View from Big Spring State Park
Big Spring is located where two landforms, the Edwards Plateau and the Caprock, converge. The area, once a stop on the Overland Trail in the 1800s, has been prized for centuries for its dependable water source. Today, those springs are part of Comanche Trail Park.
Table of Contents
Attractions
Big Spring State Park.
This smaller state park is unusual in several ways: it is a day-use only state park, it lies within the city limits of Big Spring, and it does not charge an entrance fee. Thanks to its convenient location, the park is popular for jogging, hiking and cycling—and dog walking. The loop road winds around the perimeter of the park’s 382 acres and offers scenic views from atop high bluffs as well as several picnic area. No. 1 Scenic Dr.
Comanche Trail Amphitheater.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s from limestone quarried at Big Spring State Park, this outdoor theater seats nearly 7000 and hosts concerts and theatrical productions.
Hangar 25 Air Museum.
Housed in a WWII-era hanger at the former Webb Air Force Base, this museum features exhibits recalling the history of the base and the its bombardier training school. One interesting exhibit is the “Snoopy Sidewalk” honoring the well-known cartoon dog, the “World War One Flying Ace,” made famous by the Peanuts comic strip. In the 1960s, students in the flying school chose Snoopy as their mascot and received permission from creator Charles M. Schultz to call their class the “Snoopy Flight.” Shortly thereafter, one of the students drew Snoopy’s likeness mounted on his Sopwith Camel doghouse in a wet concrete walk which was being poured near the flight line. Today, the famous Beagle’s image and the names of the flight class are preserved for visitors to see. The Snoopy memorial and other outdoor areas of the museum are dog-friendly, although dogs are not allowed in the buildings. 1911 Apron Dr.
Lake Colorado City State Park.
Located about 40 miles east of Big Spring, this state park, with its five miles of shoreline on Lake Colorado City, is popular for fishing, swimming and boating. Several hiking trails transverse the park’s 500 acres and numerous campsites with water (some with electricity) are available for overnight stays. The park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Dogs are allowed in the park’s outdoor areas but not in any park buildings. 4582 FM 2836, Colorado City.
Festivals
MARCH:
Big Spring Prospector Club Gem & Mineral Show
Big Spring Pow-Wow
MAY:
Hanger 25 Memorial Day Celebration
JUNE:
Cowboy Reunion & PBRCA Sanctioned Rodeo
Stargazing At Scenic Mountain State Park
JULY:
“Pops In The Park” Patriotic Music And Fireworks
SEPTEMBER:
Harvest Saturday At Big Spring State Park
DECEMBER:
Big Spring Herald Christmas Parade
Comanche Trail Festival Of Lights
Map
For More Information
Big Spring Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo credit: Earl Nottingham, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department