Lubbock Might Be Small…
In the northwestern part of Texas, you can find Lubbock. This place might seem like a small town compared to many of the other big cosmopolitan cities out there. With an area of nearly 135.9 square miles, there are many Lubbock, Texas points of interest. Lubbock has quite a few attractions relating to its agricultural history. But, those are not all the activities you can find in or near the city. Whether it’s visiting Mackenzie Park, the Cactus Theater, or the American Wind Power Center, Lubbock has some of the top attractions when road tripping around West Texas.
Texas Tech University
First up on the list is Texas Tech University, a public research university located at 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409. People know Lubbock as being one of Texas’s biggest college towns; Including Texas Tech University as one of the main attractions in Lubbock, Texas, should come as no surprise. The university was established back in 1923 but did not obtain its current name until 1969.
The university’s campus covers around 1,839 acres of land but is continuously expanding and growing its property; making it one of the largest college campuses in the United States. According to many articles, the campus is one of the most beautiful campuses in the entire nation. Due to its consistent Spanish Renaissance architectural style, admire it when visiting the jaw-dropping premises. Texas Tech’s vegetation is exceptional and adds life to the city. It is filled with trees, and beautiful flowers spread all around.
Check Out the Campus
One of the best things about Texas Tech University is its commitment to public art on its campus. In 1998, the university created the Public Art Program. Since then, over 100 art pieces have been added to its multiple campuses. Lubbock’s campus has one of the best public art displays of sculptures, statues, and monuments in the country.
Texas Tech University competes in 17 varsity sports and forms part of the Big 12 Conference as a D1 school. One of the best things about being a student is that tickets to the games are completely free. Ticket prices are reasonable for visitors and families. Witnessing the game among the masses of passionate sports fans is always a fun experience to expectate.
You can visit the university anytime throughout the year. Keep in mind that parking permits may be required at certain times. Be sure to look up the school’s website at www.ttu.edu. You can find further information on current requirements, passes, events, tours of the area, etc.
Museum of Texas Tech
While you are visiting Texas Tech, take a moment to visit the Museum of Texas Tech. The Museum is part of Texas Tech University, and it is at 3301 4th St, Lubbock, Tx 79415.
The Museum of Texas Tech University includes the Moody Planetarium and The Natural Science Research Laboratory. Also, the research and education elements of Lubbock Lake Landmark, and the Val Verde County research site.
The Museum is one of the largest university museums in the country. It holds over eight million objects for visitors viewing; it is also one of Lubbock’s top attractions.
The Museum is currently open with limited hours and capacity. Tours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum closes on Mondays. The Moody Planetarium has an entrance fee of $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students ages 6 to 18, college students. It is completely free for Military and children 0 to 5 years old.
For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/. Keep up with the museum by following its social media platforms @museumofttu for Instagram and Twitter, and Facebook.
Buddy Holly Center
Lubbock, Texas, is proudly known as the birth-place and home of legendary rock ‘n’ roll musician, singer-songwriter Charles Hardin Holley; Better known by many loyal fans by his celebrity name, Buddy Holly.
The Buddy Holly Center is at 1801 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401; Near the Center of the City of Lubbock and the Depot District. There stand various monuments that represent and honor Buddy Holly’s life and his legendary music career.
The Center is open to the public all year to see various memorabilia of the Texas rock ‘n’ roll legend; Including the West Texas Walk of Fame, which features Buddy Holly’s statue right in the middle. The Center is also used as an art venue that changes every season. So, you will never get bored seeing the same art exhibits since it showcases new ones every couple of months.
You are sure to have a day full of music history at Buddy Holly Center. The Center has a fantastic location since it is on the vintage side of town. Many other fun sites see just a close drive away; Like historical buildings, famous restaurants with delicious food, and more that one can enjoy after visiting the Buddy Holly Center.
The American Windmill Museum
Texas ranks number one in the United States for generated wind power, especially West Texas, due to its strong wind. It’s a no-brainer to include The American Windmill Museum as one of the City of Lubbock’s main points of interest.
The American Windmill Museum was established in 1993 by Miss Billie Wolfe and Coy F. Harris. This Museum showcases wind power and can be found at 1701 Canyon Lake Dr, Lubbock, TX 79403. This Museum is the largest windmill museum globally, with 28 acres that exhibit over 160 American style windmills.
