ODESSA

Population 91,004

Alt. 2,891

General

Established 1881 as stop on Texas and Pacific Railroad; it is said that name originated from area's resemblance to region around Russian city of the Ukraine. City is in heart of vast area that was once an ancient sea. Area today, geologically speaking, is known as the Permian Playhouse Theatre and Globe of the Great Southwest. Two public golf courses; one (Ratliff Ranch Golf Links) is one of top public courses in Texas. City is home of Odessa College and Univ. of Texas of the Permian Basin.

ART INSTITUTE FOR THE PERMIAN BASIN

BRASS LAMP AUTO MUSEUM

ECTOR COUNTY COLLISEUM

GLOBE OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST

YELLOW ROSE (OSTRICH) RANCH

Attractions

ART INSTITUTE FOR THE PERMIAN BASIN-Ultramodern showcase for the creative arts; two galleries featuring works of regional artists and traveling exhibits. Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. 2 - 5 p.m. On grounds of Univ. of Texas of the Permian Basin 4909 E. University Dr. west of Loop 338.
BRASS LAMP AUTO MUSEUM-A varied group of pre-1916 antique cars with such models as Flanders, Brush, Saxon, Oakland, and Overland, as well as Cadillac and Ford. Included in the exhibit is a 1903 Ford Model A, 2 cylinder, chain drive, the first year Ford Motor Company made and sold autos. The museum is in the same building with an antique gallery offering antiques, reproductions, of jet d'art, and other gift items. Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 701 N. Grant St. 915/332-9875. Admission to auto museum only.
ECTOR COUNTY COLLISEUM-10,000 seat coliseum hosts varied cultural attractions. Just north of coliseum is re-created cable tool drilling rig, circa 1920. In driller's shack adjacent to rig is a collection of photographs and relics of West Texas oil boom days. Andrews Highway and 42nd St.
GLOBE OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST-On grounds of Odessa College, theater is authentic replica of original Shakespearean Globe Theater. National road shows and local productions range from country/Western and bluegrass concerts to Broadway musical comedies. Shakespeare Festival held Feb. through April. On grounds is replica of Ann Hathaway's cottage that contains antiques and Shakespearean library. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 2308 Shakespeare Rd. 915/332-1586
JACKRABBIT STATUE -"World's Largest Jackrabbit" is a 10 ft. statue in the school administration's parking lot at 802 N. Sam Houston. A popular photo spot.
ODESSA METEOR CRATE-Shower of meteorites plunged to earth some 20,000 years ago, shattering limestone bedrock and leaving explosion pit some 500 feet in diameter; other smaller adjacent pits. Over the centuries, desert winds silted crater almost level with surrounding plains, and site was not identified as meteor crate until the 1920's. Today a marked nature trail winds through crater and a free brochure interprets the unusual feature. Just west of Odessa exit I-20 at F.M. 1936 (south), drive west on frontage road 3.4 mi. to sign indicating crater site to south.
PRAIRIE PETE PARK-Now rare prairie dogs can be viewed in their own "town". Playground equipment, picnicking. In Sherwood Park, 44th and Dixie.
PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM-An unusual museum devoted to the U.S. presidency and presidential political campaigns, from George Washington to the present. Campaign slogans, buttons and posters-some of them bizarre-biting political cartoons; coin-like campaign medalettes' popular as give away tokens during much of the 19th century. Also a collection of dolls with replicas of hair styles and inaugural gown of every first lady. The intricate miniature dresses required 20 years research and craft. Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 622 N. Lee St.; closed major holidays.
WATER WONDERLAND-18 acre water fun park in middle of West Texas desert. Single price admission provides unlimited use of all facilities including five water slides, water toboggan, swimming and diving pools, Mountain Rapids tube ride, wave pool, sandy beach, plus squirt pools and playgrounds for younger children. 2.5 mi. west of Midland International Airport on U.S. 80. Open Apr.-Sept. Adjacent miniature golf open year round. Admission.
WHITE-POOL HOUSE-Oldest existing house in Ector County, two story brick home was constructed 1887. On Register of National Historic Places. Period furnishings are those of original and second owners and reflect lifestyles of 1880's ranching period and 1920's oil era. Operational windmill. Open Sun. 3-6 p.m. and by appointment. 112 E. Murphy St.
YELLOW ROSE (OSTRICH) RANCH-Breeding and sales of ostriches that are now prohibited from export from Africa. May be viewed Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m., but advance call to 915/333-5222 is appreciated and will provide tour if requested. On F.M. 1787, just off U.S. 385, 12 mi. south.

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