Visit Big Bend

BIG Visit BEND

Here are just a few of the exciting things to do in Brewster County.

MARATHON, TEXAS –

The second largest town in Brewster County is located 26 miles southeast of Alpine. It plays host to the historic Gage Hotel.

If you’re into birding and picnics, and longing for the sight of water, Post Park is the place for you. Located five miles south of town, it was the site of Fort Pena Colorado, an army outpost from 1879-1896.

Marathon also offers a grocery store, as well as several art galleries and quaint shops for those needing their shopping fix.

BIG BEND NATIONAL

PARK – The crown jewel of Brewster County, the park boasts mountain woodlands, desert lowlands, and a riparian habitat that stretches 118 miles along the Rio Grande. Hosting the only mountain range located completely within a national park, the Chisos Basin offers lodging at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, dining, souvenirs, and some of the most outstanding hikes in the country.

Panther Junction Visitor Center at Big Bend National Park.

FROM BREWSTER COUNTY TOURISM AND VISIT BIG BEND!

The indow Trail is something to behold at sunset. If you’re up and about before sunrise, the 1, 00-foot cliffs carved out of the desert landscape at anta lena Canyon are a sight to behold. Big Bend ational Park is also home to the largest diversity of species in the country, both plants and animals.

The park also offers two stores with fuel, water, and snacks - one at Rio Grande Village and the other just beyond the visitor’s center at Panther unction.

ST D B TTE – At the junction of Texas Highway 118 and FM 170, tudy Butte offers everything essential to trekking through the desert.

If you’re looking for adventure, several outfitters offer jeep tours, river trips, or horseback riding.

TERLING A – Best known for the International Chili Cook- ff held every year in ovember, the Terlingua Ghost Town is nowhere

near a ghost town The town was founded as a quicksilver mining establishment in 1903, but now boasts lodging, dining, shopping, and the best kept secret in the Big Bend - the view from the porch.

The high desert is the place for mountain biking and other activities, including guided hikes and bike and river tours.

LA ITAS – ituated between Big Bend ational Park and Big Bend Ranch tate Park, Lajitas is

home to the Lajitas Golf Resort. Boasting one of the top five championship golf courses according to the allas Morning ews, these links offer breathtaking vistas seen nowhere else. Lajitas also has a general store with snacks, drinks, and fuel.

ORT STO KTON ISITOR ENTER

The Fort tockton Visitor Center is the starting place to explore the historical sites of Fort tockton. It houses information regarding Fort tockton, local sites, and other tourism destinations including the self-guided historic driving tour. utside features a beautiful pond, silhouettes, a train car, a pump jack, and other exhibits that symboli e Fort tockton.

It is located in the original ansas City, Mexico and rient Railroad epot constructed in 1911.

ALPINE TX

your BIG BEND starts here

GALLERIES • BOUTIQUES • DINING • LIVE MUSIC • GUEST LODGING

Bustling with shops, restaurants and galleries, ALPINE is surrounded by the foothills of the Davis Mountains and the grand vistas of the high Chihuahuan Desert. Its location o ers easy access to everything the Big Bend has to o er, plus the best variety of guest lodging in the region.

Alpine Event Highlights

FebruaryLone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering

May-JulyAlpine Cowboys Baseball

July Viva Big Bend music festival

AugustBig Bend Ranch Rodeo

SeptemberTrappings of Texas

OctoberBig Bend Bluegrass Festival

NovemberArtwalk

See visitalpinetx.com for a full listing of Alpine’s hotels, shops and galleries. Follow us at Visit Alpine,Texas on Facebook for the latest event information.

For hotels & other info, give us a call at (432) 837-2326 or

Photos: Top © E. Dan Klepper, Bottom L to R © Olaf Growald, © Stylle Read, © Lesley Villareal

BARTON WARNOCK VISITOR CENTER AND BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK

Sitting at the edge of Big Bend Ranch tate Park, deep in the Chihuahuan esert rests the Barton arnock Visitor Center.

amed after r. Barton arnock, a well-respected botanist in the Big Bend region, Texas Parks and ildlife purchased the visitor center and its’ grounds in 1990. The center manages 6,000 acres of the Big Bend Ranch tate Park along what is considered the River Corridor out of the over 300,00 acres that the park encompasses.

Previously built and maintained by the Lajitas Foundation,

the visitor center sits at the eastern entrance to Big Bend Ranch tate Park and is the doorway for est Texas travelers to 70 million years of geological history. The center also showcases the five biological landscapes of the Chihuahuan esert, also known as Big Bend.

The visitor center is the stop for backpacking, camping, and river-use permits and licensing inside the Big Bend Ranch tate Park.

