Standing on the plains of West Texas, as you feel the warm breeze on your face, you will be surrounded with the pioneering spirit that tamed this land known as Lubbock. The dancing yellows, oranges and purples of a West Texas sunset ease even the busiest mind. Witnessing nature is only one of the many reasons to visit the Texas you’ve always dreamed of.
History Lesson
On March 16, 1909, Lubbock officially became an incorporated community and the celebration of being a new town began. Soon, it became the center of commerce, medicine, education and entertainment for all of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico and was appropriately labeled the “Hub of the Plains.” Now, Lubbock residents are planning for a year-long Centennial Celebration which began in March 2008, and will culminate with a party and Lubbock legends concert in March 2009, featuring Lubbock-grown entertainers past, present, and future.
With a growing population of more than 255,000, Lubbock is carving out a dominant role in the West Texas landscape. Already home to a thriving agribusiness culture, an eminent university system, and a regional medical powerhouse, Lubbock is forging a new reputation as a fertile setting for revolutionary enterprise and technology.
Unlock the secrets that give Lubbock a unique spirit; from down-home country dining to unrivaled shopping and outdoor fun, Lubbock is home to Texas Tech University, Buddy Holly and a legendary ranching and music heritage.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is the largest comprehensive higher education institution in the western two-thirds of the state of Texas and also attracts visitors to Lubbock. With its red tiles blazing beneath boundless West Texas skies and a public art program ranked among the nation’s 10 best, Texas Tech’s beauty will jump out when you drive onto campus.
Less visible, however, are Texas Tech’s other assets. The proud new host of a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society, Texas Tech houses 28,000 students and a world-quality faculty. Noted scholars and lecturers visit the campus throughout the year for presentations to students, faculty, staff and the public.
Throughout the year, the University also offers a wide selection of theater, music and dance performances and, of course, Big XII sporting events.
Musical Legends
West Texas musicians forever impacted the music scene and Lubbock’s own Buddy Holly played a major role. The West Texas Walk of Fame featuring the Buddy Holly statue is a larger-than-life tribute to the legendary Lubbock musician. Two-step along the West Texas Walk of Fame honoring West Texas music legends including Waylon Jennings, Mac Davis, Roy Orbison and Tanya Tucker.
Follow Buddy Holly’s life in Lubbock as you take the Buddy Holly Historical Tour. See the church Buddy attended, the radio studio he performed in, his grave, high school and more.
Continue the celebration of Buddy Holly’s life and achievements at the Buddy Holly Center. Visitors can see artifacts including Buddy’s own Fender Stratocaster guitar, his famous glasses, photographs, a songbook used by Buddy and The Crickets, recording contracts and more. The Buddy Holly Center also features the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery, a 2,500 square foot gallery dedicated to the presentation of changing contemporary visual arts programs.
West Texas music, with its inimitable style and sound, attracts acclaim—and tourism interest—from around the world. There is no better place to discover and hear this music and explore its cultural heritage than Lubbock’s Depot Entertainment District. At the heart of this downtown destination is The Cactus Theater, an iconic Lubbock landmark transformed in 1994 from an abandoned movie theater into a state-of-the-art performance venue. The Depot Entertainment District has grown to include venues for entertainment, arts and cultural programs. An award-winning microbrewery, boutiques, art studios, restaurants and live-music venues are part of the exciting mix.
Prairie Dog Town
Watch nature’s clowns experience the trials and tribulations of everyday prairie dog life. At Prairie Dog Town, in Mackenzie Park, the whole family will get a kick out of observing these little critters in their natural habitat. Prairie Dog Town was the first protected prairie dog colony of its kind and began with four dogs and two burrows. A recent renovation brought enhancements including a pavilion and viewing area, bus parking, interpretive signage and more. When visiting the prairie dogs, bring carrots or cookies to share!
Visit one of our numerous ranches in and around the city of Lubbock where you can see a working ranch, experience a chuck wagon dinner, ride horses, explore the grounds and feel the true West under your boots.
More Attractions...
Other popular attractions in Lubbock include the Museum of Texas Tech University, an internationally-recognized museum that houses collections in the arts, humanities and sciences; the American Wind Power Center, a museum for the American-style water-pumping windmills located on 28 acres; Mackenzie Park, Lubbock’s largest recreation area featuring a golf course, amusement park, equestrian trails and more; the National Ranching Heritage Center, a site where the story of ranching in North America is told through the preservation of 45 authentic structures displayed on 16 acres; and the Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater, a unique, hands-on museum featuring interactive science exhibits and a domed screen that lets the audience feel like they are a part of the movie.
Discover Lubbock’s blend of attractions including award-winning wineries, championship golf courses, eclectic assortment of restaurants, unique shopping, internationally recognized museums and more as you visit the Texas you’ve always dreamed of…Lubbock.

 www.VisitLubbock.org

Phone: 800.692.4035
1500 Broadway, 6^th Floor
Lubbock, TX 79401