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5 Uniquely Texas Experiences You Can Only Find in Big Spring, TX

There are sunsets, and there are sunsets. Watching Big Spring’s extraordinary evening sky is a phenomenon that should make every visitor’s bucket list. The area’s one-of-a-kind topography and atmospheric conditions conspire to create an Instagram-worthy canvas splashed with gold, rose, and tangerine.

Head for one of numerous viewing spots in Comanche Trail Park to see Mother Nature flex her creative muscles in spectacular fashion. Along with superb vistas for viewing the sunset, the park features large, abstract Sunset Big Spring Podiums by local artist, Rae Ripple, that add background beauty. Find Ripple’s works near the natural spring—the same one that first attracted visitors to the area hundreds of years ago—at the park’s storied outdoor amphitheater, and at Big Spring State Park.

After admiring the artwork at Big Spring State Park, hike the trail or take a drive to the top of the park’s 200-foot bluff for a breathtaking view you won’t soon forget. Sit a spell on one of numerous park benches for a quiet respite as the golden orb finally fades.

No matter where you choose to take in Big Spring’s sunset, be sure to share your favorite shots with the hashtag #SUNSETBIGSPRING.

Every year in December, the popular Comanche Trail Park comes alive with its annual Festival of Lights, an explosion of light and color just in time for the Christmas season. More than one million—that’s right, one million—twinkling lights illuminate the park in dazzling displays.

Take a look at the event’s most famous display and you’ll see why Big Spring is called the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas. More than 100 large wire poinsettias are installed across the dam of Comanche Trail Lake and illuminated in bright red lights. Some flowers reach more than 150 feet high! New displays are added to the Festival of Lights every year, giving regular visitors a reason to return. And return they do. Every year, the popular event attracts more than 27,000 visitors from all around the globe.

The Festival of Lights might be the Comanche Trail Park’s signature event, but it’s just one reason to enjoy its year-round beauty and amenities. The 400-acre site is home to the 6,900-seat limestone amphitheater, the second largest in the country built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Spend the day hiking at the Rose Magers Trail or drop a line in Comanche Trail Lake. The multi-generational park also features two playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields, an aquatic center, two disc golf courses and a municipal golf course.

Soak in a little-known slice of America’s fascinating military history at Big Spring’s Hangar 25 Air Museum. Situated in a fully restored World War II-era air hangar, this compact, but mighty attraction preserves the era when Big Spring was home to the Army Air Force Bombardier School and later the Webb Air Force Base, which supported the training of more than 10,000 pilots between 1952 and 1977.
Peruse multiple fighter planes used in 20th Century conflicts and admire the charming signage used to name each aircraft. You’ll also see pilots’ uniforms, watches, and other paraphernalia that helped these intrepid flyers get the job done. Visitors from all 50 states and around the world have enjoyed the museum’s varied exhibits, which preserve the important role Big Spring played in the nation’s defense. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave for t-shirts, caps, mementos, books, and more.

Stretch your legs along the stunning trails of famed Big Spring State Park, a 382-acre site that attracts hikers, joggers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. A true gem in the Big Spring area, the park is home to a 200-foot bluff that gives visitors panoramic views of the area. Hike the three-mile loop road to the top to see what we mean. You can gaze north toward the Texas Panhandle and spot the southern high plains. Or, take a look eastward to see rolling plains. Then, relax on a bench for some quiet contemplation before you make your way back down.

Feel like spotting some local flora and fauna? Head to the nature trail for views of desert cacti, local plants, and native birds. For those who like a challenge, try the five-mile hike and bike trail to get those muscles pumping.

No matter where you are in the park, you’ll feel its sense of history. Roads and buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, and include a majestic, covered stone pavilion on top of the hill. It’s a great spot for family reunions and social events.

Texas is known for eclectic holes-in-the-wall, and Big Spring has one of its own in The Train Car Cigar Bar. Located in, you guessed it, a former Union Pacific train car in downtown Big Spring, the friendly spot offers cigars, beer, wine, and spirits along with regular live music on the outdoor patio. Order a cocktail or a beer, and of course a cigar, then settle in for a few hours and let the stress slip away. The welcoming establishment draws both locals and visitors from miles around for a slice of fun that feels both modern and historic.

Plan your trip to Big Spring today to experience unique sites and quirky fun that you’ll be talking about for years. A wide variety of accommodations will suit every preference, from the stately historic Hotel Settles to familiar chain hotels and well-equipped RV parks. With experiences that scream authentic Texas, Big Spring is ready to welcome you.