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Fun Things To Do In Lubbock, Texas

cartoon of wine bottle and grapes with glasses of wine playing hand in hand.
Photo provided by Campus Live Intern

The city of Lubbock, Texas, is a quiet little town in west Texas; well, that’s what non-locals would say because anyone who has experienced Lubbock first-hand knows how exciting the city can be. There are plenty of things to do in Lubbock, even if you pass through for the day, but Lubbock has many affordable hotels if you decide to stay the night. From drive-in movies to various museums to shopping, there is something for everyone in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech University is a great place to stop when you visit Lubbock, but it’s not the main attraction. The town is full of art, education, and fun. This article is full of fun things to do in Lubbock, so feel free to use this as your travel guide in the West Texas town.

The Buddy Holly Center

1801 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX

This place should be your first stop when you visit Lubbock, especially if you are a fan of rock n roll. Buddy Holly was a Lubbock native and helped to pioneer the early sound of rock n roll. He sadly passed away in a plane crash in 1959, but his music and influence still lives on today, and he was someone the city of Lubbock is proud to claim.

Museum of Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University, 3301 4th Street, Lubbock, TX

The museum has different exhibits throughout the year, and they have a planetarium with some great showings. The planetarium is currently going through some renovations. They have many exhibits, some long-term and some short-term, but all are amazing and cover various topics, like biodiversity and even the current pandemic. This museum should be at the top of the list of any history lover. Feel free to stop in and view an exhibit this week at the Museum of Texas Tech University.

Bayer Museum of Agriculture

1121 Canyon Lake Dr, Lubbock, TX

This museum is located in the FiberMax Center for Discovery and offers exhibits on agriculture dating back to the 1800s. From tractors to a rural life gallery, they have everything to show the history of agriculture and how far it has come.

American Windmill Museum

1701 Canyon Lake Dr, Lubbock, TX

Located in the American Wind Power Center, this museum holds over 160 restored windmills on exhibit. After your tour, the museum has plenty to see, and feel free to stop by their gift shop.

Silent Wings Museum

5401 N Martin L King Blvd, Lubbock, TX 

Located in the Lubbock Airport’s old terminal, this museum takes you back to World War II. They show an aircraft from the time period and take you through the military glider program’s success during the war. The aircraft makes for a great photo.

National Ranching Heritage Center

3121 Fourth St., Lubbock, Texas 

This museum sits on 27 acres and has so much to see and learn from the past. They have many over 100 years old structures to give people a glimpse of what West Texas life was like in the past. The grounds are also a historical park and show the evolution of ranching dating back to the 1700s with many interactive exhibits and art pieces. They have attractions for the whole family, including a general store and structures to see throughout the park. The National Ranching Heritage Center is near the Texas Tech campus.

If you are looking to expand your knowledge about some West Texas history, there are plenty of places to indulge in your interest.

There are plenty of other attractions in Lubbock, and plenty allow you to get some fresh air too.

Lubbock Depot District

This neighborhood has so much to offer to everyone. They have shopping, restaurants, and some historical sights. This is also where the Lubbock Farmers Market takes place during part of the year. They have places to listen to local bands playing live music and restaurants that offer various foods. They offer a few places to kick back and have a drink or dress up and have a nice cocktail with some friends. Let’s not forget they also have a winery to go wine tasting. You can also see the Buddy Holly statue and the Buddy Holly Center, which tells his life story. They have the Cactus Theater where you can catch a show during the season. Make sure to check the Cactus Theater website for updates and ticket information. Enjoy the district and the many photo opportunities they have.

Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark

2401 Landmark Dr, Lubbock, TX 

This place is over 300 acres and is used as an archeological site and a fun park with trails to walk or hike. You can go and see different wildlife throughout the year. The Museum of Texas Tech helps with the annual excavations and research at the site. Explore the Archeological Trail that takes you back 12,000 years and offers a panel to inform the excavations. Whichever trail you choose, you are bound to have a fun adventure at Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark.

