Founded by a Texas Ranger in 1876, the area known today as Lubbock, Texas, is home to more than 200,000 residents and is the center of the South Plains region.  Although Lubbock still maintains an atmosphere of small-town hospitality and West Texas charm, it also offers big-city delights.  From award-winning wineries to an archaeological preserve and the largest cowboy symposium in the world to its rich musical heritage (Buddy Holly is the city’s most famous native son), an array of unexpected adventures await travelers in Lubbock.

Distance to Regional Cities:

Three major airlines service the Lubbock area (Southwest, Continental Express, and American Eagle).  The city can also be accessed by State Highway and Interstate Highway systems.

Lubbock offers lodging accommodations to meet every budget and need.  With over 4,000 hotel rooms available in the city, travelers are sure to find the perfect place to stay.

The county of Lubbock was founded in 1876.  It was named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a former Texas Ranger and the brother of Francis R. Lubbock, the governor of Texas during the Civil War.  The settlement that is the present-day city of Lubbock was not formed until late 1890.  Two settlements within the county, Old Lubbock and Monterey, were combined to form the settlement of Lubbock.  During the following year, the settlement of Lubbock was named the county seat for Lubbock County.  The city was incorporated on March 16, 1909.  Shortly after incorporation, rail service was established in Lubbock.  As agriculture continued to grow within the region and as the railroads continued to expand, Lubbock became the marketing center of the region and earned the name “Hub of the Plains.”  In 1925, Texas Technological College (today Texas Tech University) opened its doors.  And during the 1940s, Lubbock’s growth rate was second nationally only to Albuquerque.  (Source:  City of Lubbock)

Lubbock is home to an internationally recognized wine industry that features three award-winning wineries:
Cap*Rock Winery
Llano Estacado Winery
Pheasant Ridge Winery
La Diosa Winery

Depot Entertainment District
The Depot Entertainment District is the heartbeat of nightlife in downtown Lubbock.  A collection of historical buildings along and near Buddy Holly Avenue, the Depot Entertainment District features live music, stage shows, sports and cigar bars, and upbeat restaurants

Ranching and cowboy culture roots run deep in Lubbock – the city itself was named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a former Texas Ranger.  A few ways for travelers to immerse themselves in this culture include:

•National Ranching Heritage Center (authentically recreates ranch life from the late 1780s through the 1930s)

Lubbock does not disappoint in this category.  Most notable are:

•American Wind Power Center – The most comprehensive collection of historic windmills in the world.

•Buddy Holly Center – Pays homage to Lubbock’s most famous native son, as well as other performing artists and musicians of West Texas.

•The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts

•Lubbock Area Veteran’s War Memorial – Majestically honors the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces.

•Silent Wings Museum – A project of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association.

Texas Tech University:

Founded in 1925, Texas Tech today boasts a student population of almost 30,000 and is one of the largest universities in Texas. As such it offers a plethora of opportunities for visitors. Here is a sampling of what’s available:

•Lubbock Lake Landmark (an archaeological and natural history preserve)

•Moody Planetarium (an 82-seat, 30-foot diameter domed auditorium equipped with an A4 Spitz Starball projector)

•Vietnam Archive (encourages research and education regarding all aspects of the American Vietnam experience)

Performing arts are thriving in Lubbock.  Visitors will find
numerous entertainment options to choose from:

•Allen Theatre at Texas Tech University
•Charles Maedgen, Jr. Theatre at Texas Tech University
•Cactus Theatre
•CATS (Children and Adults Theatrical Studio)
•Lubbock Community Theatre

Options abound for families traveling to Lubbock:

•Science Spectrum® and OMNI Theatre (a non-profit museum for science education that makes it easy for children of all ages to experience the science of fun)

•Apple Country Orchards (6,000 apple trees; host Apple Butter Festival each September and Apple Blossom Festival each April)

•Legacy Play Village (quite possibly the world’s largest play ground)

Sports & Recreation:

Texas Tech University – The biggest sport ticket in town; the Red Raiders are members of the Big 12 Conference; home of renowned men’s basketball coach Bobby Knight.

•Lubbock Cotton Kings – Members of the Central Hockey League

•Motor Sports – Options abound with the Lubbock Motor Speedway, West Texas Baja, and Idalou Motor sport

This is Texas after all, and Lubbock can hang with the best when it comes to shopping.  Some local favorites include:

•South Plains Mall (the largest mall located between Dallas/Ft. Worth and Albuquerque)

•Antique Mall of Lubbock (150 showcases and 50 booths)

Visit Lubbock, the Convention and Visitors Bureau
Wells Fargo Center
1500 Broadway, 6th Floor
Lubbock, Texas 79401
(800) 692-4035

Abie Cox  
Visit Lubbock
800-692-4035
abie@visitlubbock.org