The park is unimproved, in that there are no formal facilities beyond the visitor center until you reach Fort Leaton at the western edge of the park in Presidio County along

the scenic River Road. The River Road, also known as Hwy. 170 runs between Lajitas and Presidio and is touted by ational Geographic as being one of the Top 10 scenic drives in the . .

Visitors wishing to hike, back-

pack, and mountain bike should always take precautions during spring, summer, and early fall as temperatures can be extreme and fresh water is not readily available. For more information call 32 2 -3327

to the

BIG BEND

We’re so glad you’re here in the Big Bend, whether you’re a visitor, a newcomer, or a long-time resident, and we’ve aimed our Visit Big Bend Welcome Guide at all of you.

If you’re a visitor, you’ll want to make the most of your time here. Newcomers can learn all about the area before venturing out. And long-time residents might find new places to explore.

Everything from hikes to scenic drives, to bird and wildlife watching, to stargazing, to just plain relaxing is offered, so you’re sure to find lots to add to your list of things to do in the Big Bend.

And be sure to check out the Just Ahead app for iPhone and

WESTERN APPAREL FEED

Cover photo, Mitre Peak by Jena Carey

Credits: All wildlife photos by Kara Gerbert unless otherwise noted.

Credits: Mural photos and Fort Davis Photos by J.T. Maroney

Credits: Stillwell, Davis Mountains State Park, Mc Donald Observatory, Marathon Sky Park and Motel, and Barton Warnock-courtesy photos

500 WEST HORNBECK FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS

Credits: All other photos by Alpine Avalanche or Fort Stockton Pioneer unless otherwise noted.

Welcome to the FOOD OF FAR WEST TEXAS

So, you’ve hiked that hike and visited that village. ow it’s time to vanquish your hunger, and where better to do that than in the Big Bend. ur cuisine is as unique as our people and places, and doesn’t disappoint. Beef is a big part of dining in the Big Bend, and finding that perfectly crusted chicken fried steak, or that juicy burger topped with bacon and a fried egg, if it contains beef it’s going to be a winner.

e certainly don’t want to leave out our barbecue folks. There is some brisket in the Big Bend that will give those Hill Country folks a run for their mon ey. These pit masters don’t leave out the fowl either. Those folks

can smoke a bird faster than they can migrate.

peaking of migrating, we offer wild game specialties on our menus that will tease your palate and bring you back for more. I’m talking about perfectly cooked bison, delicately prepared quail, and perfectly fried antelope just to name a few.

Being neighbors with Mexico, their authentic food has migrated across the border to give us some of the best Mexican food to be found. hether you’re looking for that perfectly seasoned bowl of beans, that cheesy fried chile relleno, or that perfect bowl of chile macho or pico de gallo, we have it.

Locally owned for over 20 years!

SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE

elp keep your Chevy running properly by visiting our Chevrolet Certified Service experts in FORT STOCKTON, TX for regular maintenance and repair. Take advantage of our current service offers and check back regularly for more Chevy service coupons. Save on oil changes, tires, brake repair, batteries and more. We offer a wide range of auto repair services and Everyday Value Pricing.

2017 GMC YUKON XL 2020 JEEP RENEGADE

Our enchiladas, picadillo, and asado are on point as well, and never forget we celebrate taco Tuesdays with the best of them here in the Big Bend.

Now that you’ve sampled that Mexican combination plate, savored that chef-prepared steak, and even relished that made to order sandwich, you are asking yourself what took you so long to visit this mecca of West Texas dining. The Big Bend is small on population, but we are big on flavor, and have something to suit even the finickiest palate.

So, do yourself a favor and enjoy some of the best dining West of the Pecos.

Above: Trashcan Burrito Le : Cilantro Chicken with linguini

Photos by Kara Gerbert

Prime Rib

Mexican combo plate

A SPOTS IN THE

Birding is fast becoming a popular past time in Big Bend. Big Bend ational Park itself has over 0 documented species of birds, and the Big Bend area is one of the main migration corridors for birds. Here are some popular places to catch a glimpse of some of the avian species the area has to

• avis Mountains tate Park in eff avis County

• Lawrence . ood picnic area in eff avis County

• Rio Grande Village in Big Bend ational Park

• okernot Park in Alpine

• Post Park in Marathon

• Boot prings in Big Bend ational Park

• am ail Ranch in Big Bend

ational Park

• ugout ells in Big Bend ational Park

• Gage Gardens in Marathon

• Fort Leaton tate Historical ite in Presidio County

The Museum of the Big Bend, located on the campus of ul Ross tate niversity, is your first stop as you begin your journey into Big Bend country.

