Midland is a city in western Texas. Part of the Permian Basin area, it’s an oil industry center. At the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, interactive exhibits detail the history of local oil exploration and include Boom Town, a replica 1930s oil town with a land office and general store. Midland is known as the gateway to the Big Bend region with Midland International Air and Space Port as the closest commercial airport to the national park, so be sure to make your way to Texas’ picturesque mountains while you’re here. The Tall City is a few hours away from a number of remarkable natural areas, including the rolling sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park and Balmorhea State Park, home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Of course, Midland is a great starting point for your adventure to Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, two of the most spectacular places in the Lone Star State.