Howard: Landscapes, Lakes and History

In Howard County and Big Spring State Park, three ecological regions meet: the Western Rolling Plains to the north and east, the Edwards Plateau to the south, and the Southern High Plains to the west, also called the Llano Estacado or Staked Plains. When comparing hotels in Howard, you can first decide whether landscape, water activities or history should shape your trip.

Landscapes and Trails

Big Spring State Park features a dry plains landscape across 382 acres and a 200-foot escarpment. Two trails offer different highlights: the paved, three-mile loop road is designed for walkers, joggers and cyclists. By contrast, the 2/3-mile Nature Trail passes cacti and other desert plants. This lets you choose based on trail length and your interest in the vegetation.

The park’s history is also part of its landscape: the Civilian Conservation Corps built it in 1934–1935. This connects the plains and distinctive escarpment visible outdoors with a specific historical reference.

Parks and Lakes in Big Spring

Comanche Trail Park covers 400 acres and has a limestone amphitheater with a capacity of 6,900 spectators. The park includes hiking, biking and nature trails, as well as two 18-hole disc golf courses. Its offerings range from trails through the park to a large event venue and disc golf.

Visitors can fish and picnic at Comanche Trail Lake in the park. Moss Creek Lake is another destination in Big Spring, offering about 400 acres for recreational use. Residents and visitors can fish, boat, swim and picnic there. The listed activities distinguish the two bodies of water: fishing and picnicking are mentioned for Comanche Trail Lake, while boating and swimming are also available at Moss Creek Lake.

Museums and History

The Heritage Museum of Big Spring collects, displays and preserves artifacts relating to the history of Big Spring and Howard County. Its exhibits cover a range of topics. The museum notes that in 1928 Josh Cosden built a refinery in Howard County with a capacity of 10,000 barrels. The Texas & Pacific Railroad exhibit records that the first train arrived in Big Spring on May 28, 1881.

The Imagination Station offers interactive activities, touchscreen kiosks with games about local history, and a sensory corner. The Caylor Gallery features one of the largest collections of paintings by H. W. Caylor. A museum visit therefore centers on both playful features and art and local history. The Heritage Museum has 13,000 square feet for exhibits, storage, a research area and a loading dock.

Historic sites can also be found outside the museum. The Big Spring Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in local community planning and in commercial and architectural development. Potton House is a historic residence and is also listed on the register. It honors Big Spring architecture around the turn of the 20th century.

The Hangar 25 Air Museum is housed in a fully restored hangar dating from World War II. It preserves the history of the Big Spring Army Air Force Bombardier School and Webb Air Force Base. Retired veterans and public service employees often share memories of the aviation site’s history there. Historic Spring served as a campsite for early expeditions through West Texas; its restoration added a 1,600-square-foot interpretation and education center.

Hotel Settles opened on October 1, 1930, and was built as a solid concrete structure with 15 floors and 150 rooms, a restaurant and a pharmacy. Its Grand Ballroom has been restored to its 1930s grandeur. The Big Spring Symphony Orchestra was established in Big Spring in 1981.

Seasonal Guide

The Comanche Trail Festival of Lights in Big Spring began in 1996. It takes place annually from the first Sunday in December through Christmas Day and features nearly 700,000 festive lights with free admission. Dates and the number of lights may vary from year to year. This seasonal event can be factored into your trip planning, while the parks, lakes and museums appeal to other interests.

Discover more destinations: Big Spring, Liberty County, La Salle County, Haskell County, Anderson, Crockett, Taylor, Guadalupe.

For the broader travel overview: Texas.