10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Odessa, Texas (Ector County)
If you’re planning a trip to West Texas,
Odessa, Texas in
Ector County is worth a spot on your list. It’s right in the heart of oil country, but there’s a lot more here than pump jacks and dusty highways. From quirky roadside stops to quiet nature trails, Odessa has a mix of old-school Texas charm and interesting surprises.
Whether you’re driving through on I‑20, visiting family, or looking for a weekend getaway from Midland, here are
10 things to do in and around Odessa, TX that show off the best of this West Texas town.
1. Step Back In Time At The Odessa Meteor Crater
About 15 miles west of town, the
Odessa Meteor Crater is one of those “only in West Texas” stops.
This site was created by a meteor that slammed into the earth thousands of years ago. Today, you’ll find:
- A short walking trail around the crater
- Informational signs explaining how the crater formed
- A small visitor center with exhibits and meteorite fragments
Is it as huge as Arizona’s Meteor Crater? No. But that’s part of its charm. It’s quiet, a little rugged, and feels like a genuine West Texas roadside discovery.
Tip: Go early in the morning or close to sunset. There’s not much shade, and West Texas sun can be intense, especially in the summer.
2. Catch A Show Or Game At The Ellen Noël Art Museum & Presidential Archives Area
Right off Highway 191, you’ll find a cluster of attractions all in one area: the
Ellen Noël Art Museum, the
Presidential Archives and Leadership Library, and the nearby
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center just up the road toward Midland.
The Ellen Noël Art Museum is one of only a few Smithsonian-affiliated museums in Texas. Inside, you’ll see:
- Rotating art exhibits, often featuring Texas and regional artists
- A sculpture garden that’s peaceful to walk through
- Hands-on activities for kids during special events
Then, swing by the
Presidential Archives next door to browse documents, memorabilia, and displays about U.S. presidents. It’s not a huge museum, but it’s a unique spot to learn a little history in the middle of oil country.
If you time your visit right, check out the schedule at the
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (technically in Midland County but only about 20–25 minutes from Odessa). Big-name concerts, touring Broadway shows, and comedy acts often stop there.
3. Explore The Replica Of Stonehenge At UTPB
You don’t have to fly to England to see Stonehenge. Odessa has its own version right on the campus of the
University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB).
The
Stonehenge replica is made of limestone blocks and is surprisingly impressive in person. It’s a great free stop for:
- Quick photos
- A short stroll around the stones
- Letting kids run around and burn energy
While you’re at UTPB, you can also check out the small but lovely campus, and the nearby art museum and archives mentioned above. It’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours without feeling rushed.
4. Walk Through History At The White-Pool House Museum
If you like historic homes and local stories, don’t miss the
White-Pool House Museum.
Built in the late 1800s, this old ranch-style home is one of the oldest structures in Odessa. Inside, you’ll find:
- Period furniture and decor that show what life was like in early Odessa
- Old photographs and artifacts from the families who lived there
- Guided or self-guided tours, depending on when you visit
The house gives a real sense of how tough — and simple — life once was in Ector County. The yard and outbuildings often host community events and seasonal activities as well.
5. Experience Friday Night Lights At Ratliff Stadium
Odessa is famous for one thing across the country:
high school football. If you’ve heard of the book or TV show
Friday Night Lights, you’ve already met Odessa in spirit.
Ratliff Stadium, home to the Odessa High Broncos and Permian Panthers, is one of the most iconic high school football stadiums in America.
If you’re in town during football season (late August through November), try to catch a game here. The atmosphere is electric:
- Huge, loyal crowds
- Energetic marching bands
- Classic Texas stadium food — think nachos, Frito pies, and cold drinks
Even if you’re not a big sports fan, it’s a great way to experience real West Texas culture in one night.
6. Find Peace And Wildlife At Odessa’s Parks & UTPB Trails
Odessa might be in the desert, but it still has green spots where you can unwind.
UTPB Park & Duck Pond: On the north side of the UTPB campus, you’ll find walking paths, a small lake, and plenty of ducks and geese. It’s a calm place for:
- A morning walk or jog
- A quick picnic lunch
- Letting kids fish or watch the birds
McKinney Park & Sherwood Park: These city parks offer:
- Playgrounds
- Sports fields
- Shade trees and picnic tables
In the summer, the parks can be busy with families. In the cooler months, they’re nice for a quiet stroll.