The Museum is closed from Sunday through Monday, but it remains open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Hours might vary from time to time, so be sure to check out the Museum’s website at www.windmill.com for information.
Admission
The admission fee is $7.50 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12-years-old, and $6 for seniors and veterans. Entrance is free for children under 5-years-old, active duty military and household family members and free with a military ID. If one has a family of four, they get a special price of $20 entrance fee all together as well.
The Museum offers guided tours by appointment for groups of six or more for $8 per person. School tours are also available for $6 per student. Head to the Museum and learn a vast amount of information about the windmills and how they impact Texas’s energy.
National Ranching Heritage Center
The National Ranching Heritage Center is a ranching history museum located at 3121 4th St, Lubbock, TX 79409. The Heritage Center takes up 27-acres on Texas Tech University’s campus.
The Museum was created to preserve the ranching history in West Texas and Lubbock. One of the best things is the showcase of 50 authentic late 18 century to mid-20th century ranching buildings. Also, make sure to experience the interactive exhibits.
If you visit this historical site, know that all tours are self-guided and take around 60 to 90 minutes. Maps and guides are also available to everyone.
Due to current events, only 300 guests maximum will be allowed in the National Ranching Heritage Center. Cogdell’s General Store will limit to only six customers in the store. Most of the exhibits in the main DeVitt-Mallett Ranch Museum Building will be closed. They are closed until further notice but will change throughout the year. Visitors will be asked to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing within the Museum and park area.
Explore the West Texas ranching heritage and the history behind it at the National Ranching Heritage Center. The exhibits are sure to take you back in time and provide you with an educational life experience.
The Bayer Museum of Agriculture
The Bayer Museum of Agriculture is home to agriculture culture, allowing Lubbock to thrive into the city we know today. Explore the thousands of pieces of farm machinery artifacts from the past, present, and future in this one-of-a-kind museum. A top attraction for the Bayer Museum of Agriculture is its use of interactive exhibits.
The Bayer Museum of Agriculture also has room to host events. It includes a large conference center, an outdoor patio, and a catering kitchen.
The Silent Wings Museum
The Silent Wings Museum is to educate visitors on the history behind the World War II military glider pilots program. They exhibit over 9,000 artifacts, not including the countless photographs and documents dating back to that time.
The Museum is in the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, located at 6202 North I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403. The historic Museum features three display galleries. They feature glider pilots, a theater, a library with an archive, a gift shop, and office space. With all the Museum’s features, it plans to expand its display areas even more soon.
General admission is $10. If you have a college ID or between the ages of 7 to 17-years-old, it is half the price. For senior citizens, the entrance fee is $8. If you are a child under the age of 6-years-old or an active duty military, entry is completely free.
The Museum still holds its regular hours, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 through 5 p.m. on Sunday, it remains closed on Mondays. Due to the current circumstances, facial coverings are required as advised by the CDC and Governor Abbot’s Executive Order GA-29.
English Newsom Cellars at Caprock Winery
The English Newsom Cellars are wine cellars at Caprock Winery located at 408 E Woodrow Rd, Lubbock, TX 79423.
The products in these cellars are 100 percent Texas made. They offer custom production for wineries and vineyards across the state.
The English Newsom Cellars offer wine tastings for all the wine lovers out there. Visitors pay $12 per person, which includes five, 2 ounce pours. One can go to these wine tastings from 1 through 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 through 7 p.m. on Thursday, 12 through 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday, and by appointment only from Sunday through Monday. If you have a group of over eight people, reservations are required.
This Texas winery also offers exclusive wine tours where one can do counter tastings straight from the barrel. On this tour, visitors get the opportunity to meet the winemaker. Learn about the grape-growing process, as well as the production behind winemaking. These tours offers are on the first Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. The price to access this tour is $30 per adult, but Military and senior citizens get a discounted price. The tour has a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a maximum of 20 people per tour. One must be 21 and up to make an online reservation, sales tax and fees included. People between the ages of 18 through 20 may take the tour. If you over the age of 21-years-old, you may sample the wine. One must also bring a valid photo ID.