Housed in a 1936 Texas Centennial Memorial Museum building, the Museum of the Big Bend tells the unique story of Brewster, eff avis and Presidio counties that make up the Big Bend region.

xhibits and videos explore the history of the Big Bend, starting with the world’s largest flying reptile, the Texas Pterosaur, to the creation of the Rio Grande River as an international border, the story of the Buffalo oldiers, the history of ul Ross tate niversity and much more. The Museum also hosts revolving temporary exhibits that all reflect the Big Bend area and the American est.

Read more on Page 3

THE LASTING IMPACT OF THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS

The avis Mountains tate Park is one of the best examples of what would result out of the Great epression.

The park was officially established in 1933 with 60 acres being donated by local landowners devastated by the Great epression.

ne of the earliest projects created by the Texas Civilian Conservation Corp, avis Mountains tate Park had many of the facilities still in use today built by this group of men between 1933 and 193 .

Among the buildings was the Indian Lodge, a 16-room, full-service hotel that would be added onto by Texas Parks and ildlife in 1967, bringing the number of rooms to 39. TP

would also add campgrounds the same year.

The CCC’s would also build the five-mile scenic kyline rive, as well as a mess hall, a recreation hall, and stone picnic tables, fireplaces, and steps.

Thanks to the early work of the CCC’s and the Texas Legislature, avis Mountains tate Park offers recreation and relaxation for visitors from all over.

ffering hiking, camping, bird watching, backpacking, mountain biking, starga ing, geocaching, swimming, and even riding your own horse, this park has it all.

For more information call 32 26-3337

The MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND, located on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, presents a variety of high quality exhibits each year and tells the compelling story of the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico in our permanent display, Big Bend Legacy.

HOURS: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Closed major holidays

ADMISSION: $5.00/person

Free to Museum members, children 12 and under, and current SRSU students, faculty, and staff. Free Parking

For more information, call 432-837-8730 or visit our website: museumofthebigbend.com

Architectural rendering of the new Emmett and Miriam McCoy building by Page/ Architects

Big Bend Legacy exhibit

JAMES R NEY MEMORIAL

COMANCHE CREEK & POOL

ne of Fort tockton’s most beautiful outdoor attractions, Rooney Park, lies at the southeast side of town along anderson Highway and pring rive.

The park is family-orientated with two children’s playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, a 2 -hole disc golf course, walking and cardiovascular exercise tracks, barbecue pits, music venue, dog park, the city’s large community hall, and the Comanche prings canal. hen the springs are flowing between ecember and April, they run through the canal in the park

and exit to the cojoining Comanche Creek, which connects with the Pecos River near Girvin.

Visitors can now kayak on the creek while the springs are flowing and can enjoy a walking trail, starting on the east side of anderson Highway, near Rooney Park.

The park is home to an annual Fourth of uly Firework how, Barbeque Cook- ff, ew ear’s ve Firework how, Car hows, and much more family fun.

The Comanche prings Pool, built on top of the original springs, is open during the summer.

Zero Stone Park

ero tone Park is the home of the ero tone, which is the center of the pla a of t. Gall. All lots in t. Gall are referenced from this position. The original site of Camp tockton was built using the ero tone as its primary point of reference.

ero tone Park includes a large ga ebo and memorials. It is located at the center of Pecos County. It is home to an annual summer concert series, as well as the community’s aster unrise ervice, Memorial ay ervice, and Veterans’ ay ervice.

The ina i n a i n

The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, onald udd. His intent was to preserve and present to the public largescale installations by a limited number of artists. The foundation is located on 3 0 acres in Marfa.

It’s normally open to the public ednesday through unday from 9 a.m. to p.m., and various tours are available, but you should call ahead as hours may change.

Call 32-729- 362 for more information, or visit chinati.org.

Marc Mesch , FNP Family Medicine

Bob Rice, FNP Family Medicine Accepting new patients. Schedule primary care or OB/GYN appointments at BigBendAnytime.com.

Roane

Olivia CalzadaDowns, FNP Family Medicine

Hitting the roadin the Big Bend

ometimes you just want to take a drive and enjoy the ama ing est Texas vistas, and that’s easy to do. Roads are good on all these routes, so you won’t need four-wheel drive a passenger car will do.

eep in mind that these five drives could get lots longer depending upon your starting point. nly one is a true loop, so allow time to get back where you started or to drive to your ultimate destination.

Bring plenty of snacks and water, and make sure your gas tank is full since most of these routes will take you far from your starting point and offer no accommodations along the way. h, and don’t forget your camera.

Scenic drives

RI ER ROAD

EL AMINO DEL RIO

62 miles on Ranch Road 170 from tudy Butte Terlingua to Presidio.

