Big Spring, Texas: Oasis, Geography, and Attractions

Big Spring

Big Spring, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 87 and Interstate 20, is a city and the county seat of Howard County, Texas, United States.  The city was named after a single, large spring that flowed into a small gorge between the base of Scenic Mountain and a nearby hill in the southwestern part of the city. Big Spring is situated slightly south of the center of Howard County in the Beals Creek valley, a tributary of the Colorado River that flows eastward. Interstate 20 passes along the northern edge of the city, with access from exits 174 through 182, leading 174 km east to Abilene and 64 km west to Midland.

Geography

The area’s “big spring,” long dry but recently restored to draw water from Comanche Trail Lake, was historically vital to life in the surrounding region. In the early 1840s, it served as a key watering hole for both wildlife and prehistoric peoples in this semiarid area. Early military scouts and pioneer accounts describe the spring as cold, clear, and reliable, with a pool about 5 m deep, whose overflow traveled only a short distance before sinking underground. Although some sources mistakenly locate the spring in Sulphur Draw, it is actually situated slightly south, near the head of a small, rugged, unnamed draw that flows eastward from the spring. This draw eventually feeds into Beals Creek—the name given to Sulphur Draw as it passes through and beyond Big Spring.

Big Spring, Texas Map

General reference map of Big Spring, including key landmarks. Big Spring, situated at the foot of the Caprock Escarpment, lies 179 km west-southwest of Abilene. The city takes its name from the “big spring” in nearby Sulphur Draw, a historic frontier watering spot.

Big Spring Weather

Big Spring, Texas, has a warm, dry climate, with an average annual temperature of 17°C. The city experiences long, hot summers and short, cool winters.

Temperature Overview:

Average yearly temperature: 17°C

Hottest month: July, averaging 28°C with highs up to 35°C

Coldest month: January, averaging 7°C with lows down to -1°C

Growing season: Approximately 231 days

Big Spring Attractions

Big Spring offers a variety of attractions highlighting history, outdoor recreation, and culture. Visitors can explore Comanche Trail Park, home to the historic spring, hiking and biking trails, and a golf course; Big Spring State Park, known for its scenic bluffs and CCC-era structures; the Hangar 25 Air Museum, which celebrates WWII aviation history; and the beautifully restored Hotel Settles.

Also read- Hamilton Pool Preserve-A Famous Sink Hole in Austin, Texas

Comanche Trail Park

Comanche Trail Park is a sprawling, multi-use park in Big Spring, Texas, named for the historic spring that gave the city its name. Covering 400 acres, the park features a 6,900-seat limestone amphitheater, an 18-hole golf course, tennis and baseball courts, hiking and biking trails, and playgrounds. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

Big Spring State Park

Big Spring State Park is a Texas state park located in Big Spring, Howard County. Established in 1936, the park occupies 381.99 acres of land, which was deeded to the state by the city of Big Spring in 1934 and 1935. The park is named after the natural spring that once existed on the site, later replaced by an artificial spring.

Nature Trails

At Big Spring State Park in Texas, visitors can explore a short, flat nature trail that highlights local plant life and offers scenic views, including a vantage point overlooking the park from the top of the trail.

Big Spring Hotels

Here are some of the top hotels in Big Spring, Texas, catering to various preferences and budgets-