Lubbock is an energetic town of 300,000 sitting on the high plains of West Texas. Once a sleepy farm community, Lubbock boomed because of its cotton production, which is still a big industry here. But, most people know it as the home of Texas Tech University and the late, great Buddy Holly.
When it comes to things to do in Lubbock, this West Texas city delivers.
Also called the NRHC, the National Ranching Heritage Center spreads over an expansive 16-acres with 48 buildings. Some of the preserved structures go back to the 18th century. Tours for learning about ranching life from those long-ago days are available year-round. Special seasonal events, like Candlelight at the Ranch held in December, are also featured, so be sure to check their calendar for details and dates.
Music fans must see this landmark dedicated to the legendary icon, Buddy Holly. It's located in Lubbock's Depot of Entertainment district, a center of culture worth its own visit. See exhibits profiling Holly's life and musical career, including artifacts he owned and other memorabilia.
You'll also get to visit the Allison House, former home of The Cricket's drummer, Jerry Ivan Allison, who collaborated with Holly on some of his biggest hits. The house is now a delightful time capsule filled with antiques and memorabilia.
Lubbock is home to the picturesque CapRock Winery. Tour the beautiful vineyards and admire the architecture before spending a lovely time in the tasting room to sample the latest blends. They've been producing wine here since the 1990s, and their expertise shows. Red and white varietals are available for tasting and buying.
Known as the largest windmill museum in the world, the American Wind Power Center has a jaw-dropping 170 windmills, preserved and displayed on 28-acres of scenic rolling hills. If you want to know more about the fascinating history of wind power in the U.S., you'll love the exhibits covering 33,000 square feet of space, including replicated houses and even a G-scale train running throughout.
The pride and joy of Lubbock is the illustrious Texas Tech University. A visit to Lubbock wouldn't be complete without a walk through the Museum of Texas Tech University. With over 5 million exhibits, you'll definitely get to know more about Texas Tech and its arts, humanities, and natural sciences offerings. Don't miss Moody Planetarium for a lesson on star-gazing and studies.
A cultural touchstone established in 1969, Ballet Lubbock has been entertaining ballet fans with grand and graceful performances, including its annual holiday production of "The Nutcracker." This premier company of local dancers perform throughout the year, so check their calendar of events to see when you can catch all the elegance on stage at Ballet Lubbock.
Lubbock started as an agriculture center. Get to know more about this important legacy with a visit to the Bayer Museum of Agriculture. Also called the American Museum of Agriculture, it documents the history of the area and the importance of its farming roots, especially the cotton industry. Go back in time as you browse the antique tractors and tools. You can also gain hands-on knowledge of agricultural history with interactive exhibits and galleries.
Located in the Lubbock Cultural District, the Charles Adams Gallery promises you a Texas-sized taste of arts and culture. The gallery proudly features both permanent and rotating exhibits of local and international collections. Get a feel for the art scene of the region and also enjoy pieces from prominent American artists.
Joyland Amusement Park has over 30 rides, from thrilling roller-coasters to fun carousels, promising enjoyment for everyone in your family. Located in Mackenzie Park, Joyland offers all your amusement park snack favorites. The park has entertained generations of families and other visitors and groups for decades and holds a special place in the hearts of West Texans. It's the perfect place for making family memories.
Home of Joyland Amusement Park, Mackenzie Park stretches over 248 acres inside the city Lubbock. There are many activities to enjoy, including golf, disc golf, and exploring hiking and equestrian trails. Find cute prairie dogs at Prairie Dog Town and wander through beautiful gardens that tell the story of how Lubbock came to be.