Davies Gallery of Southwest Indian Art
Another Lubbock attraction on Texas Tech’s campus that also has elements of the Wild West is the Museum of Texas Tech University. The museum’s William C. and Evelyn M. Davies Gallery of Southwest Indian Art was recently renovated and primarily exhibits the work of contemporary and historic Southwest Indian potters.
Also on permanent exhibit at the Museum of Texas Tech are archaeological renderings of prehistoric life forms from the Pleistocene Period. Other galleries present artwork, and the Moody Planetarium at the site offers daily laser and star shows.
American Wind Power Center and Museum
The American Wind Power Center and Museum is an attraction dedicated to windmills and their place in American history.
“They focus a lot on the history of wind use, and many of their exhibits show how windmills were used when settling the West, and how some ‘Westerners’ were key in the development of wind use,” said Zientek.
The 28-acre site has dozens of water-pumping windmills on its grounds and more than 100 inside its Wind Energy Experience Center. Guided tours for groups of six or more are available by appointment.
Prairie Dog Town
For an enjoyable side trip, Prairie Dog Town is home to a protected prairie dog colony and a number of burrowing owls, all living in their native habitat. The site at Lubbock’s Mackenzie Park, overlooking Meadowbrook Golf Course, has a pavilion, a viewing area, sidewalks and a parking area with bus parking and a turnaround. There is no admission fee, and the park is open to the public from dawn to dusk year-round.