ORT DA IS LOOP

a true, 7 -mile loop starting and ending in Fort avis on Texas Highways 118 and 166.

DA IS MO NTAIN LOOP TRAIL

37 miles on Texas Highway 17 from Fort avis to Balmorhea.

ROSS MAX ELL S ENI DRI E a 30-mile drive within Big Bend ational Park.

S HIGH A

68 miles from Marathon to Panther unction in Big Bend ational Park.

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There’s no accurate count, but there are do ens of popular hikes in the Big Bend region.

The climate range in the area from desert floors to mountains can vary

widely, so you can choose a hike to suit the weather.

The suggestions here are all day hikes, so they’re convenient if you’re just looking for a quick outing.

DAY HIKES

HIH AH AN DESERT RESEAR H INSTIT TE asy to moderate, 0.33 to 2.2 miles. To get there, drive four miles southeast of Fort avis to the gate at 3869 Texas Highway 118.

MADERA AN ON TRAIL A moderate 2. -mile round trip near the ature Conservancy’s avis Mountains Preserve. It’s about 2 miles northwest of Fort avis on Highway 118, about 10 miles past Mc onald bservatory. Look for the Lawrence . ood picnic area.

HAN O K HILL An easy, 20-30 minutes one way uphill at ul Ross tate niversity. Be sure to cross over to the desk to the east and sign the notebook.

THE INDO TRAIL Moderate, and uphill most of the way back, . or .6 miles round trip at Big Bend ational Park.

HISOS BASIN LOOP TRAIL A moderate 1.8-mile round trip through pine and oak with outstanding views. Begins at the Chisos Basin Trailhead at Big Bend ational Park.

SANTA ELENA AN ON An easy 1.8mile round trip at Big Bend ational Park, but crosses Terlingua Creek and starts with a moderate uphill climb.

SK LINE DRI E TRAIL A moderate to challenging . mile roundtrip hike located within the avis Mountains tate park.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE BIG BEND REGION

Thousands of species of plants and wildlife call the Big Bend region home.

Residing in the northern portion of the Chihuahuan desert, the region hosts within the national park alone, 0 species of birds, 7 species of mammals, 6 species of reptiles, and 11 species of amphibians. n top of all of these, there are around 3,600 species of insects and over 1,200 species of plants, 60 of these being cacti.

ome of these animal and insect species are so elusive you may never see them in your lifetime, much less while visiting.

hen you travel between the towns of Alpine, Marathon, and Marfa, there is a good chance

you will see herds of pronghorn, gra ing in the valleys alongside cattle and possibly horses.

Further into the avis and Glass Mountains you may encounter elk. And mule deer and javelina are common everywhere.

If you’re hiking on any of the public lands you may encounter li ards, or if you’re very fortunate the random burrowing owl or ground squirrel.

Riparian areas are hosts to numerous bird species, as well mammals and insects, since being a desert, water is precious commodity.

hen it comes to flora and fauna, the Big Bend region is in a class all its own.

Desert Cottontail

Photo by Kara Gerbert

l ear Ca t s

Photos by Kara Gerbert

Ornate Box Turtle

Hilltop Rv Park

Sites

All PULL THRU Sites with picnic tables

Extra Long Big Rig Spaces

Full-service hookups at all sites

Park Sunset Firepit for Evening Fires and Great Conversation

Peaceful Desert Setting

1 min. drive to Walmart, golf course, dining or shopping

Enclosed Puppy Patch Easy Access to Interstate 10

House is 3 bed / 2 bath, with 60” TVs in every bedroom and the living room. Enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the mesas from the shaded patio. An onsite pool and repit is also included with this stay. Guest access to the entire house.

TO BOOK AIRBNB:

Amenities

FREE WiFi (it works great)

Laundry Room Open 24 hrs

Beautiful Pool with Spacious Covered Patio

Private Shower/Bathroom Suites

Other Check-in time is 12:00 pm

Office hours are 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Simple after-hours self check-in

Monthly/Weekly rates

http://airbnb.com/fort-stockton-tx

We are the nicest RV park in Fort Stockton and the surrounding area. Our location is as unique as our park and the views of the plateaus, mountains and valley are truly awesome.

e pool and the patio are just South of the O ce

Our Sunset Firepit is perfect for evening gatherings and great conversation

The Chihuahuan esert ature Center offers twice-monthly aturday bird walks. The walks are open to all birders, and to those who are interested in learning about birding.

The 2. -3 hour hikes explore along various ature Center hiking trails, the botanical garden, the new bird blind and water feature, and around the visitor center.

Mindful Monday Morning alks are offered weekly at 9 30 a.m., and all are welcomed. Contact the ature Center at 32-36 -2 99 ext. 2 for dates and more information.

