15 Things To Do In Odessa, Texas That You Didn't Know

Odessa has a history as old as time. the name itself means 'long voyage' and looking at this city's history, one would agree there is hardly a better name it could bear. Established in the early 1880s as a stop on the Texas and Pacific Railway, Odessa took its name from the steppes of Ukraine, a nod from early Russian settlers who saw familiar flat terrain in this new land.

Modern Odessa thrives on contrasts: oil derricks punctuating dawn-lit plains, historic downtown facades beside contemporary arts venues, and small-town warmth moving in step with big-city ambition. The city’s identity pulses through its museums and in its theaters, parks, and public art that celebrate both heritage and creativity.

Here are 15 things to do in Odessa if you are visiting.

1. Ellen Noel Art Museum

The Ellen Noel Art Museum stands as a vital cultural hub for the Permian Basin. Named in honor of Ellen W. Noel, a notable local philanthropist who significantly contributed to its establishment, the museum has been a quiet, yet energetic, part of the community.

Spanning 24,000 square feet, the museum features several galleries that display a mix of traditional and contemporary artworks. Its permanent collection highlights American and European artists, with a special emphasis on Southwestern art.

2. Odessa Meteor Crater

The Odessa Meteor Crater is a striking testament to the cosmic events that have shaped our planet. About 63,500 years ago, a massive iron meteorite struck this site, resulting in a sprawling crater complex. The main crater spans roughly 550 feet in diameter, though sedimentation over time has filled it partially, reducing its original depth.

As part of a larger crater cluster, the Odessa Meteor Crater includes several smaller depressions, each formed by fragments of the meteorite before it impacted the earth. This multi-crater landscape is a hub for scientific research and public education, offering valuable insights into the processes of crater formation and the dynamics of meteorite impacts.

Efforts to preserve the Odessa Meteor Crater have been pivotal in maintaining its value as a scientific and educational resource. This site not only illuminates the intense and dynamic nature of our planet's geological activity but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing processes that shape celestial bodies across the universe.

3. Presidential Archives and Leadership Library

The Presidential Archives and Leadership Library stands as a pivotal center dedicated to presidential history and leadership. Located on the University of Texas of the Permian Basin campus, it offers a comprehensive array of documents, artifacts, and multimedia that shed light on the U.S. presidency. The archives provide a deep dive into the personal and official lives of American presidents, making it a crucial resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the nation's highest office.

Beyond storing historical materials, the library actively promotes understanding of leadership through various educational programs and exhibitions. These initiatives aim to inspire visitors by exploring the leadership styles and decision-making processes of U.S. presidents.

Equipped with modern research facilities, the library serves as a vibrant space for academic study, civic education, and community engagement. It not only preserves the legacies of past presidents but also acts as a forum for discussing leadership and governance. The library's efforts make it an essential destination for those exploring the city, offering both educational enrichment and cultural insight.

4. Stonehenge Replica

The Stonehenge Replica offers a unique glimpse into ancient history, right in the heart of West Texas. Constructed in 2004 by Chris Stanley, a University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) art professor, this intriguing monument serves as both a cultural artifact and a modern educational resource. Designed to replicate the original Stonehenge's size and orientation, it stands as a testament to human creativity and historical curiosity.

Located on the UTPB campus, this replica is slightly smaller than its ancient counterpart, with limestone blocks standing about two-thirds the height of the original stones. The arrangement forms a circle approximately 70 feet in diameter, inviting visitors to explore and contemplate the astronomical precision and engineering skills of ancient civilizations, blending educational experiences with a visually striking structure.

5. The Globe of the Great Southwest

Albert Einstein once said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician.” The Globe Theatre in Odessa, Texas, proves that creative vision—rooted in humble origins—can flourish anywhere. Conceived in the late 1950s by a high school English teacher and classmates in a senior Shakespeare club, the idea blossomed into the Globe of the Great Southwest at Odessa College with a softly unified aesthetic combining Elizabethan form and Permian Basin grit.

