Background and Overview of Odessa
Odessa, Texas, was founded in the 1880s as a water stop and cattle shipping point
on the Texas and Pacific Railway. Its name is believed to come from Ukrainian immigrants who thought the region’s flat, open plains resembled their homeland. The discovery of oil in the 1920s transformed Odessa from a quiet ranching town into a booming oil hub, attracting workers and businesses eager to cash in on the Permian Basin’s vast reserves. Despite its rough-and-tumble reputation in the early years, Odessa grew into a thriving city known for its cowboy culture, oil industry, and even a touch of Hollywood fame with Friday Night Lights, which showcased its passion for high school football.
Things to do in Odessa
- Explore the Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum
Discover one of the country’s largest meteor craters at the Odessa Meteor Crater, located about 10 miles west of downtown Odessa. This impressive site, approximately 550 feet in diameter, was formed around 63,500 years ago by a meteorite impact. Visitors can walk along the crater’s rim and delve into the on-site museum, which showcases a collection of large iron meteorites and provides insights into the crater’s formation and significance. The museum operates from Tuesday to Sunday, offering a unique glimpse into cosmic events shaping our planet.
Address: 3100 Meteor Crater Road, Odessa, TX 79760
Phone: (432) 381-0946 - Visit the Ellen Noël Art Museum
Immerse yourself in the arts at the Ellen Noël Art Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated institution in Odessa. The museum features over 20,000 square feet of gallery space, presenting a diverse array of exhibitions ranging from classical to contemporary works. Beyond the galleries, visitors can enjoy a sensory garden designed to engage all five senses and a library stocked with art-focused literature. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops, making it a cultural hub for both locals and visitors.
Address: 4909 East University Boulevard, Odessa, TX 79762
Phone: (432) 550-9696 - Experience a Performance at the Globe of the Great Southwest
Step into a piece of Elizabethan England at the Globe of the Great Southwest, a replica of Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre. Situated on the Odessa College campus, this unique venue hosts a variety of theatrical performances throughout the year, including classic Shakespearean plays and contemporary productions. Adjacent to the theater is a replica of Anne Hathaway’s cottage, adding to the immersive experience. Attending a performance here offers a distinctive cultural outing that transports audiences back in time.
Address: 2308 Shakespeare Road, Odessa, TX 79761
Phone: (432) 332-1586
Restaurants in Odessa TX
*Established in 1963, The Legendary Barn Door Steakhouse has been a
cornerstone of Odessa’s dining scene for decades. The restaurant exudes a rustic, barn-like ambiance, complete with wooden interiors and checkered tablecloths, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Specializing in prime ribs and steaks, their menu showcases a variety of cuts cooked to perfection, accompanied by classic sides such as baked potatoes and fresh salads. The establishment also offers a selection of seafood and chicken dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. With a commitment to quality and tradition, The Barn Door provides a nostalgic dining experience that has stood the test of time.*
*Featured on “America’s Best Restaurants,” Brantley Creek Barbecue is a family-
owned establishment renowned for its authentic Texas barbecue. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, reflecting the family’s dedication to hospitality. Diners can indulge in melt-in-your-mouth brisket, tender ribs, and flavorful sausages, all smoked to perfection using traditional methods. The menu also includes classic sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and buttery cornbread. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and community has made it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking genuine barbecue flavors.*
*Twin Peaks offers a unique sports lodge experience, combining hearty American cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere. The interior is designed with rustic décor,
featuring stone and wood elements that create a cozy yet lively setting. With wall-to-wall TVs, it’s an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts to catch live games. The menu boasts scratch-made dishes such as hand-smashed burgers, beer-battered chicken tenders, and hand-cut steaks. Their extensive drink selection includes frosty 29° draft beers and a variety of signature cocktails. The friendly Twin Peaks Girls add to the welcoming environment, ensuring guests have an enjoyable dining experience.
Each of these establishments offers a distinct taste of Odessa’s culinary landscape, catering to a variety of preferences and occasions.
RV Parks in Odessa
Mesquite Oasis RV Park is a premier destination in the Permian Basin, boasting 240 RV spaces with full hookups, including 30 & 50 amp service as well as 110v. Of these, 140 sites feature concrete pads, accommodating both back-in and pull-through preferences. The park is family and pet-friendly, surrounded by a 7-foot fence ensuring safety and privacy. Amenities include fiber optic Wi-Fi, DirecTV, an outdoor pool (seasonal), a state-of-the-art laundry facility with 20 new washers and dryers, an indoor basketball court, a community room, an exercise room, and 24/7 access to bathrooms and showers. The park’s location offers easy access to Odessa’s attractions while providing a serene environment for guests.
Address: 7601 W 42nd St, Odessa, TX 79764
Phone: (432) 381-2707
Conveniently located right off I-20 at Exit 108, Park Place RV Resort offers a campground oasis for both short and long-term stays. The resort features 260 RV pads equipped with 30 or 50 AMP hookups and five cabins for those seeking
alternative accommodations. Amenities are designed for relaxation and recreation, including an outdoor swimming pool with TVs and patio, an on-site laundry facility, a dog park with pet waste stations, a sand volleyball court, a turf field with soccer goals, a basketball court, BBQ grilling stations with picnic tables, a clubhouse with a pool table, shuffleboard, and a TV lounge area, a firepit with a lounge area, a playground, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The resort’s location provides quick access to Odessa’s attractions, making it an ideal home away from home.