Have Fun and Be Safe
Visitors can purchase their one-of-a-kind wine while at the site, along with other fun souvenirs. Remember to be responsible and don’t drink and drive. Have a safe way to the Caprock Winery and back after tasting some of the fantastic local Texas wine. So get out of your house and head to this winery; you are sure to live your best life.
Buffalo Springs Lake
Buffalo Springs Lake is a lakeside park at 9999 High Meadow Rd, Buffalo Springs, TX 79404. The park is approximately 15 minutes away from Lubbock, TX. At this park, visitors can camp, do lake activities, and use the many natural walking trails and beaches.
The gates to this lakeside park are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visitors can make online reservations for near RV and tent parking, and one can obtain an annual pass as well. Visitors may also enjoy the beaches for free with a price gate admission.
Buffalo Springs Lake follows the CDC and Governor Abbott’s health and safety guidelines. Make sure to comply with any rules while on the park’s grounds and do not forget your face coverings.
Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market
If you happen to be in the City of Lubbock from May 30 through Oct. 17, visitors can enjoy Lubbock’s local farmers’ market. The farmers market is at 19th Street & Buddy Holly Avenue and opens every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This farmers market is filled with local vendors that provide a wide range of products for their visitors’ needs. The vendors change every week, providing you with a different experience every time you attend the market. Check the weekly vendors’ list on the farmer’s market website at www.Lubbockdowntownfarmersmarket.com. Find which vendors you are most interested in and plan a trip accordingly.
Attending Lubbock’s local farmers market not only provides you with fresh local produce, but it supports Lubbock’s local economy. Also, it encourages local food production and builds a strong sense of community that makes you feel right at home.
Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market website also provides its visitors with a weekly newsletter they can sign up for. They are always up to date on the latest news and never miss any events. Also, updates on the local vendors’ list for that week.
Attending this local farmers market is completely free of charge for everyone; One can support as many local vendors as they please.
Local Coffee Shops
Lubbock has a plethora of great local coffee shops to visit. If you go to Lubbock and fail to visit the local coffee shops, you will miss the full Lubbock-local experience.
Being a college town, many college students attend Lubbock’s local coffee shops. Students usee the peaceful environment to get school work done.
One of the most famous local coffee shops in Lubbock you cannot miss is J&B Coffee at 2701 26th St, Lubbock, TX. Another one is Yellow House Coffee, located at 3017 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410. Next up is Sugar Browns Coffee Co., located at 1500 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX 79401. Lastly, is He-brews Coffee, located at 2709 Marshall St, Lubbock, TX 79415.
There are many more local coffee shops that surround Lubbock, like the ones mentioned above. Make a list of your favorite ones, and head to these coffee shops. Be ready to try the wide variety of coffee they have to offer their customers.
Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, renamed after its co-founder in 2004. It is a nonprofit art gallery and campus in Lubbock that features a theater, clay studio, classrooms, and space events. This Center is at 511 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401 in Lubbock’s downtown cultural district area.
The galleries are open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. Admissions are free to all, but donations are always welcome.
The Center hosts more than 20 exhibitions annually that feature regional, national, and international artists. Some of the well-known programs featured at the Center are the First Friday Art Trail, Helen DeVitt Jones Clay Studio, Flatland Film Festival.
Visit the Underwood Center Website
On The website, www.Ihuca.org, you can find current featured galleries, make donations, find the event calendar, and more. One can even sign up for their newsletter to get the latest updates on what is going on.
At The Underwood Center for the Arts, everyone from adults to children is sure to have fun creating memorable experiences. Don’t forget to bring the whole family along with you!
While you’re visiting the cultural district, be sure to check out the other galleries and attractions nearby.
Lubbock Memorial Arboretum
Suppose you are one who enjoys and appreciates nature, among all the other beautiful features it has to offer. Like its beautiful wide range of vegetation and its peaceful fauna. In that case, The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is the right place for someone like you.
The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is a historical landmark and a 93-acre nature sanctuary and botanical garden in Lubbock, Texas. This Arboretum is located at 4111 University Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79413, in Clapp Park, near Lubbock’s heart.
The Arboretum grounds open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight. Admissions are free to all who enter.