Dedicated in the mid-1960s, this 410-seat, octagonal playhouse serves as a stunning reproduction of Shakespeare’s iconic London Globe. It features a thrust stage and two-story balcony seating arranged around a covered, open courtyard, honoring tradition while adapting to West Texas climate and community needs.

Today, the Globe Theatre stages classical and contemporary plays, hosts the annual Odessa Shakespeare Festival, and opens its gardens and performance spaces to country-western events known as the Brand New Opree. A replica of Anne Hathaway’s cottage stands nearby, reinforcing the Globe’s tribute to literary and architectural history.

More than a theater, the Globe is a cultural landmark born from student ambition and sustained by local passion. It reminds us that art need not wait for big cities—but can grow bold in small places, lifting imagination with every echo across its wooden beams.

6. Parker House Ranching Museum

The Parker House Ranching Museum stands as a testament to the region's deep-rooted ranching culture. Located on the original Parker family homestead, this museum offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a West Texas ranching family in the early 20th century.

Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that display artifacts, photographs, and personal items from the Parker family. These exhibits not only convey the practical aspects of ranching but also the personal hardships and triumphs of the Parkers and their contemporaries.

The museum complex features the beautifully restored Parker family home, maintained just as it was in the 1900s, along with several historical barns and outbuildings. These structures give a comprehensive view of past ranching operations, providing insights into the adaptation and resilience required in the challenging West Texas environment. The Parker House Ranching Museum is not just about preserving history; it actively engages the community through educational programs and events that highlight the ongoing significance of ranching in the area.

7. Odessa College Sports Center

The Odessa College Sports Center stands out as a premier facility for both student athletics and community participation. This modern complex caters to a range of sports and fitness activities, making it a vital component of the local educational and recreational landscape.

At the heart of the center is a gymnasium that not only hosts the college’s basketball and volleyball matches but also fosters a robust community spirit by supporting local teams and offering space for intramural sports.

Adjacent to the main gym, the center boasts a comprehensive fitness area equipped with the latest exercise machines, including treadmills, stationary bikes, and a variety of weight-training equipment. This setup ensures that both students and staff have excellent facilities at their disposal for maintaining their fitness regimes. Additionally, the center includes rooms specifically designed for yoga and pilates, emphasizing its commitment to holistic health and wellness.

Moreover, the Sports Center plays a crucial role in nurturing athletic talent with its indoor track and field facilities, which are also accessible to local schools and community groups.

In summary, the Odessa College Sports Center is a key asset to both the campus and the surrounding area, providing state-of-the-art amenities that support athletic programs and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle among students and residents alike.

8. Ratliff Stadium

Ratliff Stadium is a beloved venue in West Texas, known for hosting high school football games and community events. Opened in 1982, the stadium is the home field for Odessa High School’s Bronchos and Permian High School’s Panthers, two of the most iconic high school football programs in the state. Named after Roy Ratliff, a former superintendent of the Ector County Independent School District, the stadium honors his contributions to the local education system. If you're wondering what to do in Odessa, catching a game at Ratliff Stadium is a must.

With a seating capacity of 19,302, Ratliff Stadium is among the largest high school football venues in the country. Its size and amenities make it a hotspot for local sports, attracting thousands of fans on game nights. The grass field adds to the traditional football atmosphere, while the video-capable scoreboard enhances the experience. Attending an event at Ratliff Stadium offers a taste of local culture and community spirit.

Ratliff Stadium isn’t just for football. It also hosts soccer games, track and field events, and even graduation ceremonies, making it a versatile space for the community. The stadium gained national recognition in the 1980s and 1990s when the Permian Panthers football team was featured in Friday Night Lights. This national spotlight helped solidify Ratliff Stadium's place in Texas high school football history.

9. Music City Mall

Music City Mall stands out as a popular shopping and entertainment hub in the Permian Basin. Since its opening in 1980, it has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a blend of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 191 and Loop 338, the mall is easily accessible, with plenty of parking available.

