For those of you interested in the petroleum industry, the Petroleum Museum is the place to visit when in Midland. This is the premiere museum of its kind and traces the history of the men and women who first helped to make the industry such a success. The facility houses murals and dioramas, and a special section on the relationship between transportation and petroleum and includes a real racecar. Every other year, the museum inducts members into its hall of fame, the likes of which include George H.W. Bush. With a gift store and summer camps for kids, there is always something to learn or see at the Petroleum Museum.

The McCormick Gallery, housed in the Allison Fine Arts Building on the campus of Midland College features works from student and non-student artists in its halls. The art decorates the hallways of the buildings and the works are changed regularly. Works include those part of the studio 3600 series in which student artists are spotlighted and can show some of their best and most formative works.

Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you have to admit that the Bush presidencies changed the course of the nation and of the world. This house was home to the Bush family during the formative years of George W. Bush's life. Although altered since the Bush family moved out, the home has been restored to its original 1950s style. Many artifacts from the era have been placed around the home to show visitors exactly what a home from the 1950s was like. Visitor information is located in houses adjacent to the site so the entire home can be historically restored. Two presidents and two governors lived in the house, and one has to wonder whether there was something in the water.

Unlike any other library, the Haley Memorial Library and History Center is truly a mecca for historians and writers interested in the West. This research facility contains volumes found nowhere else detailing life in the West for early settlers. A number of different authors and historians have used the research center to add detailed and accurate information to stories or accounts. So even if you aren't planning on writing a novel anytime soon, you should still stop in to learn a little something about the history of the west that helped to shape the psyche of the United States.

The Midland Community Theatre plans, performs, and produces numerous plays throughout the year. Adding significantly to the arts scene in Midland, Broadway musicals as well as smaller plays in any one of three different facilities. As one of the largest community theater groups in the United States, volunteers as well as paid professionals all contribute to making each performance a success. The Community Theatre puts on Summer Mummers as a fundraiser, and also provides various classes on acting and dance for both children and adults.

Formerly known as Penwell Raceway and Penwell Knights Raceway, the Caprock Motorplex is a motor racing track. This is the only independent drag strip in the city and features exciting races. And, while watching the cars speeding up, you can eat munchies like hotdogs, chillidogs and nachos. For race schedule and other information, call ahead.

From classy musical venues to make-a-shift tents, Midland has a variety of music halls to choose from, the New Blue Max being one of them. Everyone including local artists to nationally acclaimed performers have staged their performances here. Different genres are played out at New Blue Max and every concert is well-attended. That's not it, along with entertainment; guests can savor tasty food and avail the special Happy Hours offer. For forthcoming gigs and other details, call ahead.

A premier performance space in Midland/Odessa, Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center is a community effort that sees the realization of the dream of there being a first-rate performance venue in the area. A sort of mega-center for the arts, the center comprises a music and academic center and a recital hall as well. Performances by artists both famous and yet-to-be-known are hosted here. See the website or call to know more.

One of the premier venues for concerts in Midland, The Pine Box is downtown's music hub. If you want to discover local talent, then this is the place to head for, because you will find local bands playing here on a regular basis. There are also regional and national bands playing here from time to time.So, do drop by to know what is playing.

If you want to experience real life as it were among the friendly folks of Midland, there is no better place than the Midland Community Center which heartily welcomes visitors to participate in community activities. Engaging fun events are organized all year round, especially during national holidays, weekends and summers. Immerse yourself in some local parties, festivities, traditional concerts, dramas and more. Call for details on any upcoming events.