At the Arboretum, one can also enjoy fun activities, events, tours, and classes relating to nature. Visitors of all ages will for sure enjoy their time at this amazing escape and soak in mother nature.
Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark
The Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark is a unit of the Museum of Texas Tech University. Free to the public, The Lubbock Lake Landmark is an archaeological and natural history preserve. It contains evidence of almost 12,000 years of occupation by ancient peoples on the Southern High Plains. Because of its excellent geographic contents, the Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark currently serves as a field laboratory for geology, soils, and radiocarbon dating studies and being an active archaeological and natural history preserve.
Buddy Holly Hall
In addition to the Buddy Holly Center, Lubbock’s city adds the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. The Buddy Holly Hall at 1300 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401.
The Buddy Holly Hall showcases various events like theater performances, music concerts, educational events, musicals, and much more. They even allow conferences, meetings, receptions, and weddings to take place as well. Stick around for the upcoming restaurant in the Hall called Rave On.
You can visit their website for further information at www.buddyhollyhall.com. Check out their guide on things to know before you go, as well as their policies and safety guidelines. Join the Buddy Network by signing up with their email address. You can get all the latest updates on shows, events, presale codes, discounts, and more. Another way to contact the Buddy Holly Hall is by calling (806) 792-8339 or emailing at [email protected].
The Depot District
The Depot District has endless things to do. If you’re looking for live music, fantastic food, amazing wine, or a great patio, the Depot is for you. In the Depot, you can find top Lubbock restaurants like Triple J’s and La Diosa. Head to the historic Cactus Theater for live performances or Blue Light Live to listen to discovered country bands. Visit The Library Bar and The Garden to enjoy a few drinks at great drink specials. Overall all you are sure to find plenty of things to do in the area.
Makenzie Park
Makenzie Park is a beautiful 248-acre park located at 301 I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403. The park is also open 24 hours a day and has many museums, attractions, and amenities for visitors to enjoy.
Fibermax Center offers a museum that exhibits Lubbock County Historical collections, machinery, and artifacts. There is also the American Wind Power Center, which showcases a collection of historic windmills. In the Center of Makenzie Park, Joyland Amusement Park has fun rides, attractions, food, games, and outing facilities. Meadowbrook Golf Course is located within the park. It has two 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, a practice green, and a pro shop. Let us not forget about the best of all, the Prairie Dog Town; An exhibition and home to the black-tailed prairie dog. The Prairie Dog Town has renovations and now open to the public at no cost.
Visitors can obtain further information about the park by calling (806) 775-2673 or visiting the online website at https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/.
Science Spectrum Museum & OMNI Theater
This point of interest is a nonprofit museum in West Texas and a hub for education. It contains science and technology exhibits, Lubbock’s only public aquarium. We can’t forget the 55 ft dome movie screen at the OMNI Theater.
Current museum winter hours from Jan. 6th through Mar.5th are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m.
Museum General Admission
General admission to the Science Spectrum is $8.50 for adults, $7 for children and seniors, and free for members. For the OMNI Theater, the entrance fee is $8.50 for adults, $7 for children and seniors, and $6 for members. This Museum and theater also have combo ticket offers, school group tickets, and non-school group tickets. You can also become a member for special pricing and offers.
Visitors can find further information on admission, events, and COVID-19 updates by visiting their website at https://www.sciencespectrum.org/ or by calling 806-745-2525.
Experience These Points of Interest
The points of interest mentioned below are only a few of the great attractions that Lubbock offers its visitors. So, what are you waiting for? Between the Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark, Silent Wings Museum, Mackenzie Park, and the National Ranching Heritage Center, there are plenty of attractions in the area for you to explore. Everyone is sure to have a fun and pleasant time and create long-lasting memories with their loved ones.
Please follow all CDC and state recommended guidelines to keep yourself and everyone near you safe during these unprecedented times. Look up the points of interest mentioned below and check their websites for more helpful tips and information.
Visit the many wonders that Lubbock, Texas, has to offer and forget all about the stresses of life. Your greatest next adventure might be a short drive away.
Want other interesting articles to read? Check out the fun things to do in Lubbock and if you are thirsty, read about the best coffee in Lubbock!
By Fernanda Tronco, Campus Live Intern