Music City Mall delivers a variety of experiences. The mall is home to over 100 stores, including well-known retailers like Dillard's, JCPenney, and Burlington. Shoppers can find everything from fashion and accessories to home goods and electronics, with a mix of affordable and upscale options.

Entertainment is also a key attraction at Music City Mall. The ice skating rink is a favorite spot for families, offering a fun escape from the West Texas heat. This mall is a great option. The cinema provides the latest films, making it an ideal spot for movie lovers.

What truly sets Music City Mall apart is its dedication to live music and performances. Regular live shows enhance the mall’s lively atmosphere, adding a unique cultural touch.

10. Mural Tour

Odessa, Texas, is home to a vibrant arts scene, and one of the best ways to experience it is through a mural tour that takes you across the city.

These murals showcase a range of artistic styles and themes, reflecting the diverse community and rich history of the region. From bold depictions of West Texas landscapes to intricate designs that highlight local heritage, each mural offers a unique perspective. The mural tour gives you a closer look at the creative minds behind these large-scale works, making it a must-do when considering things to do in Odessa.

A great aspect of Odessa's mural tour is its accessibility. Many murals are located in walkable areas, so you can explore at your own pace. The tour features both established murals and newer works, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Popular stops include the murals at Music City Mall and around downtown Odessa, where large walls serve as the canvas for these stunning pieces.

11. Odessa Spire

The Odessa Spire is a striking and modern architectural feature. Rising 300 feet into the sky, this impressive structure was installed as a symbol of growth and progress in the city. Designed by sculptor Rodney Ray Rogers, the Odessa Spire is one of the tallest freestanding sculptures in the region and has become a landmark for the community.

Constructed from durable stainless steel, the spire reflects both the sun during the day and the city lights at night, making it a visible feature from various points in Odessa. The design of the Odessa Spire is inspired by themes of unity and ambition, capturing the essence of a city that is constantly evolving.

The construction of the Odessa Spire was part of a broader effort to enhance public spaces and beautify the area. Funded by private donations and city support, the project was completed in 2001 and has since been embraced as a symbol of pride. The spire not only serves as an artistic statement but also reflects Odessa’s aspirations for the future.

12. Historic White-Pool House

The Historic White-Pool House is one of the city’s most significant landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the early history of the region. Built in 1887, it is the oldest surviving structure in Odessa and provides a well-preserved example of late 19th-century architecture in West Texas. The house was constructed by Charles and Lucy White, one of the area’s first settler families, and originally served as their residence as well as the center of their agricultural operations. The family played a pivotal role in the early development of Odessa, contributing to its establishment as a community in the Permian Basin.

The structure features a unique combination of Victorian and territorial architectural styles, reflecting the influences of the period. The house was built from locally sourced materials, which include adobe bricks, a common building material at the time, and showcases craftsmanship that has withstood the test of time.

Over the years, the property transitioned through several owners, eventually being restored by the City of Odessa and the Ector County Historical Commission.

13. Comanche Trail Park

Comanche Trail Park is a prominent recreational area located in Big Spring, Texas. Covering approximately 400 acres, the park offers a range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty that attracts both locals and visitors. The park features a large lake, which serves as a popular spot for fishing and boating. Walking trails wind through the park, providing opportunities for hiking, jogging, and birdwatching.

Comanche Trail Park is also known for its historical significance. The nearby Comanche Trail, from which the park takes its name, was once used by the Comanche people as a travel route across the region.

14. Odessa Jackalopes Hockey

The Odessa Jackalopes are a Tier II junior ice hockey team based in Odessa, Texas. They compete in the South Division of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), one of the premier junior leagues in the United States. The Jackalopes were originally established in 1997 as a professional team in the Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL), later joining the Central Hockey League (CHL) before transitioning to the NAHL in 2011.

The team plays its home games at the Ector County Coliseum, a venue that has been central to hockey in Odessa. The Jackalopes are known for their strong community presence, engaging local fans through various events and youth programs. Their mascot, Slapjack, is a familiar figure at games and local events.

