Things to Do in Odessa, Texas
If you’ve grown up in Odessa, you might find yourself in a rut and wondering what there is to do in this oil field town after you’ve exhausted all your usual haunts. Or maybe you’re visiting or newly relocated to the area. There is more than meets the eye around here, trust us!
From the local art scene to the unique vintage stores to the outdoor activities, you will surely find a new place to check out after browsing our guide of fun things to do in Odessa, Texas:
Check out the Local Art Scene
The Ellen Noёl Art Museum
Since 1985, the Ellen Noёl Art Museum has been a notable part of the West Texas art scene. It is the only fine arts museum in the Odessa area. It is part of the Smithsonian Affiliation which means that affiliates have access to many different artifacts in the Smithsonian system. Features of the museum include the sensory garden as well as youth programs. Admission is free.
Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery
The Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery includes art of all kinds from local artists to traveling exhibitions. The gallery can be found at the UTPB campus and is currently open to faculty, students, as well as the public. Take a look at their website for current and future exhibitions. Admission is free.
Find all the Jackrabbits
While jackrabbits are considered a very common animal in West Texas, Odessa takes things to the next level with thirty-seven Jamboree Jackrabbits hiding all around Odessa. These replicas are not your average sized replicas. The statues are six feet tall and currently reflect the culture of their location. You could spend an entire day looking for them but we doubt you can find every one of them! This is a free activity.
Experience Theatre
Permian Playhouse
This community theatre was opened back in 1965 and has become a well-known place of community and culture. Also, they offer education programs from first Grade and up. While the Permian Playhouse has been closed for the rest of 2020 due to the pandemic, they expect to reopen for their 2021 season.
Ector Theatre
Dating back to 1951, The Ector Theatre thrived until the recession when it had to close its doors. Thankfully it is making a come back and restoration is being undertaken with a grand reopening scheduled sometime in early 2021. Even with the maintenance, Ector Theatre is a favorite spot in the up-and-coming Downtown Odessa area that should not be skipped. Show tickets average around $40.
The Globe Theater
Also known as The Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest, this beautiful structure was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and even features a replica of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage onsite at Odessa College. It’s been around for over 50 years and continues to put out amazing shows. Tickets start at around $7.
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Located in East Odessa, the Wagner Noël hosts a variety of musicians from all over the world as well as local acts and special programs such as Cinema Under the Stars, hosting the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, Midland Festival Ballet community performances, and more. Ticket prices vary.
Cars, Sports, and Animals
Rimrock Raceway
Craving speed and competition? Look no further than Rimrock Raceway where you can go 60 MPH on a go-kart track. Drivers need to be at least 8 years old, 48 inches tall, and wear closed toes shoes. Prices start at $25/person/1 race package.
Permian Basin Cars & Coffee
While this may only be once per month, you can’t beat an meetup of the coolest cars in the Permian Basin area. It’s a gathering of car enthusiasts who conversate, admire unique cars on display, and . Free.
Odessa Jackalopes
Odessa takes their jackrabbits so seriously that they named their hockey team after them. The last place you might expect to find a hockey experience is in an area of Texas that reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit all summer long. Games are $6-$12
Exotic Animals
You don’t have to drive to the Abilene Zoo to have a small exotic animal encounter. Located in West Odessa off of Moss Avenue, you can’t enter seeing as it’s private property, but you can still catch plenty of glimpses of tigers, camels, and other exotic animals. Free.
Visit a Museum
Presidential Archives and Leadership Library
After President Kennedey’s assassination in 1963, Odessa leaders decided to create a museum honoring the late president. Donations came in and The Presidential Museum was created. It moved to the U.T. Permian Basin campus in 2002, and in 2010, became part of the University under the name it now carries. American history buffs will enjoy visiting the exhibits. Free.
Chris Kyle Memorial
Chris Kyle was a Navy SEALS war veteran and hero. He was born in Odessa, Texas so after his untimely death in 2013, the Chamber of Commerce put in plans to create a memorial for him, his unnamed team mates, and Navy SEALS members. Free.
The Historic White-Pool House
Given to Ector County in 1978, the White-Pool House was built in 1887. This preserved house turned apartment building in the 1920s is a small slice of West Texas history. You can book or tour or rent the property for your next event. Tours are free.
Odessa Meteor Crater
Discovered in 1982, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the crater was identified as caused by a meteorite. In 1979 the crater site (the second largest in the US) which had at one point been sold to a railroad company, was donated to Ector County. You can walk inside the crater and visit the Odessa Meteor Crater Museum for more information on these natural phenomena. Free.
Parker House Museum
Opened to the public in 1966, the Parker House is a piece of preserved history of the Cattle and Ranching Industry in West Texas. Inside the house you’ll be able to see the 1908 wedding clothes of then owner Parker and his wife Bessie while upstairs you can view photos and paraphernalia from the early days of a wealthy ranching family. Free but donations appreciated.
The Bush House
Although the Bush home in Midland is better known, the Bush family did live in Odessa in 1948 before moving to California and then returning to the area in 1950 in Midland. It has been restored to look like the morning of Christmas for a then 2 year old George W. Bush. Free.
Get Outside
Odessa Mountain Bike Park
For those of us that are used to mountain bikes being more synonymous with actual mountains, you’ll be pleasantry surprised to find 18 miles of trail of varying difficulties inside 95 acres tucked behind Park’s Legado.
UTPB Duck Pond
You may be impressed to find that the UTPB duck pond is more than a lone pond. Instead you’ll find a water habitat brimming with ducks and equipped with tables and shade from which to enjoy them. Free.
UPTB Walking Trail
Walk, hike, or bike. You can choose from a nature trail or a paved path with three paths to choose from. The outer loop is nearly 3 miles, the inner loop is 1.5 and the nature trail is .5 miles.
Comanche Trail
This shaded, picturesque trail feels like the furthest thing from West Texas landscape you may have seen in a while. The 1.5 mile trail is paved making it enjoyable for everyone in the family — whether you’re pushing a stroller or jogging with an ornery dog.
Comanche Trail Fishing Pond
As long as you have a proper fishing license through Texas Parks and Wildlife, head out to the Comanche Trail community fishing pond. Check the regulations for bag limits. Free.
UTPB Stonehenge Replica
We can’t explain it either, but whatever reason local Odessa residents decided to create a replica of the mysterious English megalith is still reason enough to visit it if you’re in town. It is the same length horizontally as the real Stonehenge but is a few feet shorter. Free.
McKinney Park
Mckinney Park is a 22 acre property. In addition to baseball fields and other courts, there is a watersplash playground for the kids. The City of Odessa holds events such as the annual Christmas light display in the Permian Basin, Starbright Village. Free.
Buffalo Wallow Park
Located off of 42nd Street, Buffalo Wallow Park offers a great walking loop around Buffalo Wallow lake. Kids can feed the ducks and other waterfowl that seem to always be hungry for seeds and crumbs. Around the Lake are various sculptures. Free.
Did we miss any of your favorite spots in Odessa? Feel free to email us here and we will get it added!
Also, check out our post on museums in Odessa, TX.
If you enjoy wine and charcuterie boards, then take a look at our list of seven local places that have amazing cheese & wine.