Midland, Texas, is a good size city, with a population of about 130,000 people, but it’s in a very isolated area surrounded by oil fields. If you’re driving across Texas, there are long stretches of open space, without anywhere interesting (or at all!) to stop. Midland is a popular city to stop in, offering a great in-town RV park, Midland RV Park, as well as plenty of Walmarts and the like for an easy overnight stay as you’re passing through. Midland offers some great arts and cultural opportunities, and plenty of food options. But, the best reason to stop is the The I-20 Wildlife Preserve!
About the I-20 Wildlife Refuge in Midland, TX
This wildlife refuge is truly a refuge from the world. If you stay at Midland RV Park, it’s an easy walk across the street to visit this oasis.
Closed on Mondays, the refuge is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., with summer hours ending at 8 p.m. It’s free to visit, and though the parking lot is on the small side, it’s rarely busy. So a smaller RV might be able to park here.
Part of the charm of the refuge is how surprising it is. In a barren, dusty city, surrounded by oil rigs, you’ll forget yourself when you come here. Take advantage of the boardwalks and benches. There are tons of birds and ample photo opportunities here. Bring plenty of water and a camera and watch for the diverse wildlife. You may even see bobcats, if you are lucky!
The rules are simple: no smoking, no biking and no dogs are allowed. The trail circles a gorgeous pond and will probably take an hour to an hour and a half to complete, depending on how many stops you make along the way.
Midland’s Wildlife Refuge is an absolute joy. Whether you’re just passing through or spending a week or two in Midland, you won’t want to miss it. And if you are planning a road trip, you might also enjoy reading about RVing at Renaissance fairs, great botanical gardens and some tips for attending music festivals in an RV.
If you’re hoping to rent an RV in Texas, you can head over here to see what options are available for your visit!
