Ride like a Cougar

maze-type structure made of found objects, brick, steel and concrete. Each piece of this monument was singlehandedly hand-placed and painted by the late Jefferson Davis McKissack, a Houston postal worker, between 1956 and 1979. The Orange Show is home to a wishing well, stage, museum, pond, oasis, a gift shop and many other interesting areas to check out. The monument is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is $5.

Eclectic Menagerie Park (Take 288 South, exit W Bellfort Avenue)

A southern drive down 288 is always interesting because of this majestic collection of huge handmade metal sculptures at Texas Pipe and Supply Company’s Eclectic Menagerie Park. This assortment of huge steel creatures such as a giant spider, hippo, eagle, King Kong climbing a skyscraper and over 20 more are visible from the road, but take a friend with you so they can safely take pictures while you continue being a safe driver. Most of the pieces are created by local artist, contractor and designer Ron Lee along with light metals artist Mark Rankin.

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace (Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, 6100 Main St.)

Created by artist James Turrell, this beautiful installation gives visitors an opportunity to contemplate the absolute wonder that is the Earth and sky. Located on the Rice University campus and designed for music performances, around dawn and dusk every day (except Tuesdays) an LED light sequence is projected onto the ceiling that changes its color and compliments the changing light in the current sky. To plan your visit, find information on parking and learn more about the history of Twilight Epiphany visit their website.