General-

Seat of Lubbock County and major city of the South Plains.  The abundant grass and the expansion of the cattle industry in the 1880's lead to the cattle empires on the Texas Plains and the settling of two towns:  Old Lubbock and Monterrey.  In 1890 the two cities came together and mutually accepted a new site, which they called Lubbock; it became the center of ranching and cattle operations in the area.

Today Lubbock is a city of industry, technology, oil, agriculture, warehousing, medicine and culture, the site of Lubbock Christian University, Texas  Tech university and school of medicine, and Reese AFB.  Lubbock's citizens support the city's live music, ballet and community theater productions, as well as the activities of its colleges and universities.  Major annual event is the Panhandle - South Plains Fair.  Held the last week in September, it is one of the largest fairs in the state, and draws a quarter - million visitors to pageants, contests and entertainment as well as traditional fair exhibits.

Lubbock lies on I - 27/U.S. 84, a segment of the Ports to Plains Highway connecting the state's heartland to coastal ports. 

Buddy Holly Statue and Walk of Fame-

Honors Lubbock and West Texas natives who have made significant contributions in the entertainment industry.  Plaques include Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings. Jimmy Dean, Bobby Keys, Ralna English, G.W. Bailey, Barry Corbin, four members of The Crickets, Tanya Tucker, Joe Ely, Roy Orbison, Bob Wills, the Gatlin Bros., Thomas Leslie "Snuff" Garrett, Jr., and members of the Maines Bros. Band.  The center of the walk features a bronze statue of Lubbock's favorite son, rock - and - roller Buddy Holly.  8th St. and Ave. Q

Godbold Cultural Center-

This is where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the visual and performing arts.  Original works by artists of regional and international fame are displayed in various gallery rooms.  Ballet, classical music, jazz, and drama are performed in the Main Stage Center.  Contains a cafe, espresso and cappuccino bar, specialty shops and gift shop.  2601 19th St. 806/741 - 1953.

Historic Depot District-

A unique restaurant and night club area where restaurants feature everything from mouth - watering barbecue to fine dining.  In the former Fort Worth to Denver Railroad Depot.  Night clubs feature a live music venue, including country/Western, popular alternative, and rhythm&blues.  Also includes a microbrewery.  Downtown adjacent to I - 27at 19th St. and Avenue Q.  For information contact the Lubbock Visitor Information Center at 1 - 800 - 692 - 4035.

Lubbock Fine Arts Center-

Changing exhibits of visual arts from photography to painting to sculpture.  Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 2600 Avenue P. 806/767-2686.

Lubbock Lake Landmark State Historical Park-

Remarkable state and natural historic landmark yields evidence of continuous human occupation from approximately 12, 000 B.C. to the present.   Relatively undisturbed stratigraphic and artifactual records identify prehistoric cultures including early Clovis, Folsom, Plainview and Firstview peoples.   Excavations have revealed remains of extinct mammoth, horse, camel, giant bison, and a 6 foot long armadillo.  Archaeological excavations continue each summer; crews are often international with students from around the world.

The Robert A. Nash Interpretive Center exhibits fossils and artifacts from the site, and includes a children's learning center.  Park open Tues. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; day use areas include interpretive trails, shade shelters and picnic tables.  Admission. 806/765 - 0737.  Access to archaeological area by guided tours only (by museum of Texas Tech University), and offered only during active archaeological work; inquire at 806/742 - 2546.  Park is at northwest edge of Lubbock, access from intersection of U.S. 84 and Loop 289.

Lubbock Visitor Information-

Literature about attractions, visitor sites, events; information   about dining and accommodations.  Lubbock Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Tourism Bureau corner of 14th St. and Ave. K, open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 806/747 - 5232 or 1 - 800 -692 - 4035.

Mackenzie Park-

Day use park operated by the city.  Prairie dog town in the park is one of the few remaining colonies of its type in the nation. Visitors enjoy close up views of the frisky little animals that once inhabited the plains by the millions.   Picnicking, golf and Joyland Amusement Park.

Also in then park is a segment of Yellow House Canyon, site of the last fight in Lubbock County between buffalo hunters and Indians in 1877.  Yellow House Canyon was known to Spanish explorers as early as the 17th century.  Within city off East Broadway and Avenue A.

Museum of Texas Tech History-

Exhibits cover the broad range of arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences with an emphasis on the study of arid and semiarid lands, their environments and the cultures that inhabit them.  Among notable exhibit, the Diamond M Art Collection including fabulous jades and ivories that once belonged to Helena Rubinstein.  Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. to 8:30 p.m.); Sun. 1 - 5 p.m.  Moody Planetarium in Museum offers programs Tues. - Fri. beginning 3:30 p.m., Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Sat. - Sun. at 2 & 3:30 p.m.  Fee for planetarium. 4th Street and Indiana Avenue.  806/742 - 2490.

Omnimax and Science Spectrum-

Theater uses the largest film frame in cinematic history (70mm) and an advanced projector to project images onto a huge 58 ft. diameter dome screen, visually encompassing the audience.  Shows daily; for information, 806/745 - MAXX.

Experience learning through discovery at Science Spectrum.   It's a hands - on science, nature and technology museum especially for youngsters, and adults too!  "Kidspace" for preschool children.  Traveling exhibits throughout the year.  For information, 806/745 - 2525.  Open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun. 1 - 5:30 p.m. 2579 S. Loop 289.   Admission.

Ranching Heritage Center-

Then story of Panhandle ranching is told in 33 authentic structures which have been moved to this 15 - acre site: bunkhouses, barns, dugouts, windmills, ranch homes and school from 19th and 20th centuries, excellently restored and furnished.   Docents in period attire host visitors on Sun. afternoon.  Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 1 - 5 p.m.  Just east of Museum of Texas Tech (see above). 4th St and Indiana Ave. 806/742 - 2490.

Texas Water Rampage-

Water theme park for swimming, splashing, tubing, water slides; also   go - carts.   Open during summer daily noon- 7 p.m.  except Sat. opening at 11 a.m.  Admission.  On U.S. 62/82 1.5 mi. west of Loop 289; admission. 806/796 - 0701.

Vietnam Archives-

This collection is the largest compilation of primary source materials dealing with the Vietnam War apart from the holdings of the U.S. Government.   In the Texas Tech Univ. Library.  Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wineries- Cap*Rock

Features a tasting room, gift shop and tours Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. noon - 5 p.m.  From South loop 289, U.S. 87 south approximately 6 mi. to Woodrow Rd., then east to the winery. 806/863 - 2704.

Wineries-Llano Estacado Winery

Born from a casual experiment with grapevines shading a Lubbock patio, this winery is now one of Texas' largest.  Tasting room samples Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and others.  Gift shop and tasting open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. noon - 4 p.m. Tours available.  Take U.S. 87 south to F.M. 1585, then 3.2 miles east. 806/ 745 - 2258.