and a variety of live concerts.
Operated as a partnership between the University of Texas Permian Basin and the communities of Midland and Odessa, it is the premier performing arts center in the region.
Scharbauer Sports Complex
Multiple fields, ballparks and stadiums make up the Scharbauer Sports Complex. On a visit here you can:
- Take in a Midland Rockhounds baseball game at Momentum Bank Ballpark.
- Cheer on the University of Texas Permian Basin Football team at the Astound Broadband Stadium.
- Watch a soccer game at one of the complex’s auxiliary fields.
The complex also has a large green space often used to host concerts, rallies, charity walks and other community events.
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Midland County Horseshoe Arena & Pavilion
From live music to rodeos, the Midland County Horseshoe Arena & Pavilion is the place to go for an authentic West Texas entertainment experience.
Concerts, equestrian events, sporting eventsand more take place here every year. Check their events calendar to see what coincides with your next Midland trip.
Why explore Midland?
While Midland is small in comparison to the major metro areas of Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, there are plenty of great things to do.
Museums, sports and entertainment venues, outdoor spaces and various restaurants make it easy to find fun things to do, no matter your mood.
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