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Kermit is a small city in Winkler County in far West Texas, situated on the high plains of the Permian Basin. It serves as the county seat and has historically been shaped by the oil and gas industry that dominates this region of the state. The town is named after Kermit Roosevelt, son of President Theodore Roosevelt.
With a population of a few thousand residents, Kermit is a working community rather than a tourist destination. Visitors passing through typically do so while traveling between larger cities such as Midland, Odessa, or Hobbs, New Mexico, which lies just across the state line. The landscape is flat, open, and stark — characteristic of the Chihuahuan Desert edge and southern high plains.
Note: Despite the prompt referencing 'Kermit Texas, New Mexico,' Kermit is located entirely within Texas, in Winkler County. It sits close to the New Mexico border but is a Texas city.
Getting There
Kermit has no commercial airport. The nearest airports with regular commercial service are Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) in Midland, Texas, and Lea County Regional Airport (HOB) in Hobbs, New Mexico — both roughly an hour's drive away. Verify current airline routes and schedules directly with airlines or the airports before booking.
By car is by far the most practical way to reach Kermit. US Highway 302 connects the town to Hobbs to the northwest and to the Midland–Odessa metro area to the southeast. Texas State Highway 18 also passes through, linking Kermit to other Permian Basin communities. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle.
There is no intercity bus or passenger rail service to Kermit. If arriving by air, car rental at the airport is the most straightforward option for onward travel.
Getting Around
Kermit is a small, compact town and most points within the city limits are reachable by a short drive. A personal vehicle is essentially required — there is no local public transit system.
Parking is generally easy to find and free throughout the town. Verify locally whether any rideshare services operate in the area, as coverage in small West Texas towns can be limited or absent.
Where to Stay
Lodging options in Kermit are limited and cater primarily to oilfield workers and business travelers rather than leisure tourists. A small number of budget motels and chain-style properties have historically operated in town; verify current availability on booking platforms before your trip, as inventory can fluctuate with the oil industry's boom-and-bust cycles.
If you find accommodation fully booked or unavailable — which can happen during active drilling periods — Hobbs, New Mexico, and the Midland–Odessa area offer significantly more options and are within reasonable driving distance.
Things to See & Do
Kermit is a functional small city rather than a leisure destination, so attractions are limited. The surrounding Permian Basin landscape — wide open skies, flat terrain, and working oil pump jacks — gives a genuine sense of the economic and geographic character of this part of Texas.
Winkler County Area
- The Winkler County area offers wide-open stargazing opportunities due to low light pollution. The region's flat terrain and sparse population make it suitable for amateur astronomers, particularly during new moon periods.
- Visitors interested in the Permian Basin oil industry will find the working landscape itself — pump jacks, tank batteries, and pipelines — to be an unmediated look at the energy infrastructure that underpins much of U.S. petroleum production.
Day Trips from Kermit
Given limited in-town attractions, many travelers use Kermit as a convenient overnight stop rather than a destination in its own right. Day trip options to Hobbs (NM), Midland, or Odessa expand options considerably. See the Nearby section for suggestions.
Food & Drink
Dining options in Kermit are modest and oriented toward local residents. Expect a handful of casual American diners, fast food chain outlets, and Tex-Mex options typical of small West Texas towns. Verify current operating businesses locally or via mapping apps before arrival, as small-town restaurants can close or change ownership without much online notice.
Grocery stores and convenience stores are available for self-catering needs. Alcohol availability may be subject to local regulations — verify locally, as Winkler County's policies can differ from urban Texas counties.
Practical Information
Money
Bring cash as backup. While card payments are widely accepted at larger businesses, some small local establishments may be cash-preferred.
Connectivity
Cell coverage in Kermit and the surrounding area can be inconsistent, particularly on rural roads between towns. Download offline maps before departing any urban center.
Fuel
Fill up in Kermit or before leaving any larger town. Gas stations exist along main highways but can be widely spaced in this part of West Texas.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for emergencies. The nearest hospitals with full emergency departments are in Midland or Odessa — verify the closest facility with local sources before you need it.
Weather Preparedness
West Texas weather can be extreme. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F (38°C), and dust storms (locally called 'dusters') can reduce visibility rapidly on open highways. Wind is a near-constant factor on the high plains.
Safety
Kermit is a small working community and is generally considered safe for travelers passing through. Standard common-sense precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings, and let someone know your travel itinerary when driving remote stretches of West Texas highway.
The primary safety considerations in this region are environmental rather than criminal: extreme heat in summer, the potential for dust storms reducing highway visibility, and the long distances between services on rural roads. Carry extra water in your vehicle — at least a gallon per person per day is a reasonable precaution in summer months.
