Odessa, TX is a wonderful place to live! In 2014, it was ranked as the third-fastest growing small city in the country by Forbes, and it’s no surprise that so many people are moving to Odessa. Founded in 1881 as a water stop and cattle shipping point, Odessa has grown into a lively city with many arts, history, restaurants, colleges, and more.
1. Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo
Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo is an iconic event that Odessa hosts each year. Visitors can watch rodeos, livestock shows, or competitive horse shows here. There’s even live country music!
2. The Globe of the Great Southwest
If you’re a fan of theater or Shakespeare, you’ll appreciate the Globe of the Great Southwest. It’s the most authentic permanent replica of the Globe Theater, and it’s located on Odessa College Campus. It’s an octagonal theater with 410 seats that hosts community theater performances.
Next door to the Globe of the Great Southwest, you can find the Anne Hathaway Library, which is a replica of Shakespeare’s wife’s cottage. Many fans of Shakespeare love visiting the Anne Hathaway Library and seeing its displays.
3. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Stonehenge
The Globe of the Great Southwest isn’t the only replica in Odessa. You can also imagine you’re in England when you visit the University of Texas of the Permian Basin Stonehenge. It’s made up of large limestone slabs which are up to 19 feet tall and are around 20 tons! It was built in 2004 and took just six weeks to construct. It’s a little shorter than the original, but it is astronomically accurate.
4. The Odessa Meteor Crater
When a thousand-ton mass of space-iron collided with Earth, the Odessa Meteor Crater was created. When it was formed, it was 550 wide and 100 feet deep, making it the second-largest meteor crater in the country. Unfortunately, it is nearly filled to the rim today, but it’s still worth visiting.
Today, there’s a walking trail, signs that explain the history of the Odessa Meteor Crater, and an adjacent museum. You can even buy fragments of the meteor!
5. The Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin
This museum is one of just two Smithsonian-affiliated museums in the state. It is home to the works of over 400 American artists and hosts many fun events. In addition to seeing art, you can attend Yoga at the Museum, art talks, Book Buzz, Adventures in Art, Knit & Stitch, or Community Art Day.
6. Jack Ben Rabbit
Odessa is home to the World’s Largest Jackrabbit. This eight-foot-tall statue was built in 1962, but the jackrabbit has been important to Odessa for years. Back in 1932, the town hosted their first jackrabbit roping contest at the annual rodeo.
In addition to the Jack Ben Rabbit, there are over thirty 6-foot tall painted jackrabbit sculptures around the city. The Patchwork Bunny is painted with images that represent Texas while the Freedom Bunny has a Texas star, green grass, and blue skies.
Odessa is also home to All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Odessa. Our dealership provides Odessa and Greater West Texas with top-notch customer service and a stress-free car-buying experience. Visit All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Odessa today!
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