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Remote but remarkable, Iraan found its beginnings as a true West Texas company
boom town. In 1926, after oil was discovered on the nearby ranch of Ira and Ann
Yates, a town quickly began to form on a portion of their donated land. A
contest was held to name the town, and an entry that combined the names of Mr.
and Mrs. Yates was chosen in their honor. The oil-field found on their property
was so extensive that it quickly became recognized as the largest oil-field in
the United States at that time. The energy sector continues to thrive in Iraan,
diversified now with petroleum and wind energy production. Today, however, there
is much more to this community than just oil, gas and wind energy.
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Surrounded by miles of open space broken up by high rocky mesas and the fabled
Pecos River, Iraan embodies all the rugged attributes that made the West famous,
attracting hunters and nature lovers wanting to enjoy the great outdoors in the
Chihuahua semi-desert.
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While in town, visit the Alley Oop Fantasy Land Park. The park was constructed
to honor V.T. Hamlin creator of the world renowned comic strip, Alley Oop.
Hamlin developed the comic strip during the boom days while living in Iraan.
Take a picture standing next to the soaring bust of Alley Oop or climb on the
neck of his dinosaur, Dinny, before walking through the memorabilia filled
museum. The museum houses a variety of artifacts from the area including a wind
turbine exhibit to teach visitors about this emerging green technology.
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With mild desert climate, it is always golf weather in Iraan. This West Texas
golf course is a true Diamond in the Rough. There is almost never a wait for a
tee time and the course’s challenging, immaculately-kept nine holes are an
excellent way to stretch the legs on a long trip or to spend a relaxing weekend
with friends. Be sure to take the time to stop and see what this West Texas
community is all about. For more information, please visit the Iraan-Sheffield
Chamber of Commerce.
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Pecos County Airport
State Hwy. 349-South
The local airport is available to hunters and fly-in groups year-round. Features
include a lighted runway 4,085 feet in length and 60 feet wide. 100 Octane AV
Fuel Available. Tie-downs available. Food and lodging: ½ mile. Contact Info:
Weekdays, 432-639-2841; Weekends, 432-639-2064 or 432-302-0465.
Iraan Golf Course
Located at 1477 County Rd. #9219. Iraan’s “Diamond in the Rough”, pristine
9-Hole Course. Greens Fees: Weekday, $12.00; Weekend, $15.00. Contact Info:
Weekdays, 432-639-2841; After Hours & Weekends, 432-639-2600.
Fantasy Land Park & Museum
The park is home to a giant bust of Alley Oop and a 65 foot long statue of Alley
Oop’s dinosaur, “Dinny”, and a museum housing Alley Oop memorabilia, as well as
artifacts from the area. Park is open year-round. Museum Hours: Thursday –
Sunday, 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Contact info: City of Iraan, 432-639-2301 or
Museum, 432-639-2522.
Historical Markers
Discover the historical side of Iraan and the surrounding area by visiting
approximately thirty Historical Markers that are within a fifty mile radius of
the town.
Annual Christmas Celebration & Light Up Iraan
This event is scheduled on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving each year. The
City of Iraan, Iraan-Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and the Iraan EDC present an
evening of celebration with fun, food, music and activity booths for children in
the Civic Center. Santa Claus arrives in the Iraan Park @ 6:00 P.M. via
fire-truck turning on all the lighted scenes, moving to the Civic Center for the
all the activities. Light scenes in the Iraan Park and on the Town Square are
available for viewing from 6:00 – 10:00 P.M. through January 1st each year.