Top Places to Explore in Odessa Texas
Odessa is a vibrant, energetic, and dynamic city in West Texas that boasts fresh air, awe-inspiring sunsets and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet! A visit to Odessa can put you in a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the cockpit of a World War II fighter plane or the only archive and leadership library dedicated to the Presidency.
Odessa is proud of our sports teams and their achievements. In fact, Odessa was the setting for both the national best-selling book and feature film “Friday Night Lights”. Odessa is in the geographic region known as the Permian Basin. In 1926, the discovery of oil propelled the city into an enviable destination. Odessa quickly became the service, workforce, transportation, supply and manufacturing center of the Permian Basin. Today, it continues to be considered one of the major oil field technology centers in the world.
The Arts
The Ector Theatre
Newly renovated theater offering a variety of entertainment, film screenings and training programs in music and acting.
The Globe Theatre at Odessa College
Modeled after Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre, this is the home of stage plays. The Anne Hathaway Cottage is located on the Odessa College campus and is a replica of the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne. The original “Hathaway Cottage”, still standing in the little village of Shottery, England, was presented to Anne as a gift by her brother following her marriage to William Shakespeare.
Jack Ben Rabbit and the Jackrabbit Jamboree
“Jack Ben Rabbit” is an impressive 8-foot statue located at North Sam Houston and 8th St at the Ector County ISD Administration Building. This is Odessa’s most popular photo opportunity! Joining Jack are 32 other brightly decorated rabbits scattered throughout the city. 432.333.7871 | discoverodessa.org
The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Home to touring Broadway plays, musical artists, dance and more, the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is also home of the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale. 800.514.3849 | wagnernoel.com
The Museums
The Ellen Noël Art Museum
Featuring rotating exhibitions of historical and contemporary art and a unique Sensory Garden for the visually impaired, the Museum is an official Smithsonian affiliate and is one of 12 art museums in the state of Texas that have been granted this status. 432.550.9696 | noelartmuseum.org
Odessa Meteor Crater & Museum
The second largest meteor crater in the nation is the result of a barrage of meteors crashing to the earth some 50,000 years ago. Visitors enjoy the Museum, Visitor Center and self-guided tours. The Museum has free admission and is located 10 miles west of Odessa, via I-20 at Exit 108. 432.381.0946 | odessameteorcrater.com
White-Pool House Museum
Built in 1887, this is the oldest residential structure in Odessa and it is listed on the National Historic Register. Admission is free; however, donations are accepted. Call to arrange tours. 432.333.4072 | whitepoolhouse.org
The Attractions
Rimrock Raceway
The premier outdoor go kart racing facility in West Texas, with speeds over 60 mph. Closed toed shoes are required. Safety equipment and carts are provided. Minimum age is 8 years old. Minimum height requirement is 48” tall. $25 dollars per 10-minute race session. 432.246.5038 | rimrockkarting.com
The Painted Potter
A walk-in paint your own pottery studio or set up a time to throw some clay! The Painted Potter is open to the public and is a great place to decompress and paint away! 432.614.4860 | thepaintedpotter.bigcartel.com
Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is a high-energy and exciting entertainment facility offering birthday parties, a foam pit; gymnastics tumble tracks, a kid zone, basketball dunking lanes, dodgeball and group fitness. 432.272.6921 | altitudeodessa.com
Odessa is home to a unique Art Culture, Museums, Theaters and Attractions to explore! Visit discoverodessa.org or call 432.333.7871 to find even more opportunities to discover!