Major Attractions

Here’s a list of some of the Big Bend region’s major attractions and what they feature.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park’s 1252 square miles encompass a diverse landscape of mountains, desert, and canyons stretching north from the Rio Grande river.

• Hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties
• Scenic drives along both paved and unpaved roads
• Sites of geological, botanical, and archeological interest
• Varied desert and mountain flora and fauna
• Guided raft trips down the Rio Grande
• Several visitors’ centers, each with exhibits, informational literature, and rangers available to answer questions about travel in the area

Museum of the Big Bend

The Museum of the Big Bend documents the natural and cultural history of the Big Bend region. Located in Alpine.

• Ranching, mining, and military artifacts
• Chihuahuan Desert cactus garden
• Many exhibits specially geared to children

McDonald Observatory

The McDonald Observatory, which is owned and operated by the University of Texas, is one of the world’s premier observatories. It is located in the Davis Mountains, 19 miles west of Fort Davis.

• Guided tours
• Solar viewings each day
• Scientist-led “star parties” each Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night
• Gift shop
• Visitors’ center with educational exhibits, lectures, and multimedia presentations

Chinati Foundation

The Chinati Foundation, founded by sculptor Donald Judd, is one of the world’s largest permanent installations of modern art. Located in Marfa.

• Guided tours

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Fort Davis was the first military post to guard the San Antonio-El Paso pioneer route across West Texas. Located in Fort Davis.

• Well-preserved historical buildings
• Museum of military and Native American artifacts
• Interpretive center

El Camino del Rio (The River Road)

This isolated, 67-mile stretch of highway winds along the Rio Grande River and is known as one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Located between Study Butte and Presidio.

• Beautiful views of both the river and the surrounding landscape
• Paved and accessible to most vehicles

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