10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Odessa, Texas
If you live in Odessa, Texas, or you’re staying in town for work, there comes a point when you just want to hop in the car and see something different. The good news? You don’t have to drive across the state to find fun things to do. Within about an hour or so, you can explore small towns, desert views, and a surprising mix of history and outdoor adventure in nearby counties.
Below are
10 short road trip ideas from Odessa that take you into the surrounding counties of Andrews, Crane, Midland, Upton, Ward, and Winkler. All are outside Ector County, so you’ll really feel like you got away for the day.
1. Andrews County Veterans Memorial & Lakeside Park – Andrews County
Andrews, in Andrews County, is about a 45–60 minute drive north of Odessa, and it makes a peaceful half-day trip.
Start at the
Andrews County Veterans Memorial. It’s a quiet, well-kept spot with beautiful stonework and flags. Even if you’re not usually into monuments, this one has a way of slowing you down and making you think. I once stopped here on a windy spring afternoon, and the whole place felt like a small-town reminder of how many stories are hidden in West Texas.
Afterward, swing by
Lakeside Park on the edge of town. It’s not a huge lake, but it’s perfect for:
- Stretching your legs on a short walk
- Letting kids burn off energy at the playground
- Throwing a line in the water and trying your luck with some fishing
It’s a simple trip, but for people in Odessa looking for a calm, family-friendly outing, Andrews is an easy win.
2. Crane County Museum – Crane County
Head about 35 miles south of Odessa and you’ll roll into
Crane, the county seat of Crane County. The star here is the
Crane County Museum, a small-town museum with a big personality.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Oilfield history and old equipment
- Local ranching and pioneer stories
- School and community memorabilia from past decades
It’s the kind of place where you can walk right up to displays, take your time, and sometimes even chat with locals who know the stories behind the photos. If you like learning how real people lived, worked, and built these towns, this museum is worth the short drive.
On the way back to Odessa, you’ll pass long stretches of open land. It’s a nice reminder of just how wide-open West Texas really is.
3. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum – Midland County
When people in Odessa think “road trip,” they often think far. But
Midland in Midland County is only about 20–30 minutes away, and it’s packed with things to do—starting with the
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum.
Even if you don’t work in the oil patch, this place is fascinating. You’ll find:
- Interactive exhibits on how oil and gas are found and produced
- Historic drilling rigs and equipment outside
- A car gallery with vintage race cars
It’s a great spot for families, oilfield workers, or anyone who’s ever wondered what’s really happening under those pump jacks we all drive by every day.
You can easily spend two to three hours here, making it a solid half-day trip from Odessa.
4. George W. Bush Childhood Home & Downtown Midland – Midland County
While you’re in Midland, add a stop at the
George W. Bush Childhood Home. This restored 1950s home gives you a peek into what life looked like when a future president was just a kid growing up in the Permian Basin.
Inside, you’ll see:
- Period furniture and decor from the 1950s
- Family photos and stories
- Guided tours that explain how the Bush family ended up in Midland
After your tour, head to
downtown Midland for a stroll. Check out local coffee shops, grab lunch, or just wander around and see how different it feels from Odessa. The short drive makes this an easy Saturday outing.
5. Stonehenge Replica at Midland College – Midland County
Looking for something a little quirky and very “Instagram-friendly”? Drive to the
Stonehenge replica at Midland College.
This full-size arrangement of large stone blocks is inspired by the famous Stonehenge in England. No, it’s not ancient, and no, it doesn’t come with mysterious legends, but it’s still fun to walk around the giant stones and take photos. It feels a bit like stumbling into a different country without ever leaving West Texas.
Because Midland is so close to Odessa, you can easily combine:
- The Petroleum Museum
- The Bush Childhood Home
- The Stonehenge replica
into one full day trip with plenty of variety.
6. Fort Stockton Road Trip via Crane & Upton Counties
If you’re ready for a slightly longer drive and want a classic West Texas day on the road, head south toward
Fort Stockton. You’ll pass through
Crane County and skim the edge of
Upton County on the way.
