Top 12 Museums and Historical Sites in Midland
Midland began as “Midway”, the intersection of railway routes in the Southwest. It was established in 1881 and renamed Midland. What began as a railroad town shifted into a city known for oil and gas. The discovery of oil in 1923 changed the future of Midland forever. There are many museums, historic buildings, and libraries in Midland that hold pieces of Tall City’s past.
Take some time on the weekend to explore with your family or make it a solo journey so you can visit exhibits with your attention. Start your day off at one of the local coffee shops for a caffeine boost then dive into the interesting and varied past of Midland.
Here ‘s our guide to the best historic places in Midland.
If you’re a presidential history fanatic, you can take a tour of the Midland home former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush lived in from 1951 to 1955. The Laura Bush Literacy Program holds regular book readings at the museum.
Are you interested in seeing the stars or do you have a kiddo who is in love with outer space? Check out the Blakemore Planetarium on the grounds of the Museum of the Southwest.
It hosts star talks and offers dome shows on a 360-degree state-of-the-art IMAX system with 3D capabilities in the Helen Greathouse Educational Discovery Dome.
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This is the oldest residential structure in Midland! Dating back to 1899, the Brown-Dorsey Medallion Home is a Victorian example of architecture. A wealthy rancher and his wife constructed the home and originally lived out their lives there, and their daughter and her family subsequently moved in. Tours are by appointment only.
Located on the Midland College campus, the McCormick Gallery is in the Allison Fine Arts Building. It is usually open for shows and events. Check the website for more information.
Allison Fine Arts Building
Midland College
3600 N. Garfield
Midland, TX 79705
View more art: Midland, Texas Murals & Outdoor Art
In 1927, Sloan Field was a privately owned landing field in Midland. The City bought the property in the 30s in order to become a military base. It was officially designated the Midland Army Airfield on September 26, 1942. Now a museum, it holds several exhibits and you can book a plane ride as well.
For aviation aficionados, the American Airpower Heritage Museum is a must-see. It’s also worth noting that the display of aircraft changes on a regular basis so be sure to make multiple trips a year. The museum says it is “dedicated to telling the story of Military Aviation and its impact on our freedom”. Admission is free.
Maybe the most interesting piece in this museum is the fossilized remains of a 9000-9500 B.C old person. They were found in the 50s on a ranch near Midland. The Midland County Historical Museum has other exhibits that showcase the varied history of the area.
Hungry after museum hopping? Check out: Downtown Lunch in Midland: An A-to-Z Guide
Located on the Museum of the Southwest property alongside the Blakemore Planetarium, Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum and Sculpture Garden is open any time of the year. There are 11 galleries to peruse. It is in a historic mansion that is a registered historic place in Midland.
This museum is sponsored by the Midland Downtown Lions Club. Check out the city’s first (fully restored) fire trucks and equipment. There are exhibits with other firefighting memorabilia and photographs to look over.
1500 W. Wall
Central Fire Station (east end)
Midland, TX 79701
Circa 1929, the T.S. Hogan Petroleum Building in downtown Midland is an excellent example of neo-gothic architecture. The history of the building played a large role in the early development of the oil industry.
Hogan, a businessman, had predictions that turned out to be premature. The oil prices in West Texas busted just as he completed construction and the Petroleum Building wasn’t used as intended until years later when prices boomed again.
West Texas wouldn’t be complete without owning the largest museum in the nation dedicated to the oil and gas industry. The mission of the Petroleum Museum is to share the importance and impact the oil industry has had on our area and the world.
There are several permanent exhibits but the Chaparral Car exhibit displays vintage race cars and the museum runs one of the cars once a month for spectators (and routine maintenance).
Be sure to check out their giftshop! Read More: 5 Unexpected Gift Shops For Finding The Perfect Gift
Right around the corner from the American Airpower Heritage Museum, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial pays tribute to our troops. It is close to the Midland International Airport and is perfect for taking some time between or before flights to honor service members.
The Haley Memorial Library and History Center is a privately funded institution that contains a wealth of history. It was founded in 1961 in order to share the history and traditions of West Texas.
The Library hosts art shows and if you are in need of research, the archivist is available for appointments so that they can help you in your collection of information.