Big Lake's climate is typically semi-arid, similar to that of West Texas and parts of Central Texas. This means that Big Lake has long, hot summers and short, relatively mild winters. The best time to visit is in spring and fall, particularly from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are more moderate and comfortable for outdoor activities. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy exploring the nearby Reagan County Park, which offers opportunities for hiking and picnicking. During summertime, temperatures can soar up to 93 °F. However, the low humidity levels make the heat more bearable during these months. Winter months, while cooler, are ideal for those looking to experience a quieter side of Big Lake, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring the local landscape. Big Lake's climate and seasonal offerings make it a versatile destination worth exploring.
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Big Lake holds a captivating past that makes it a fascinating destination for visitors intrigued by the early days of the oil industry. In 1919, Rupert Ricker initiated the leasing of 674 sections of University of Texas land, part of the Permanent University Fund. Lacking the resources to fund test wells, Ricker sold the prospect to Frank Pickrell and Haymon Krupp, who founded the Texon Oil and Land Company. The company's geologist, Hugh H. Tucker, identified a promising drill site, described as a structure 9 miles wide and 30 miles long. About 14 miles west of Big Lake, near the Orient Railroad tracks, Carl G. Cromwell was hired to spud the first test well in 1921 using cable tools. On May 28, 1923, the Santa Rita No. 1 well gushed oil at a depth of 3,028 feet, marking a significant breakthrough with an initial production of 100 barrels of oil per day. This discovery led to the establishment of the Big Lake Oil Company by Michael Late Benedum in October 1923, securing Big Lake's place as the first major oil field in the Permian Basin by 1924. Big Lake's intriguing past extends beyond oil. Featured in the 2002 film "The Rookie," the city inspired interest in baseball, leading to the formation of the West Texas Big Fish minor league team. Today, a new Big Fish team competes in the Central Texas Collegiate League. Additionally, Big Lake is depicted in Russ Brown's 2019 novel, "Miss Chisum," which explores the life of cattle baron John Chisum and his granddaughter's journey to retrace his 19th-century cattle drives. This rich tapestry of history and culture makes Big Lake a compelling destination, inviting visitors to explore its storied past and vivid community.
Below are reviews of the city of Big Lake, TX from an actual visitor's perspective.
It was the people! The people here are really friendly and kind, really, really nice folks!