Lights

The Marfa Lights are a must-see on any visit to the Big Bend. Accounts of strange phenomena just outside Marfa began during the 19th century and continue to this day. ome say they are F s or ghosts, but despite much research, they still remain unexplained.

The dancing lights on the hori on might appear as

blue, or red, or white, and usually appear randomly throughout the night during any season or weather condition.

The source of the mystery lights is a point of contention, but you should see them for yourself. The official Marfa Lights Viewing Area is located nine miles east of town on Highway 90 towards Alpine.

Welcome to the Big Bend!

D K SKI BIG B D

Dark skies and the battle against light pollution is an ongoing battle.

The Big Bend area, situated at the edge of the Permian Basin oilfield, is continually doing its’ part to keep its designation as an international dark sky area.

Both Big Bend ational Park and Big Bend Ranch tate Park have been designated as International ark ky Parks by the International ark- ky Association. Likewise, Black Gap ildlife Management Area has been designated as a ark ky anctuary.

All three are designated as a ne on the Bortle cale, meaning they are an excellent dark sky site.

ark skies are incredibly im-

portant for the ecosystem as well as for astronomers studying the night skies. umerous animals rely on night skies for migration purposes, and excessive light pollution can disrupt these migration patterns by throwing them off course and leading to their potential deaths.

Along with migration, many animals are nocturnal feeders, and light pollution can play a role in the success of their feeding strategies.

Besides the two parks and the wildlife management area, visitors can check out our dark skies at the Mc onald bservatory just outside of Fort avis or the Marathon ky Park, on the western edge of the town of Marathon. Both venues host star parties throughout the year so visitors can enjoy some of the darkest skies in orth America.

We value your trust in us, and it is our honor to help you through your time of sorrow with compassionate service, professional guidance and a dignified tribute to your dear departed loved one.

Marathon Motel

at MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

McDonald Observatory is located in the Davis Mountains under some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S., around 450 miles west of its research and administrative home at the University of Texas at Austin.

The observatory welcomes the public at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center with advance reservations, and advance reservations are required for all programs as well, including star parties. All reservations must be made online at mcdonaldobservatory. org.

For more information, call 432-426-3640.

ANNIE RIGGS MUSEUM

Housed in an original adobe structure built at the turn of the 20th century, the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum was originally a hotel and boarding house run by a frontier woman of the same name. The museum contains thirteen rooms recreated with original artifacts, including the house rules set by Annie Riggs posted on the wall. In the lobby, stern-faced sheriffs gaze down at visitors and the desk of Sheriff A.J. Royal whispers of his 1894 murder, a bloody chapter in

the history of Pecos County.

Visitors can experience a thriving desert garden at the back of the museum, complete with inviting benches on a wrap-around porch and an interior courtyard with a restored buggy. The museum also houses a gift shop. Annie Riggs’ patio plays host to Summer Off the Patio concert series, starting in late May and running through early August.

The museum is owned and operated by the Fort Stockton Historical Society.

COME SEE US

★ Daily Drink Specials

★ Pool

★ Darts

★ Full Bar

★ Large selection of domestic and import beers

★ Shuffle Board

FORT STOCKTON COMMUNITY THEATRE

Fort Stockton Community Theatre began in 1982 with the mission to serve the community and surrounding area by providing fine arts experiences to entertain, educate, and enhance an appreciation for the performing arts.

A stage in an old elementary school building was the home of the theatre until 1991 when it moved into what is now The Nelson Street Theatre.

In 2015, a fund-raising campaign began to build a new 125-seat, technologically updated theatre and to renovate the old theatre into a venue for meetings, social events, exhibits, and training sessions. The ribbon cutting for the

YOUR stop

new construction was held Feb. 2020. FSCT has performed on every flat surface in town and has performed every genre. Besides stage productions by local talent, guest performers have been brought in. Also, FSCT and the Fort Stockton Film Society have partnered to bring free classic movies to the screen in The Nelson Street Theatre, and Barrio Fest, a Celebration of the Hispanic Culture and History, is held the week-end closest to September 16. For more information about the Fort Stockton Community Theatre visit fscommunitytheatre.org.

the Big

HALLIE STILLWELL MUSEUM AND STILLWELL STORE AND RV PARK

Located about eight miles north of the Persimmon Gap entrance to Big Bend ational Park on FM 2627, the tillwell tore and RV Park, along with the Hallie tillwell Museum is a remote, yet many times welcome stop.

The store carries soft drinks, beer, ice, canned goods and regular gasoline and is the check in for the RV and camping sites. There is no cell service, and iFi is limited at the store. ue to extreme heat in the late spring and summer months, most tent camping

is closed, and store hours and amenities will be limited.