Mackenzie Park

301 I-27, Lubbock, TX

This park has so much to offer the whole family. The park is home to Prairie Dog Town, where you can watch the creature in their natural habitat. They have been known to pose for a photo. The park is home to the Meadowbrook Golf Course, which offers two 18-hole golf courses. Joyland Amusement Park is also apart of this park, offering thrilling rides and tasty food. This park offers a wide variety of activities that are full of fun and adventure. Mackenzie Park is full of fun and is in the top 5 places you must visit in Lubbock, Texas. Prairie Dog Town is a place all love to visit multiple times, no matter how long they have been in the city.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

11450 Park Road 5 Canyon, TX

Though it is not technically in Lubbock, locals love to travel to the canyon, and it’s at the top of the list of any hiker. It is apart of the Texas State Parks system and offers more than just hiking. The park features glamping, horseback riding, and biking; whichever you choose, there are many ways to explore the canyon. According to visitors of the Treading Post, they have the best burgers in the world. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the state. There are plenty of places to take a family photo or capture the beautiful canyon. This canyon is also the largest in the Lone Star State and the second largest in the United States. The short drive is worth it once you see the canyon, a beautiful work of art carved by nature.

Legacy Play Village

6401 Marsha Sharp Fwy, Lubbock, TX 

This wooden play area is volunteer-built and fundraiser funded. They are currently gathering donations to rebuild the structure due to natural wear and tear. The 30,000 square foot structure was completed back in 2002 and was the largest community-built playground in the United States. Check out the Legacy Play Village website on how to get involved or donate.

Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater

2579 S Loop 289 #250, Lubbock, TX

This place has fun for the whole family. the science spectrum is a museum with year-round exhibits that cover different topics, including dinosaurs. The OMNI Theater is the best place to catch a movie with their 58-foot dome screen and stellar sound system. If you want to catch an education and immersive film, this theater is the place for you. When it comes to educational and fun attractions, this is one of the best places in Lubbock. If you love to experience education and fun, then this place should be at the top of your list when visiting Lubbock. The place is open throughout the week, so feel free to visit any day.

West Texas Walk of Fame

19th St, Lubbock, TX

The walk of fame is located near its first inductee’s statue, Buddy Holly. Over the years, many people have been added to the walk of fame, including Mac Davis and Waylon Jennings. Travel down memory lane and explore some of the most famous West Texas legends.

Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre

5101 Clovis Rd, Lubbock, TX

If you want to experience cinematic art from the comfort of your car, then this place should be at the top of your list when in Lubbock. They are open during the weekends, and they have a cafe with tasty food. They play different movies throughout the year, and it is near the edge of the city, so there is plenty of space to park and enjoy your movie.

Mcpherson Cellars

1615 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX

This cellar has been in the winemaking business for the past 40 years. They offer a variety of wines that will satisfy any tastebuds. They offer wine tasting and tours, and special events throughout the year. Visit them during the week and experience one of their many flavorful wines. If you want to enjoy a night with your friends, this a great place to have some fun adult fun when you visit Lubbock, Texas.

Caprock Winery

408 E Woodrow Rd, Lubbock, TX

Home to English Newsom Cellars, this facility has everything you need to enjoy and experience wine. They have award-winning wines and fun events that are open to the public and only for their wine club members. They also are available as a venue for weddings and other events. Caprock Winery is a one-stop-shop for all wine needs that will satisfy any connoisseur.

With so many attractions, Lubbock, Texas, is bound to leave you in awe. Even with Covid-19, there are still many safe options to get out of the house and explore. The city of Lubbock has many parks to have a picnic in or play family games. The local community is friendly, and they love to inform people of Lubbock’s rich past, especially rock and roll legend Buddy Holly. All who visit Lubbock leave with a fun and pleasant experience and a full stomach. The city has an adventure for everyone to experience. So if you’re itching for a fun road trip, pick one of the many hotels in Lubbock and explore the city. It’s effortless to navigate the city, especially since many places are near the Texas Tech University campus. It is not a complete trip to Lubbock, Texas, if you don’t visit the Buddy Holly Center.

If you enjoyed this travel guide to Lubbock, Texas, check out some of our other articles about places in the Lubbock Community.

If you have any questions or comments, contact us by email: [email protected] and feel free to follow us on our socials @CampusLiveTTU to see updates about these places and other events in Lubbock, Texas.

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