Wickett TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wickett, Texas.
1. Monahans Sandhills State Park
DESERT DUNES ADVENTURE
Monahans Sandhills State Park offers visitors a unique desert experience with its impressive sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 70 feet. The park provides opportunities for sand surfing, hiking, picnicking, and camping in this remarkable landscape that resembles a miniature Sahara. Visitors can rent sand disks at the park headquarters to slide down the dunes for an exhilarating experience.
2. Million Barrel Museum
HISTORIC OIL STORAGE
The Million Barrel Museum showcases a massive concrete oil tank built in 1928 that could hold up to one million barrels of oil. The tank, now dry, serves as a unique museum where visitors can learn about the region's rich oil history and see various historical exhibits. The museum complex also features vintage buildings, equipment, and memorabilia that tell the story of early petroleum development in West Texas.
3. Roy Orbison Museum
MUSIC LEGEND TRIBUTE
The Roy Orbison Museum honors the legendary musician who grew up in Wink, Texas, and later became one of rock and roll's most distinctive voices. The museum displays personal memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts chronicling Orbison's remarkable career from his early days to international stardom. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing his iconic sunglasses, instruments, and platinum records while learning about his influence on American music.
4. Buck Jackson Arena
RODEO ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Buck Jackson Arena serves as the premier venue for rodeos, livestock shows, and western events in the area. The arena hosts exciting competitions throughout the year, drawing participants and spectators from across the region. Visitors can experience authentic Texas culture while watching skilled cowboys and cowgirls compete in traditional rodeo events.
5. Old Wickett Railroad Station
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION HUB
The Old Wickett Railroad Station stands as a well-preserved reminder of the town's important role in regional transportation history. Once a bustling hub for passengers and freight, the station now serves as a historical landmark where visitors can appreciate early 20th-century railroad architecture. The building offers a glimpse into Wickett's past when the railroad was vital to the area's development and economy.
6. Prude Ranch
WESTERN RANCH EXPERIENCE
Prude Ranch offers an authentic Western ranch experience with horseback riding, hiking, and comfortable accommodations in the scenic Davis Mountains. Guests can enjoy activities like swimming, hayrides, campfires, and stargazing in one of Texas's darkest sky regions. The ranch's rich history dates back to 1885, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and a taste of traditional ranch life.
7. Carlsbad Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 119 limestone caves, including the spectacular Big Room, which is the largest single cave chamber in North America. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the main cavern or join ranger-led adventures to explore more remote sections of this underground wonderland. The park is also famous for its evening bat flights, where thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the cave entrance at sunset during summer months.
8. Caverns of Sonora
CRYSTAL CAVE FORMATIONS
The Caverns of Sonora showcase some of the most beautiful and delicate crystal formations found in any cave system worldwide. Located halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park, this National Natural Landmark offers guided tours through chambers filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rare helictites. The cave's constant 71-degree temperature makes it a perfect year-round destination for visitors seeking natural beauty and geological wonders.
9. Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue that hosts a diverse range of performances including Broadway shows, symphony concerts, ballet, and popular music acts. The center features exceptional acoustics, comfortable seating, and modern amenities to enhance the audience experience. Since opening in 2011, it has become the cultural cornerstone of the Permian Basin, bringing top-tier entertainment to West Texas.
10. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
OIL INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum tells the story of petroleum and the people who discovered it through interactive exhibits, authentic equipment, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the evolution of drilling technology, learn about geological formations, and experience a simulated trip to the center of the earth. The museum also houses an impressive collection of vintage cars and features an outdoor Oil Patch exhibit with full-size drilling equipment.
11. Museum of the Southwest
ART AND CULTURE HUB
The Museum of the Southwest occupies a historic mansion and features diverse collections of Western art, astronomy exhibits at the Blakemore Planetarium, and beautiful gardens. The complex includes the Durham Children's Museum, which offers hands-on learning experiences designed to engage young minds. Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs that celebrate the heritage and creativity of the Southwest region.
12. Odessa Meteor Crater
ANCIENT IMPACT SITE
The Odessa Meteor Crater is one of the largest meteor craters in the United States, formed approximately 63,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into the Texas plains. Though erosion has diminished its depth over time, visitors can still observe the distinctive circular depression spanning nearly 550 feet in diameter. The site includes an interpretive center where guests can learn about the meteor's impact and view fragments of the meteorite recovered from the area.
13. Ellen Noël Art Museum
FINE ARTS COLLECTION
The Ellen Noël Art Museum houses an impressive collection of American art spanning from the 19th century to contemporary works. The museum features rotating exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and interactive spaces designed to engage visitors of all ages. Educational programs, workshops, and special events make this cultural institution a vibrant center for artistic expression and appreciation in West Texas.
14. Ector County Coliseum
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS COMPLEX
Ector County Coliseum serves as the region's primary venue for concerts, sporting events, rodeos, and large-scale community gatherings. The multi-purpose facility is home to the Odessa Jackalopes hockey team and hosts the Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo annually. With multiple buildings including an arena, barn, and exhibition halls, the complex accommodates diverse events that bring entertainment and economic activity to the area.
15. CAF Airpower Museum
VINTAGE AIRCRAFT COLLECTION
The CAF Airpower Museum showcases one of the world's largest collections of flying vintage military aircraft from World War II. Visitors can view meticulously restored planes, examine historical artifacts, and learn about aviation history through interactive exhibits. The museum also hosts the annual AIRSHO featuring spectacular aerial demonstrations of these rare aircraft performing alongside modern military planes.