The Hallie tillwell Museum located next-door to the store offers a trip back in time to the life of Hallie tillwell. tillwell, honored by the tate of Texas as a Texas hero was one of the original settlers in this area of the Big Bend. he wrote several books about her life growing up in the Big Bend area of Texas and she lived to almost 100 years of age. The museum is dedicated to her life with items, articles, and photos and is free of charge.

YOUNG’S STORE

This building originally housed an officer’s club and had living quarters for laundresses from the fort. The retired ergeant Frederick illiam Billy oung purchased the building and opened oung’s tore in 1876.

Although the Big Bend region is considered high desert, water isn’t that hard to find, and here are some places to get away from the desert dust.

RIO GRANDE RI ER TRIPS – Five river canyons traverse the Big Bend for kayak, canoe or raft. Find an outfitter in Terlingua.

POST PARK – Find an oasis in the desert south of Marathon, with big shade trees, picnic areas, and a fishing pond.

HOT SPRINGS HISTORI DISTRI T – There’s a hot spring for soaking on the north side of the Rio Grande in Big Bend ational Park. Take the two-mile gravel road that descends down a rough, narrow wash to the Hot prings Historic istrict. From the trailhead, it’s a quarter-mile hike to the spring.

ALPINE M NI IPAL POOL – uring the summer months, Alpine opens its swimming pool and charges a modest admission fee. Head over to okernot Park for a cool dip.

BALMORHEA STATE PARK – The park’s main feature is a 1.3-acres freshwater pool built around an olomon prings. The water temperature stays at 72-76 degrees year round, and the park charges a modest admission fee.

Take a dip in THE HISTORIC HOT SPRINGS

The Hot prings Historic istrict located within Big Bend ational Park connects you with human occupation from thousands of years ago to the early 1900’s.

Rock art adorning limestone cliffs and left behind by ative American inhabitants depict farms full of corn, squash, and beans, nestled along the Rio Grande’s floodplain.

The Hot prings Post ffice stands soaking in the desert sun, and recalls a time when homesteaders settled the Big Bend.

In the early 1900’s, . . Langford traveled with his family to est Texas in search of a way to aid his ailing health. Langford, suffering from ma-

laria he contracted as a child living in Mississippi, heard tales about a hot spring in the lobby of a hotel in Alpine. Believing this might be the cure for his ailments, Langford went to the surveyor’s office and filed a claim on the spring under the Homestead Act. Two weeks later, the family received word that the claim was theirs.

Langford, with his wife, 18-monthold daughter, and a baby on the way set out for the spring in hopes of accomplishing what others had failed to due under the regulations of the Homestead Act. He regained his health after bathing and drinking the spring water for 21 days, and then promptly opened the spring to other bathers, charging 10 cents per day or 2.00 for a 21-day treatment. n top of running the bathhouse, Langford became a schoolteacher, doctor, and postman.

More than just a place to restore one’s health, the hot springs became a place for people from both sides of the river to meet, and was the prelude to the tourism that would come to pass with the creation of Big Bend ational Park.

Water Carnival

One of the most unique events in all of est Texas for the past 86 years, the Fort tockton ater Carnival features beauty pageants and dance acting perfor -

ticipants each year. ach carnival has a theme under the guidance of new directors that are selected each year. This year’s event will take place uly 13-1 , with the crowning of the new Miss Fort tockton occurring following the final showing.

T IME TRAVEL THROUGH THE LAND OF DINOSAURS A ND NA ONAL AR

Big Bend ational Park’s Fossil iscovery xhibit showcases the park’s nearly complete fossil record spanning 130 million years.

The exhibit is housed in a stand-alone facility located at the site of the older fossil bone exhibit, 18 miles south of Persimmon Gap Visitor Center on . Highway 38 . It has a covered picnic area and restrooms. The unique architecture helps the structure blend into the landscape, and the structure is solar powered and self-sustaining.

The displays represent four time periods of the park’s geologic history. ne section includes fossils from the oldest period when the area was covered by a sea. Another section includes the fossil record from when the sea receded, leaving a coastline environment in its place. Later, that same area morphed into a swampy, inland floodplain. And later still, it transitioned into an extinction period that led

to the rise of mammals.

All these time periods are represented by fossils found at the site and in other areas of the park, including a full-si e replica of a flying pterosaur, a species of uet alcoaltlus found in the park.

addition to the park in over 0 years, and is a destination in itself.

The exhibit includes fos sil replicas of a Croco dilia skull from 83. million years ago, and several other large skulls that are kid-friendly touching and playing on some of the exhibits is al lowed. The more fragile displays are behind thick glass, such as a replica of Bravoc eratops, a specimen discovered four years ago in the park.

al-

The exhibit is the biggest

DEFENDING THE WILDS OF TEXAS

Fort avis ational Historic ite, located in a box canyon near Limpia Creek at the edge of the town that is its’ namesake, was a key part of the defense of the outhwest from 18 to 1891.

