Big Bend Country, Texas
In Big Bend Country, the sky's no limit. Nowhere else in Texas do the stars at night shine quite so bright or the sunsets seems quite so rosy. Here, too, the earth displays its own vigor. Prickly pear cacti bloom with fuschia ferocity and golden exuberance as desert vistas shimmer far into the distance. Nomadic tumbleweeds bounce erratically across lonesome prairies, and craggy mountain peaks form a jagged phalanx on the horizon. Nature needs no introduction in this awe-inspiring terrain.
Explore Big Bend Country
Franklin Mountains State Park Camping
A limited number of tent camping sites are available. There are two types of campsites; one type (walk-in developed) is traditional, in that tents are placed directly on the ground and have tables and grills. The park has recently established an area with 5 self-contained RV sites(
, TX CampingThe Post
Located five miles south of town on the Post Road lies what remains of old Fort Pena Colorado, built in 1879 to protect area residents from Indian raids.
Marathon, TX Historic FortsFr. Alfred Villanueva, the current pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, had a grotto built in the church yard in honor of "Our Lady." The statue was brought over from Portugal and blessed during an outdoor mass on Mother's Day, 2001
Van Horn, TX ShrinesBig Bend National Park Birdwatching
Big Bend National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise. It is home to about 450 species of birds, more than any other national park in the United States. Visit the website for specie lists, warbles, rare birds, and Big Bend's "Most Wanted."
, TX BirdwatchingBig Bend Ranch State Park Trails
Fifty miles of hiking and backpacking trails in Big Bend Ranch State Park are accessible at trail heads along FM 170, and opportunities for short hikes abound at several locations along the interior park road. Day-Hiking
, TX HikingSeminole Canyon State Park Interpretive Center
The Interpretive Center at the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site has exhibits relating to the history of the canyon area. Tours of the Fate Bell Shelter are held daily Wednesday through Sunday. From June 1st through August 31st the Fate Bell Tour will be held at 10
, TX Visitors CentersGeorge W. Bush Childhood Home
Visit the town President George W. Bush refers to as his hometown and learn more about the man as you tour his fully-restored childhood home. Features furnishings authentic to 1952-56
Midland, TX Famous HomesFort Leaton State Historic Site
Fort Leaton State Historic Site is one of Texas' most unusual historic sites with a massive adobe fortress built by frontiersman, Ben Leaton, in 1848, immediately after the Mexican War at a strategic site on the Chihuahua-San Antonio Trail in arid West Texas by the Rio Grande.
Presidio, TX Historic FortsGuadalupe Mountains Camping
Backcountry Campgrounds For those who wish to enjoy an arduous backpacking experience there are 10
, TX CampingDavis Mountains State Park EquineTrails
Seven miles of equestrian trails are located in the beautiful Limpia Canyon Primitive Area. Visitors must provide their own horses. The trail takes riders from a 4,900 feet elevation at Limpia Creek to over 5,700
, TX EquestrianBalmorhea State Park Scuba Diving
San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park fill a 'cienega' (desert wetland) and the canals of a refugium are home to endangered species of fish, assorted invertebrates, and turtles. The pool differs from most public pools in several respects: the 1 3/4-acre size, the 25-foot depth and the 72 to 76
, TX Scuba Diving