Tip: Winter and spring are ideal for outdoor activities in Odessa. Summer heat can stretch well past 100°F, so plan earlier or later in the day if you’re visiting in June, July, or August.
7. Dive Into Local Culture At The Odessa Globe Theatre & Local Events
Odessa has a soft spot for theater and the arts, and one of the most interesting places to see that is the
Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest.
This theater is a replica inspired by Shakespeare’s Globe in London. It hosts:
- Plays and performances throughout the year
- Community theater productions
- Special events, student performances, and more
The venue has an intimate, old-world feel, which is pretty unexpected in the middle of West Texas.
Around town, keep an eye out for:
- Odessa Arts events and public art pieces
- Local festivals, like summer concerts or holiday parades
- Occasional food truck gatherings and markets
If you like to mix travel with local culture, this is where Odessa really shines.
8. Tour The Oilfield Legacy At The Chris Kyle Memorial And Oil-Related Sites
Odessa has deep roots in the oil industry, and it’s also the hometown of
Chris Kyle, the U.S. Navy SEAL whose story was told in the book and movie
American Sniper.
The
Chris Kyle Memorial is a powerful, larger-than-life bronze statue set in a peaceful plaza. It’s a meaningful stop where you can:
- Pause and reflect
- Read about his life and service
- See tributes left by visitors
While you’re in the area, you’ll notice oil pump jacks all over Ector County. You can’t exactly “tour” the fields on your own, but just driving the county roads gives you a front-row view of how central energy is here.
If you’re curious about the oil industry, look for local museums or exhibits that pop up at community events, or chat with locals. Many families in Odessa have some connection to oil and gas work and often share stories if you ask.
9. Cool Off At Odessa’s Water Parks & Family Fun Centers
When it’s hot — and it often is in West Texas — you’ll want a place to cool down and have some fun.
Odessa and nearby Midland offer:
- Water parks and splash pads (seasonal)
- Bowling alleys and indoor arcades
- Mini-golf and go-kart spots in the wider Permian Basin area
These are perfect if you’re traveling with kids or teens and need a break from sightseeing.
Many locals use these spots as weekend hangouts, so it’s also a good way to feel a bit more like part of the community and less like a tourist passing through.
10. Take A Day Trip: Midland, Monahans Sandhills & More
One of the best things about basing yourself in Odessa is that you’re close to several other West Texas highlights.
Here are a few easy day trips:
-
Midland, TX (about 20–30 minutes east)
Visit the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the George W. Bush Childhood Home, and the Museum of the Southwest. Midland and Odessa together make up a larger metro area, so it’s common to hop back and forth.
-
Monahans Sandhills State Park (about 35–45 minutes west)
Huge sand dunes you can hike, sled, or just wander around on. Bring water and a hat — it feels a bit like visiting a mini desert.
-
Scenic West Texas drives
If you love wide-open spaces, just taking a drive along Highway 302 or I‑20 around sunset can be an experience. The skies out here are big, and the colors can be incredible.
Planning Your Trip To Odessa, Texas
To make the most of your visit to
Odessa in Ector County, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Best time to visit: Fall and spring for milder weather. Winters are usually cool and dry. Summers are hot and sunny.
- Getting around: You’ll almost certainly want a car. Odessa is spread out, and public transit is limited.
- What to pack: Comfortable shoes, sunblock, a hat, and a light jacket for cooler nights. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle.
- Where to stay: Plenty of hotels line I‑20 and major streets like JBS Parkway and 42nd Street, from budget-friendly to mid-range chains.
Odessa isn’t a flashy tourist town, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s a place of
big skies, football lights, oilfield history, and quiet desert beauty. If you take the time to explore beyond the main highway, you’ll find spots that stick with you long after you’ve headed home.
What Would You Do First In Odessa?
Would you head straight to the
Odessa Meteor Crater? Snap photos at the
UTPB Stonehenge? Or maybe catch a Friday night game at
Ratliff Stadium?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences:
- Have you been to Odessa, Texas?
- Which of these things to do in Odessa would you add to your list?
- Do you know a local spot in Ector County that deserves a shoutout?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s help more travelers discover this underrated West Texas town.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a road trip through Texas — it might inspire them to stop and see what Odessa has to offer instead of just driving on by.
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