The team's primary goal is to develop young players, providing them with the skills and exposure necessary to advance to collegiate or professional levels. Over the years, many Jackalopes alumni have gone on to play in the NCAA, and some have even reached the NHL.

15. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, located in Midland, Texas, is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums dedicated to the petroleum industry in the United States. Founded in 1975, the museum explores the rich history of oil and gas exploration in the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the world. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits that cover the geological formation of oil deposits, the technological advancements in drilling and extraction, and the impact of the oil industry on the economy and culture of West Texas.

Visitors can explore detailed displays of the science behind petroleum, the challenges faced by early oil pioneers, and the modern innovations driving the industry today. The museum also houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, including drilling equipment, vintage vehicles, and life-size replicas of oil rigs. Interactive exhibits provide an engaging learning experience for all ages. Additionally, the Petroleum Museum is home to the Chaparral Gallery, which showcases the history of the famous Chaparral race cars.

Conclusion

Odessa, Texas, leaves its mark through contrast and character. It’s a city built on oil, shaped by rail, and carried forward by grit and imagination. Steel and stage share the skyline here—where pumpjacks mark the land and Shakespearean verse fills the air at the Globe Theatre. Museums, murals, meteor craters, and football fields tell a story of resilience, reinvention, and a community that embraces both its past and its potential.

Visitors find more than landmarks—they find voices. In the energy of a Friday night game, in the silence of an art gallery, in the rhythm of wind through open plains. Odessa offers moments that speak clearly, without pretense, and invites you to listen.

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How to get to Odessa

From Midland, TX

Odessa is just a short drive west of Midland along I-20. The trip covers about 20 miles and typically takes 20–25 minutes. Simply head west on I-20, take the exit for Odessa, and follow the signs into the city center.

From Dallas, TX

Travel west on I-20 for roughly 350 miles until you reach Odessa. This drive usually takes 5 to 5.5 hours without heavy traffic. The route is straightforward, passing through Abilene and Big Spring before arriving in the Odessa area.

From El Paso, TX

Drive east on I-10 to I-20 East, covering about 290 miles in 4.5 hours. You’ll pass through Pecos before reaching Odessa. The route is largely a desert highway, so fuel and rest stops should be planned ahead of time.

From Lubbock, TX

Head south on US-87 toward Big Spring, then take I-20 West to Odessa. The trip is about 180 miles and takes approximately 3 hours.

By Air

Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) is the closest airport, located between Midland and Odessa, only 10–15 minutes from downtown Odessa. It offers flights from major U.S. cities, with car rentals and shuttles available on-site.

FAQ

1. What is Odessa, TX known for?

Odessa is known for its rich oil industry heritage, highlighted by the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. The city is also famous for the replica of Stonehenge on the University of Texas Permian Basin campus, its vibrant arts scene, and the high school football legacy featured in "Friday Night Lights."

2. What are the best routes to explore Odessa, TX?

The best routes to explore Odessa include Interstate 20, which runs east-west through the city, providing easy access to Midland and other regional destinations. For local exploration, Loop 338 circles the city, connecting key areas. Andrews Highway (TX-191) offers a direct route to nearby towns and attractions.

3. What is the weather like in Odessa, TX throughout the year?

Odessa experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, perfect for pool days and indoor activities. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor events and exploration.

4. How would you describe Odessa, TX's culture and history?

Odessa's culture is deeply rooted in its oil industry, with a history marked by booms and busts. The city boasts a strong sense of community, reflected in its support for local arts, high school football, and numerous cultural festivals. Historic sites and museums provide insights into its storied past and vibrant present.

5. What is the cost of living in Odessa, TX?

The cost of living in Odessa is relatively moderate, with housing being the largest expense. Utilities and transportation are affordable, and groceries are reasonably priced. While the oil industry influences some fluctuations in costs, overall, Odessa offers a good quality of life at a reasonable cost, making it an attractive place to live.