Beyond Fort Davis

This guide will acquaint you with various places to stay, as well as unique attractions nearby.  Less than one hour from the Observatory, you can visit a turn-of-the-century frontier fort, tour a renowned contemporary art foundation, or await the appearance of the next bird on your life list.  So whether you are a serious stargazer, an avid naturalist or just a weekender escaping the big-city grind, there is something of interest and amazement for you in this beautiful and unspoiled part of West Texas.  Enjoy!

ALPINE (43 miles)
Immigrant workers employed in the railroad trade in the 1880s originally founded Alpine, the largest town near the Observatory.  Opportunistically positioned on a vital stretch of railroad, Alpine steadily grew during the early twentieth century to become a prominent educational and social community in West Texas.  Alpine, the so-called Hub of the Big Bend, has sustained its progress with nearly a dozen motels and restaurants, a commercial airport and an accredited, four-year university, Sul Ross State University. For more information, call 800-561-3735 or visit www.alpinetexas.com

Points of Interest

Museum of the Big Bend This museum offers a variety of temporary exhibits representing the varied cultures of the original inhabitants of the area, a Discovery Center for children and a unique cactus garden exhibit at the entrance of the museum. Free admission, donations accepted. Visitors are welcome Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Highway 90 East, Alpine, 432-837-8143

Woodward Agate Ranch Hunt for precious rocks at the three thousand acre Woodward Agate Ranch. Enjoy free guide service and a Lapidary shop. Open year-round. 16 miles south of Alpine on Texas Highway 118, 432-364-2271, www.woodwardranch.com

Hotel/Motel Lodging

Please see the Alpine Chamber of Commerce website.

MARATHON (57 miles)
Although a bit remote from the Observatory, Marathon is an enjoyable destination if time permits.  Like its sister towns in the region, Marathon emerged as a major cattle and railroad town in the late nineteenth century and has since enjoyed a renaissance fueled by talented artists and entrepreneurs. For more information, call 432-386-4516 or visit marathontx.areaguides.neta

Points of interest

View watercolors, Mexican pots, and silverware at Chisos Gallery, 104 East Highway 90, next to the Post Office, 800-550-0503

Have an outdoor picnic at The Post, a nineteenth century fort originally built to defend against Comanche attacks.  Although the fort now lies in ruins, bird watchers can enjoy the pristine wilderness and varieties of desert birds. Five miles south of town, past Evans Gallery on the left.

Hotel/Motel Lodging

Please see the Marathon Chamber of Commerce website.

MARFA (38 miles)
An emerging railroad town in the 1880s, Marfa has undergone a series of transitions over the years: First it was an unsettled cattle town, then a center for ranching and military training, and now it is a pioneering center for the study of contemporary art.For more information, call 432-729-4942.

Points of Interest

One of the more compelling attractions in Marfa is the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art foundation that houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions located throughout buildings and outdoor areas on the 340-acre site.  Created by New York artist Donald Judd and open to the public since 1986, the foundation offers various educational and art programs aimed primarily at benefiting aspiring, yet underprivileged artists.  The Chinati Foundation offers an annual open house featuring concerts, readings, and art exhibitions in the first week of October. The rest of the year, it is open to the public for guided tours only, Thursdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  A must see!  The Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati, 1 Calvary Row, Marfa, 432-729-4362

Hotel/Motel Lodging

Please see the Marfa Chamber of Commerce website.

BALMORHEA (50 miles)

Points of Interest

Balmorhea State Park The park’s main attraction is a large (77,000 sq. feet) artesian spring pool that is open daily and fed by San Solomon Springs. The pool offers a 72-76 degree constant temperature, and a variety of aquatic life. There is plenty of room for swimmers, and it is also a unique setting for scuba or skin diving. Located 4 miles west of Balmorhea on Highway 17, 432-375-2370

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
Big Bend National Park spans some 800,000 acres.  The Park preserves the rugged Chihuahuan Desert wilderness from vast desert basins to mountains over 7,800 feet in elevation.  For more information on activities, sites, and lodging, call the Chisos Mountain Lodge 432-477-2291 or Park Services 432-477-2251 or visit www.nps.gov/bibe.