It is considered one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post in the Amer-

ican outhwest and is named after the ecretary of ar efferson avis.

Fort avis housed troops from the ighth Infantry from 18 to 1861. These soldiers spent the majority of their time pursuing area ative American tribes such as the Coman-

ches, iowas, and Apaches. hen the Civil ar broke out and Texas seceded from the nion, the fort was abandoned for the next five years.

In une of 1867, Lieutenant Colonel esley Merritt and the inth . . Calvary reoccupied Fort avis, having to rebuild a new post since the primitive structures of before scarcely remained. By the end of 1869, a number of officers’ quarters, two barracks for enlisted men, a guardhouse, a temporary hospital, and a storehouses had been erected just east of the original site.

Fort avis’ safeguarding of the west Texas frontier against Comanches and Apaches continued until 1881. hile the Comanches were defeated in the mid-1870s, the Apaches still posed a problem between an Antonio and l Paso.

nder the command of Lt. Col. Merritt were the African American troops known as Buffalo oldiers. These soldiers amassed a notable record of accomplishments. Reaching the post in 1867, the Buffalo oldiers were key in establishing safe travel from an Antonio to l Paso by helping to drive off and rid the area of raiding Apaches and Comanches. The Buffalo oldiers left Fort avis, just five years prior to its final occupation by military troops.

For more information call 32 26-332 .

FIELD AND THE O 6 COWBOYS

Hailed as the ankee tadium of Texas by Texas Monthly maga ine, the historic okernot Field has hosted thousands of baseball games since its’ construction in 19 7. This Alpine landmark was the brainchild of local cattle rancher Herbert Lee okernot r.

Built with rock quarried from the okernot o6 Ranch and genuine Georgia clay, shipped in by boxcar to construct the infield, it was home to Herbert’s semi-professional baseball team, the Alpine Cowboys.

okernot Field has hosted exhibition games between the t. Louis Browns and the Chicago hite ox. It was also home to future Ma -

jor Leaguers orm Cash and Gaylord Perry.

emi-pro baseball ceased in Alpine after the 1961 season, which led to a turnover in field ownership.

In 1968, the ownership of the field was turned over to the Alpine Independent chool istrict by okernot, after ul Ross had decided to discontinue their baseball program. hen the program was revived in 1983, ul Ross shared the field with the Alpine Bucks.

In 2009, semi-pro baseball would once again grace the diamond in okernot Field, when the former Big Bend Cowboys now once again became the Alpine Cowboys in 2011. All three teams share the field now, and the boys of summer are one of the many highlights of the Big Bend.

The ld Pecos County ail was built in 1883. It houses a museum of local law enforcement, the original 1883 holding cell, and mid20th century cell blocks.

Mountain View Properties has been serving the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos region since 2008. We specialize in residential, commercial, and ranch real estate sales. For the past six consecutive years we have been in the top ten sales for the Odessa Board of Realtors. MVP is owned and brokered locally.

AGHOSTOWN

nce the headquarters of the Chisos Mining Company, established in 1903, the Terlingua Ghostown is now home to under 100 full-time residents.

uring the quicksilver boom at the turn of the 20th century, Howard . Perry, an industrialist from Chicago was able to make this remote spot in the Chihuahuan esert thrive for almost three decades. The community grew to almost 2,000 inhabitants due to the increase in production at the mines with the onset of I.

uring the 1930’s, production at the mines decreased and the company filed for bankruptcy in 19 2.

Today, the Terlingua Ghostown is known as the home of the first Chili Cook-off which began in 1967. very year on the first weekend in ovember, the community of Terlingua and the surrounding area is inundated with thousands of chili heads who compete against each other to see who has the best

chili. This annual contest is one of the largest contributors not only to the local economy, but to local charities such as the Terlingua chools and the Terlingua Fire and M services.

Currently, the Ghostown as it is referred to by locals, is owned and operated by Bill and Lisa Ivey and was previously owned by Bill’s father, the late Rex Ivey. The Ivey’s provide lodging within the community, as well as a trading post store full of everything from jewelry to t-shirts, to beer and books. They are also proprietors of the famous tarlight Theater, offering drinks and dining to visitors and locals alike.

Perhaps one of the most iconic aspects of the community is the Terlingua Cemetery. Listed on the ational Register of Historic Places, it is one of the most photographed places in all of Texas and has been an active cemetery since 1902. It is the top tourist attraction in Terlingua.

