Leisure Living & Retirement
Historical Sites & Museums (cont.)
The Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum
Formed when a shower of nickel-iron meteorites collided with the earth, the crater is the second largest in the nation, approximately 550 feet in diameter and was originally 100 feet deep. It now appears as a shallow, nearly circular depression surrounded by a low, rock-buttressed rim. An adjacent museum and visitors center has exhibits on material from outer space, historical videos and related items of interest. Self-guided tours of the crater are available everyday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Just west of Odessa off I-20, exit 108, follow signs to crater site - 432/381-0946.
Parker House Ranching Museum
This historic home, completed in 1935, was owned by the Parker Family and was headquarters for their ranching operations. The house has been restored as a museum and primarily features ranching and local history. 1118 Maple Street - 432/335-9918 www.odessahistory.com/parkr2.htm.
Stonehenge Replica
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin campus is home to a replica of the original Stonehenge in England. Horizontally it is identical to the original, however, vertically it is seventy percent of the original. Each stone weighs over 20,000 pounds and is composed of limestone slabs from a nearby quarry. 432/552-2020 www.utpb.edu.
White-Pool House Museum
Oldest existing residential structure in Odessa. The two-story brick home, which was constructed in 1887, has period furnishings of the original and last owners and reflects lifestyles of the 1880s ranching period and oil era. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and by appointment. 112 E. Murphy St. in Odessa - 432/333-4072.
“World’s Largest Jackrabbit”
Jack Ben Rabbit is an Odessa landmark. He’s an 8-ft. statue situated in front of the ECISD administration building at 802 N. Sam Houston. The fiberglass statue was created by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce in 1962 and has become a popular photo spot for tourists.