Formed in the depths of the Earth during a process that takes millions of years, petroleum undergoes a creation similar to the planet’s other natural resource—laughter. Dig a well of knowledge with today’s Groupon to the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, one of the nation’s largest museums dedicated to the petroleum industry and its pioneers. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum takes visitors through the 230-million-year history and lasting impact of the substance that, in its refined form, powers our cars, airplanes, and paper airplanes. A variety of interactive exhibits makes the science behind oil production understandable to kids, and the museum’s collection of seven Chaparral Racing Cars designed by auto innovator Jim Hall rev up adults’ curiosity. Step outside to view the museum’s 40-acre collection of antique oil rigs, tracing the evolution of drilling technology up through the present day, and including eight full-sized cable-tool rigs and a 119’ 1930s steel production derrick.

Reviews

Though there aren't many online reviews for the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the Odessa American featured the museum, and more than 400 Facebookers are fans.

• The museum offers 32,000 square feet of space for exhibits that vary from the geologic development of the Permian Basin to a Marine Diorama of Permian Sea life 230 million years ago to learning the stimulation methods utilized by oil companies to increase oil flow into wells. – John Corrales, Odessa American