Monahans Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Monahans with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best things to do, local culture, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Monahans

Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, in Big Bend Country, Monahans is a quaint and scenic city in Texas, United States of America. The city is blessed with a variety of natural and man-made attractions that offer visitors a plethora of sightseeing and outdoor activities. It is renowned for its vast sand dunes, high-quality hunting, rich oil industry, and unique local culture. The city also provides a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.

List of Places to Visit in Monahans

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Million Barrel Museum - A unique museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the oil industry of Monahans. It features an enormous refinery tank that was used to store oil in the past.
  • Delaney Vineyards - A beautiful vineyard that provides an informative tour of Monahans’ wine industry. It is also an excellent place to enjoy a relaxed evening while sipping on some local wine.
  • Monahans Heritage Museum - A museum that showcases the culture and history of Monahans. It has a fascinating collection of artifacts, photos, and documents that depict the lives of the locals throughout history.

Natural Attractions of Monahans: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Monahans Sandhills State Park - A serene and vast area with towering sand dunes that stretches for miles. Visitors can trek, picnic, camp, and indulge in sand tobogganing.
  • The Ward Memorial Park - A beautiful park that has a range of facilities for visitors. A popular attraction among tourists and locals alike, it comprises athletic fields, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
  • The Monahans Wildlife Preserve - A wildlife area that showcases the local flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for Bird watchers and nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Monahans

Monahans provides a range of hiking and biking routes, which will take you through scenic landscapes and sandy dunes. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Monahans are:

  • The Sandhills State Park Trail - A 4.1-mile hiking trail that is ideal for novice hikers. It covers the park’s scenic areas, including tall sand dunes, desert shrubs, and vegetation.
  • Paisano Trail - A 9.5-mile biking route that traverses through the Ward Draw area. It is renowned for its scenic views of the desert and natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Monahans: Activities and Tours

  • Enjoy a Sand Dune Adventure - Take a sand tobogganing ride down the towering sand dunes at the Monahans Sandhills State Park.
  • Go Hunting and Fishing - Monahans offers some of the best hunting and fishing experiences in Texas. It has a large number of game animals, including deer, quail, and turkeys.
  • Take a Guided Tour of the Oil Industry - Explore the oil industry of Monahans with a guided tour of local oil fields and rigs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Monahans

Day 1: Visit the Million Barrel Museum and learn about the oil industry of Monahans. Day 2: Explore the Monahans Heritage Museum and understand the local history and culture. Day 3: Enjoy sand tobogganing at the Sandhills State Park and have a picnic. Day 4: Take a guided tour of the local oil industry and learn about its history and impact on the city. Day 5: Go hunting and fishing at the local hunting camps and lakes. Day 6: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Delaney Vineyards, sipping on local wine and admiring the scenery. Day 7: Explore the Monahans Wildlife Preserve and observe the local flora and fauna.

Food and Drink Scene of Monahans

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barbecue - Monahans offers some of the best barbecues in Texas. Be sure to try the locals’ favorite - the brisket and ribs.
  • Chicken Fried Steak - Another Texas delicacy that is a must-try when in Monahans.
  • Tex-Mex Food - Monahans has numerous Tex-Mex restaurants that serve authentic and delicious Tex-Mex food.

Local Beverages

  • Local Wines - The Delaney Vineyards in Monahans produces high-quality local wine that you must try when in the city.
  • Texas Beer - Monahans has numerous bars that serve local Texas beer, including the famous Shiner Bock and Lone Star.

Where to Stay in Monahans: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Monahans has a range of accommodation options to fit all budgets, including the following:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Monahans - A popular hotel that provides comfortable and modern accommodations with complimentary breakfast.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Monahans - Another popular hotel that offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
  • Hostel Monahans - A budget-friendly hostel that provides comfortable dorm beds and an excellent location.

What to Buy in Monahans: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Oil Industry Souvenirs - Monahans is renowned for its oil industry, and you can buy souvenirs like miniature oil rigs and oil lamps as a reminder of your visit.
  • Local Artifacts - The Monahans Heritage Museum gift shop offers local artifacts and souvenirs that you can take home to remember your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Monahans

Monahans has a unique local culture that has a blend of Texan and Mexican influences. It is a tight-knit community that takes pride in its oil industry and history. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and visitors must show respect to their customs and beliefs.

Best Time to Visit Monahans

The best time to visit Monahans is from March to May and September to November. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the winters can be cold. Summers are scorching hot, and visitors must carry enough water and sunscreen when visiting.

Do’s and Don’ts of Monahans

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Carry enough water and sunscreen during summers.
  • Try the local Texas delicacies and wines.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural beauty of the city.
  • Disrespect the locals or their beliefs.
  • Enter private property without prior permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Monahans

Monahans is a safe city, with a low crime rate compared to other Texas cities. Visitors must still take necessary precautions, such as locking their vehicles and securing their belongings.

Health in Monahans

Monahans has a range of medical facilities in case of emergencies, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Visitors must carry their medical insurance and necessary medication when visiting.

Getting to Monahans: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Monahans

  • Midland International Air and Space Port - The closest airport to Monahans that is 52 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Monahans

  • Greyhound Bus Station - A bus station that is 45 minutes away from Monahans.

Other Options

Monahans is easily accessible by car, and visitors can take the major highways and interstates to reach the city. Taxis and car rentals are also available in the city.

How to Get Around in Monahans

Monahans is a small city that is easy to navigate by car. Visitors can also opt to rent bikes and cycle their way around the city.

Where to Go Next from Monahans: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Big Bend National Park - A renowned national park that offers visitors scenic vistas, hiking trails, and hot springs. It is 194 miles away from Monahans.
  • Fort Davis National Historic Site - An essential landmark that portrays the history of the Wild West and the Indian Wars. It is 75 miles away from Monahans.

Conclusion

Monahans is a beautiful and unique city that offers visitors a plethora of exciting activities and attractions. From sand dune adventures to hunting and fishing, Monahans has something for everyone. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and visitors must show respect to their customs and beliefs. Plan your trip to Monahans, and enjoy an unforgettable experience in this Texan gem.

Aerial view of Monahans Aerial view of Monahans Monahans Sandhills Visitor Center Monahans Sandhills Visitor Center