Stroll through the bree eway alongside the Reata Restaurant between the street and their patio , and marvel at the colorful mural depicting scenes from which the restaurant takes its name, Giant.

alk down the street two blocks south, and you’ll see two more fabulous murals by tylle Reed on the side of iowa Gallery. ne mural displays many mages of est Texas and Alpine, including one of ul Ross’s most famous alumni, an Blocker of Bonan a. The other mural is based on Poco a Poquito calendar artwork by esus Helguera, and was a gift to Alpine from Art alk, painted by tylle Reed and volunteers in a weekend.

Alpine’s newest murals honor the Texas Rangers and the Alpine Volunteer Fire epartment. ou’ll see the Texas Ranger mural, also by tylle Reed, on the side of the Prescription hop on Holland Avenue, and a stroll down Holland Avenue past ishmish Pla a will take you right to the Volunteer Fire epartment mural. Besides these murals, there are many other to see around downtown Alpine, including murals from local artists, ul Ross tate niversity art students, and even more from tylle Reed.

MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND

For those with an interest in cartography, the Map Room Hallway features exhibits from one of the most historically significant map groupings in Texas - the ana and Marty avis Map Collection. It’s housed in a special maps study room at the Museum, and will enlighten and educate visitors about Texas.

hile at the Museum, check out Big Bend Trading Company, the Museum’s gift shop featuring a wonderful selection of unique gifts, jewelry, pottery, books, cards and other items.

The Museum of the Big Bend is reached at ntrance on the ul Ross campus. Museum hours are Tuesday through aturday from 9 a.m.- p.m. and unday from 1- p.m. The Museum is closed on Monday and major holidays. Admission and parking is free, and donations are accepted.

For more information, call 32-837-81 3, or visit museumofthebigbend.com.

The 11-foot tall, massive roadrunner statue, Paisano Pete, is easy to find as you drive through the intersection of orth Main treet and ast ickinson Boulevard in Fort tockton.

The statue holds the world record for being the world s largest roadrunner, according to the orld Record Academy.

ince 1979, Pete has been one of the most recogni able roadside attractions in the southwest. ou can visit Pete at any time, and

if you visit during the holiday, ex pect to see the roadrunner in ap propriate apparel for the season.

Paisano Pete was the brain child of former Fort tockton Mayor Gene Cummings. et at mid-stride, as if he’s about to take off wildly across est Tex as, the roadrunner statue has been the adopted symbol of the community ever since his cre ation.

Paisano Pete was named a True Texas Icon as a town mascot by Texas Highway’s maga ine.

FORT STOCKTON

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Historic Fort tockton is located on the east side of town at the intersection of Fifth treet and Rooney treet.

Today, the site includes three buildings from the original officer’s row, the original limestone Guard House, two reconstructed enlisted men’s barracks and kitchens, and the original parade ground.

Following the abandonment of the fort in 1886 due to the frontier moving west, the complex consisted of 3 buildings. Two of them the Guard House and Powder Maga ine were built of locally quarried limestone from surrounding mesas and the remainders were constructed of adobe brick with limestone foundations.

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Four of the original buildings, including a private residence that was previously a part of the eight officer’s quarters. The two enlisted men’s barracks and kitchens were reconstructed from the original blueprints following extensive archeological excavations.

Historic Fort tockton is listed on the ational Register of Historic ites and owned by the City of Fort tockton. The property is managed by the Fort tockton Historical ociety.

Barracks 1 houses the museum and visitor center containing informative videos on fort history and the Buffalo oldiers who occupied this site, original photographs and artifacts, and a gift shop. Visitors are welcome to tour the fort and museum.

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Serving Van Horn, Alpine, Marfa, Ft Davis and surrounding areas.

A & ROLLINGS SIBLEY HOUSE

t. tephens piscopal Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches west of the Pecos River.

The Rollins ibley House is a one-story adobe residence that was

built on a portion of the fort hospital foundation in 190 by the Rollins family. It was later purchased by the ibley Family, who donated the home to the county in 1966.

Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center

Memorial are ort a is e as ne t to the Co nty i rary

Monday riday M PM

At nearl a ile i , Fort Davis s rro ndin o ntains s o ase alpine forests and i a an desert s ener elo

o e to M Donald servator , Fort Davis National istori Site, Davis Mo ntains State Par and Preserve, and t e i a an Desert esear nstit te

S in t e Fort Davis isitor enter for infor ation on fa il

f n a tivities or rent a i le and dis over t e ile i villa e on o r o n. earn ore a o t at is on offer at fortdavis. o , events at fortdavis. o events

Cell: olland lpine

Angie Portillo

Photo by Kara Gerbert

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Photos by Kara Gerbert