Scurry County Museum

The Scurry County Museum historical gallery features a permanentexhibit showcasing a chronological look at Scurry County and West Texas from the times of the nomadic Indians through the oil productions of today. The museum also hosts a number of rotating exhibits throughout the year, from many major museums and individuals. The Scurry County Museum offers a number of educational opportunities and special events throughout the year, such as “Taste of Scurry County,” to showcase Scurry County’s history to both residents and visitors.

The Scurry County Museum is an accredited museum by the American Association of Museums, and is located on the campus of Western Texas College, at 6200 College Avenue. Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. For more information about the Scurry County Museum please call (325) 573-6107 or visit them online at www.scurrycountymuseum.org. www.scurrycountymuseum.org.

The Coliseum

The Coliseum has been the premiere gathering place for Scurry Countians for four decades. The Coliseum arena is the home to festivals,concerts and collegiate athletics and the adjoining annex hosts both agricultural and livestock events throughout the year. Annual Coliseum events include, “West Texas Western Swing Festival,” “Red Letter Rockfest,” and “White Buffalo Bikefest.”

These facilities are located on fifty-seven acres and include meeting rooms, concession stands, ticket booths, air-conditioned offices, animal showers, livestock scales and equipment—all available to the public at a charge. The Coliseum has on-site parking space accommodations for 1,000 vehicles, and 200 recreational vehicle facilities. Permanent seating capacity for the Coliseum is 3,055 and 1,000 portable, and an additional seating for 800 in The Annex.

The Coliseum is managed by Western Texas College, and is located at 900 E. Coliseum Drive. Office Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For a full schedule of Coliseum events or for more information please contact The Coliseum at (325) 573-6571 or visit them online at www.wtccoliseum.com

Heritage Village

This residential and visitor attraction is an actual “village” of three of the area’s oldest and most significant historical landmarks, all located at the Coliseum, 900 E. Coliseum Drive, and are open to the public by appointment:

“Cornelius-Dodson House,” is the oldest Snyder residence, dating back to 1883, and was originally located on the corner of College Avenue and 30th Street. The home was built by Dr. J.C. Cornelius, a retired Confederate Army Surgeon who came out west after the Civil War. The home is referred to as a “Tennessee Cumberland Home,” which features a sloped roof with a fireplace in the two front rooms. The building was later sold to A.D. Dodson, in 1894. The property was donated to the Historic Scurry County, Inc. in 1981, and moved to its present location in 1984.

“Hermleigh Calaboose,” was built in 1913 as a small city jail for the Town of Hermleigh. This small structure is 8’X10’ with one small window, with 4” thick walls, and was in use until 1920. From 1920-1971 the jail was used as a storage unit by Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Layman, who donated the building to the Scurry County Historical Commission. The jail was relocated from Hermleigh to the Coliseum in 1993.

“Dermott School” was originally located in Dermott, 12 miles northwest of Snyder. This small school house was built in 1923-1924 and was in operation until the consolidation of the school with Snyder Independent School District in 1949. After the school closure, the building was utilized by the community as a local sanctuary, known as the “Dermott Community Church,” and was utilized by local denominations on a rotating schedule. The school was relocated to its current location in 1988, and was restored and renovated by the Historic Scurry County Commission and Historic Scurry County, Inc.

The Historic Village properties are all maintained and managed by Historic Scurry County, Inc. Admission to view the buildings is free, however only by appointment. To set up an appointment please contact the Snyder Chamber of Commerce at (325) 573-3558.

Parks & Recreation

Towle Park is the largest community park in Snyder, and is located on South College Avenue. Park features include multiple picnic areas, pavilion, skate park, kiddy park, sand volleyball and basketball courts, fishing, and swimming. Towle Park is the primary location for locals and visitors to use as a “gathering” spot for events, which include the annual “Fourth of July Celebration.”

Towle Park is also home to the frequently visited “Prairie Dog Town,” which is a habitat refuge for one of nature’s wild creatures, the Prairie Dog. This unique “town” gives visitors and up close and personal look at these rare creatures.

Along with prairie dogs, skate parks, and fishing, Towle Park is also home of the most popular softball and baseball fields in the State of Texas. Towle park is home of “Moffett Field” which is well-known for its high-quality facilities and grounds, which showcases the State of Texas symbol in the field. The baseball and softball fields are used throughout the year by both locals and visitors and are available for rental through the Scurry County Parks Department.

During the summer of 2009, Towle Park opened their newest area of activity, the “Scurry County Pool and Splashpad.“ The pool and splashpad is open seasonally, between June-August. Poor hours are from 12p.m. – 6p.m. The Scurry County Poll and Splashpad is also available by reservation. For more information or to make your reservation please contact the Scurry County Parks Department.

North Park is located on 17th Street. This residential park offers a variety of playground equipment and multiple picnic table areas for visitors.

Winston Park is located on 37th Street, and offers an activity area that includes playground equipment, picnic tables, and baseball fields. Winston Park is frequently utilized both adult and children sporting leagues, and is one of the many sporting facilities utilized during local tournaments.

Towle Park, North Park, and Winston Park are all managed and maintained by the Scurry County Parks Department. Office hours for the Scurry County Parks Department are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are located at 3000 Towle Park Road. For information regarding the community parks please contact the Scurry County Parks Department at (325) 573-3313.

Ritz Community Theater

The Ritz Community Theater has been a landmark in Snyder since the 1940’s, and is located on the south side of the downtown square. At one time the Ritz was once considered a “cinema treasure” by theater aficionados but was sadly closed in the early 1970’s. After twenty-two years of vacancy, disrepair, and deterioration a group of concerned citizen, known as the “Ritz Community Theater, Inc.” set out in 1991 to restore and renovate the facility.

A full façade renovation and restoration was set in place by the Ritz Community Theater, Inc., that included new neon, marquee, green tile, and red doors. On June 27, 1992 the theater “unveiled” the new façade with a “Light Up the Ritz” celebration. The restoration of the Ritz Theater has since served as a catalyst for other historic preservation around the downtown square.

The Ritz Community Theater is located at 1810 26th Street, and hosts several special events throughout the year, which include live theatrical performances, movies, art display, and much, much more! For more information about the Ritz Community Theater or to take a tour please contact them at (325) 573-8880.

Other Points of Interest

• “White Buffalo” Bronze Sculpture, located at 1806 25th Street, NW corner of the courthouse.
• Heritage Village, located at 900 E. Coliseum Drive
• "White Buffalo Park,” located 10 miles NW of Snyder on FM 253.
• Walking Tour of Historical Markers, brochure available at Snyder Chamber of Commerce
• “Deep Creek Walking Trail,” located at 25th Street one block west of College Avenue.
• “Snyder Cemetery,” a designated Texas Historic Cemetery, located at N. Avenue E & FM 1673
• Driving Tour of Historical Homes, brochure and map available at Snyder Chamber of Commerce
• Lake J.B. Thomas, located 23 miles SW of Snyder
• Lake Allen Henry, located 23 miles NW of Snyder.