Fort Stockton, in Pecos County, is one of the more interesting historic stops within reasonable distance of Odessa. Highlights include:
- Historic Fort Stockton – Old military buildings and grounds you can walk through
- Paisano Pete – A giant roadrunner statue that’s perfect for a quick photo
- Historic downtown – Old storefronts and local shops
From Odessa, it’s roughly a 90-minute drive one way, so plan for a full day. You’ll see miles of open country, pump jacks, and that classic West Texas horizon that seems to stretch forever.
7. Monahans Sandhills State Park – Ward County
One of the most unique places near Odessa sits just west of you in
Ward County:
Monahans Sandhills State Park.
Imagine rolling white sand dunes instead of mesquite and caliche. That’s this park. It almost feels like you drove to a different state. Here’s what you can do:
- Rent sand disks and slide down the dunes like you’re sledding
- Walk or hike across the soft sand and watch the wind reshape the hills
- Stay late to catch a desert sunset and big, starry skies
The drive from Odessa to the park is usually under an hour, making it one of the easiest and most iconic West Texas day trips. Just remember to bring:
- Plenty of water
- A hat
- Sunscreen
The sun out on those dunes can be intense, even in cooler months.
8. Ward County Museum & Historic 1938 Courthouse – Ward County
While you’re in Ward County, take a detour into
Monahans itself and check out the
Ward County Museum, also known as the Ward County Historical Museum.
You’ll find:
- Local ranching and oilfield history
- Old photographs and artifacts from early settlers
- Displays about the railroad and growth of the area
Then swing by the
historic 1938 Ward County Courthouse. The building’s architecture stands out against the flat surroundings and tells a story of when these towns were first really taking shape.
If you enjoy small-town history, pairing Monahans Sandhills with the museum and courthouse makes for a well-rounded day.
9. Outdoor Art & Oilfield Vibes in Kermit – Winkler County
Head northwest of Odessa and you’ll end up in
Kermit, the county seat of Winkler County. It’s a pure oil patch town with a friendly feel and a few fun surprises.
In and around Kermit, you can:
- Check out local murals and small public art pieces
- Walk around town and grab a bite at a local cafe or diner
- Drive the surrounding roads for classic pump jack and desert views
This is one of those trips where the journey is just as interesting as the destination. You see real working West Texas—trucks, rigs, dust, and wide open sky. If you grew up in the Permian Basin, this might feel familiar. If you’re new to the area, it’s a great way to understand what keeps this corner of Texas moving.
10. Wink & the “Winkler County” Backroads – Winkler County
Just down the road from Kermit is the small town of
Wink in Winkler County. It’s a quick add-on stop that lets you soak up even more small-town West Texas charm.
A few ideas:
- Drive slow through town and notice the older buildings and quiet streets
- Stop for photos along the backroads where the horizon goes on for miles
- Use Wink as your “turnaround point” on a lazy afternoon drive
On a clear day, watching the sunset on the drive back to Odessa is half the fun. The sky shifts from bright blue to orange and pink, and you remember why living in West Texas isn’t just about work—it’s also about the space and the views.
Tips for Road Trips from Odessa, Texas
To make these out-of-county adventures more enjoyable, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Fuel up early: Some stretches between towns are long and empty. Don’t push your gas tank too far.
- Carry water and snacks: Especially in summer, keep extra drinking water in the car.
- Check hours: Small museums and attractions may have limited hours or may be closed on Sundays or holidays.
- Watch the weather: Dust storms and strong winds do happen. If the forecast looks rough, plan your drive accordingly.
These trips are close enough that you can leave in the morning, explore at an easy pace, and still be home by dinner.
Ready to Plan Your Next West Texas Road Trip?
Living in or visiting Odessa doesn’t mean you’re stuck seeing the same streets every weekend. Within a short drive, you can:
- Slide down sand dunes in Ward County
- Tour museums in Midland and Crane
- Explore small towns in Andrews and Winkler counties
- Chase history and sunsets all across the Permian Basin
If you’re craving a change of scenery, pick one of these 10 out-of-county road trips and start there. Then slowly work your way through the list. You might be surprised how much there is to do near Odessa once you start looking.
Have you taken any of these West Texas road trips from Odessa?
Share your favorite stops—or any hidden gems I missed—in the comments. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, coworkers, or family who are also searching for fun, easy things to do near Odessa, Texas. Your share might be the push they need to finally get out and explore.
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