A theater dating back to 1928, a two-part mosaic titled “Hockley County: Past and Present,” and a canyon in the north offer different perspectives on Hockley County. Levelland brings together several arts and event venues; the Llano Estacado landscape is a second focus. You can plan your stay around cultural history, events, or the landscape.

Landscape on the Llano Estacado

Hockley County lies on the Llano Estacado, is mostly flat, and drains into numerous playas. Its elevation ranges from 3,300 to 3,650 feet above sea level. In the northern part, Yellow House Canyon cuts into the county; it is considered one of the most distinctive landscape features of the South Plains. The man-made Lobo Lake can be seen from two bridges. U.S. Highway 385 is an important road in the county and also useful for navigation. Check road conditions before setting out.

Art and Culture in Levelland

The Wallace Theater in Levelland was built in 1928 and continues to host concerts, films, live comedy, and art exhibitions. Music, film, comedy, and visual art all come together in one venue. If you want to plan around a specific program, check current event dates before your trip.

The South Plains College Art Gallery is located in the Christine Devitt Fine Arts Center on the Levelland campus. If you plan to visit the gallery, check current operating information beforehand. The Marjorie Merriweather Post Art Collection at South Plains College includes eight oil paintings from the 18th to the 20th century, as well as an 18th-century pastel drawing on paper. Its time span thus extends from the 18th to the 20th century and brings together two different artistic media.

Levelland has about a dozen mosaic works; five of them are installed on the South Plains College campus. A two-part mosaic titled “Hockley County: Past and Present” is displayed on the Hockley County Courthouse sign on Avenue H. The work places past and present side by side in its very title.

Traces of County History

Until 1880, Hockley County had no permanent residents. It was one of the last two counties in the contiguous United States to be opened for settlement. The townsite of Levelland was surveyed and platted as “Hockley City” in 1912; in 1922, it was renamed Levelland after the local topography. The Santa Fe Railroad was built through the Spade Ranch to Littlefield in 1912.

A decision by the County Commissioners Court is also part of the area’s history: In the fall of 1927, it set aside two acres of land for a segregated cemetery to bury people in need and members of minority groups. This historical trace adds another perspective on life and institutions in the county to the history of its communities and transportation.

Events Throughout the Year

Levelland’s annual Cotton and Crude Street Fair and Music Festival was formerly known as Early Settlers Day. Creative Arts at South Plains College holds several country and bluegrass music events each year at the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio; they draw visitors to campus.

The time of year can also factor into your plans: The Sausage Lovers Festival takes place in February and is hosted annually by St. Michael’s Catholic Church. It brings a taste of the region’s German heritage to the community. The Levelland Rotary Club Arts and Crafts Festival takes place in November. The Levelland Horse Sale is considered a long-standing tradition and attracts buyers and sellers from across the country. Check the specific dates if you want to coordinate your trip with an event.

Sports and Practical Information

The listed facilities offer different options for sports: Levelland City Park has sports facilities for baseball, softball, swimming, and disc golf. The Oxy Sports Complex, which covers more than 30 acres, is designed for baseball, softball, and soccer, as well as recreational and tournament use. If you plan to use a particular facility, check its condition before your visit.

The Downtown Historical Walking Tour is self-guided and requires a smartphone. Check digital access beforehand. This way, when planning, you can choose between a self-guided walk, an event, art, and the county’s landscape without having to fit all these interests into a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Levelland, Kendall County, Moore, Llano, Hood County, Carson County, Rockwall, Coryell County

For the broader travel overview: Texas.