Located halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso in the Permian Basin, the Midland/Odessa area may not be the first place you think of in Texas, but it is home to many things visitors will find familiar. The one-time home of former U.S. presidents and first ladies is one of the leading oil producing regions of the United States. Despite this industrial specialty, Midland/Odessa has more than its fair share of culture and little surprises.

Downtown Midland

The main part of Downtown Midland is contained between Ohio, Main and Carrizo Streets and Missouri Avenue. This is where you will find a fairly impressive skyline as well as the Courthouse, City Hall and the Midland Conference Center. Aside from landmarks, Downtown Midland also features a large number of restaurants and shops as well as many office buildings and a park, making it a true central business district. Also prominent in the downtown area is Centennial Plaza, right next to the Midland Center with its open-air amphitheater.

Downtown Odessa

The main feature of Downtown Odessa, and a big source of pride for its locals, is the world's largest jackrabbit statue, "Jack Ben Rabbit." Because of this statue, Odessa is sometimes known as the Jackrabbit Capital of Western Texas. A main fixture of Downtown Odessa is the University of Texas-Permian Basin with its replica of Stonehenge and art museum. Odessa is also home to one of the best Presidential Museums, dedicated to the actual office of the President. The museum also features the George H. Bush home.

North Midland

North Midland is a pleasant, mostly residential area of the city. However, there are some notable attractions. North Midland is home to the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center, home of the Midland College Chaparrals basketball team. Also in North Midland, you will find several parks, including Tumbleweed, Windlands and Sidwell Parks. At the top of the North Midland list of attractions is the Midland Park Mall where you can find such well known stores as Dillard's, Sears and JC Penney. Also in North Midland you'll find the Sibley Nature Center where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the area and even take in one of those famous West Texas sunsets.

South Odessa South Odessa features a number of parks including McKinney Park, Odessa's oldest. You can take a walk or bring a picnic to enjoy one of Odessa's numerous sunny days at Comanche Trail Park. Also located in South Odessa is the Family BMX Track, where you can take the little blessings for a fun outdoor activity.

Outside the City

The areas surrounding Midland/Odessa aren't devoid of things to do either. The second largest meteor crater in the U.S. is located just about ten miles west of Odessa. Also on the same site is the Thomas Rodman Museum & Visitor Center. Going a little farther from Midland/Odessa you will find the city of Lubbock, TX, a good day trip. About the same distance as Lubbock you will find Marfa, home of the mysterious and unexplained Marfa lights phenomenon.