Address: 9249 West Murphy Street, Odessa, TX 79763
Phone: (432) 582-1962
Pleasant Parks RV Estates is a small, exclusive RV park located a few miles south 
of Odessa, offering a resort-like feel with 25,000 square feet of green grass and trees. The park provides 14 spacious sites, each averaging 45′ x 65′, accommodating any size trailer, fifth-wheel, or motorhome, along with additional vehicles and gear. Each site is individually metered with 30 amp, 50 amp, and 110 power. The park’s roads and RV pads are well-maintained, hard-packed caliche, which stays cooler in the summer than asphalt. The park is family and pet-friendly, with friendly staff on-site at all times to assist guests and ensure their safety and security.
Address: 3537 Sundog Dr, Odessa, TX 79766
Books about Odessa
“Friday Night Lights” offers an in-depth look into the 1988 football season of the
Permian High School Panthers in Odessa, Texas. The book delves into the lives of the young athletes, the pressures they face, and how the community’s identity is intertwined with the success of its high school football team. Bissinger’s narrative sheds light on broader societal issues such as economic hardships, racial tensions, and the American obsession with sports. This compelling account has been adapted into both a feature film and a television series, further cementing its impact on American culture.
Set in 1976 Odessa, “Valentine” is a gripping novel that portrays the lives of 
several women in the aftermath of a violent crime. The story captures the stark realities of West Texas life, exploring themes of resilience, justice, and community. Wetmore’s evocative prose paints a vivid picture of the harsh landscape and the equally harsh societal norms of the time, offering readers a profound understanding of the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society.
Both books provide unique perspectives on Odessa, Texas, offering readers a blend of factual history and fictional narratives that reflect the city’s complex character.
Propane & Dump Station
You can fill up propane for your RV at U-Haul Moving & Storage of West Odessa-University & Kermit Hwy, located at 1010 W University, Odessa, TX 79764. They refill all types of propane tanks, including RV tanks, seven days a week at competitive prices by the gallon.
You can dump your RV tanks at Midessa Oil Patch RV Park, located at 4220 South County Road, Odessa, TX 79765. It’s open year-round, offers potable and non-potable water, and is big rig friendly. The dump station is free for registered guests or $10 for non-guests. Another option is Love’s Travel Stop at 1901 W I-20, Odessa, TX 79766 (I-20 Exit 115), which charges $10 or less for dump station use. However, be aware that the Flying J RV Dump Station in Odessa has been reported as out of order with no reopening date, so it’s best to avoid that location.
A Weekend in Odessa
The Morgan family—Adam, Jessica, and their kids, Ethan and Lily—pulled into Park Place RV Resort on a Friday evening, ready for a fun-filled weekend in Odessa. After setting up, they enjoyed a hearty dinner at The Legendary Barn Door Steakhouse, where Ethan raved about the steak, and Lily devoured peach cobbler.
Saturday morning, they explored the Odessa Meteor Crater, where Ethan
snapped photos while Lily collected “space rocks.” Next was the Ellen Noël Art Museum, where Jessica shared her love for art, and even Ethan found himself enjoying the exhibits. Lunch at Brantley Creek Barbecue was a hit, especially after getting a behind-the-scenes look at the smoker.
That evening, they watched A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Globe of the Great Southwest, where even Lily was captivated by the live performance.
On Sunday, after a relaxed breakfast at their RV, they visited the Stonehenge Replica at UTPB, laughing as they posed for dramatic photos. Before heading home, they grabbed burgers from Twisted Root Burger Co., already planning their next trip.
As they drove off, Adam turned to Jessica. “Next time, I’m coming hungrier for that BBQ.”
She laughed. “And I think Lily’s bringing a bigger rock collection.”
A Day Trip to Pecos…
If you’re visiting Odessa, Texas, a short drive west to Pecos is well worth your time! Known as the birthplace of the world’s first rodeo (held in 1883), Pecos is rich in cowboy history and Old West charm. Start your visit at the West of the Pecos Museum, housed in an 1896 saloon and hotel, where you can explore three floors of fascinating artifacts, including exhibits on frontier life, lawmen, 
and the region’s ranching heritage.
If you’re visiting in late June, don’t miss the annual West of the Pecos Rodeo, one of the oldest and most authentic rodeos in the country. Next, head over to the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame to learn about legendary cowboys who left their mark on the sport. When hunger strikes, grab a bite at Pody’s BBQ, a local favorite known for its tender brisket, smoky ribs, and mouthwatering mac & cheese. If you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, Alfredo’s Mexican Restaurant is a must-visit, serving up delicious enchiladas and fajitas. Whether you’re exploring its Western history or indulging in classic Texas cuisine, Pecos offers a true taste of the Lone Star State and makes for a perfect day trip from Odessa.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Whether you’re drawn to Odessa, Texas, for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, or legendary cowboy culture, this West Texas town offers something for everyone. From exploring the Odessa Meteor Crater to catching a show at the Globe of the Great Southwest, there’s no shortage of unique experiences. The town’s deep-rooted football legacy, as seen in Friday Night Lights, and its mouthwatering barbecue and Tex-Mex make it even more memorable. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a weekend adventure, Odessa is a destination that captures the true spirit of Texas—rugged, welcoming, and full of surprises.