Midland Things to Do Tips by Basaic

Watch the Rochounds

This ballpark is the home of the AA Midland Rockhounds an affiliate of the Oakland A's. The season runs April to August.

Address: 5514 Champions Drive, Midland, TX 79701

Phone: (432) 520-2255

Fire Memorial

There is a nice memorial to fallen firefighters in front of the Fire Museum.

Address: 1500 W. Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701

Phone: (432) 685-7332

Fire Museum

The Midland Fire Museum, located in the main fire station, houses the first two fire engines used by the town along with other equipment and memorabilia. Hours are 9 AM to 9 PM daily. Admission is free.

Address: 1500 W. Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701

Phone: (432) 685-7332

Midland Historical Museum

The Midland Historical Museum displays artifacts about the history of Midland including the early pioneers, Indian artifacts, veterans displays, and the alleged Midland Man (22,000 years ago). Hours are 2 PM to 5 PM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Address: 301 W. Missouri, Midland, TX 79701

Phone: (432) 688-8947

Pliska Plane

John V. Pliska, an immigrant from Austria, built a plane in 1912. He was inspired after seeing the Wright Brothers plane. This was the first plane built in Texas. The plane is on display in the Midland International Airport lobby.

Phone: (432) 560-2200

Ole Depot

Another of the buildings on the complex was an old railroad depot. Looked like it was mostly used for storage. A future exhibit maybe?

Other Art at the Museum of the Southwest Complex

There are a variety of sculptures all over the grounds of the Museum of the Southwest Complex so allow yourself plenty of time to wander and enjoy. Maybe I am artistically ignorant but I still prefer art that I can tell what I am seeing without consulting the sign.

Address: 1705 W. Missouri, Midland, TX

Phone: (432) 683-2882

Juliette and Fred Turner Gallery

The Juliette and Fred Turner Gallery is housed in a 1934 mansion that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building itself, and the pieces on the grounds, are fascinating. There is a variety of art, much related to the art of the Southwest, nestled amongst the interior details like hand-painted tiles and Italian Marble Fireplaces. Exhibits rotate periodically. Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 2 PM to 5 PM on Sunday. Admission was free; but donations were very welcome.

Address: 1705 W. Missouri, Midland, TX

Phone: (432) 683-2882

Haley History Center

Attached to the library is also a history center with a nice collection of saddles, spurs, and other items reflecting the Western Heritage. I was happy to note that the 3rd name listed on the Cowman's Award of Honor was Ted Gray whom I met in Alpine. The history center has one of the most extensive collections of memorabilia about Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War. It also houses the original mission bell from the Alamo, which was cast in 1722!

Address: 1805 West Indiana Avenue, Midland, TX 79701

Phone: (432) 682-5785

Website: http://www.haleylibrary.com/

Commemorative Air Force Headquarters

The Headquarters for the Commemorative Air Force is by the airport just west of Midland. The CAF was formed to preserve examples of aircraft from throughout the history of aviation in the United States (especially World War 2 military related) and selected aircraft from other countries. The unit conducts various demonstrations and educates the public. There are a number of locations throughout the country which offer a variety of activities. The museum houses the world's largest collection of nose art from when individual planes had distinctive designs. Every year there is an airshow with the World War 2 planes, that attracts thousands of visitors.

The museum in Midland is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM.

Address: 9600 Wright Drive, Midland, TX 79706

Phone: (877) 767-7175

Website: http://www.commemorativeairforce.org/