On the campus of Sul Ross State University, this great little museum holds exhibits on locally found marine fossils, Native American pictographs, Spanish explorers, and – of course – cowboys, including a full-scale chuck wagon. It’s a multimedia experience, relying on impressive re-creations rather than cases full of relics.
Museum of the Big Bend
West Texas
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.82 MILES
As you step inside the historic artillery shed, with its enormous windows, sweeping desert views and sun-dappled aluminum boxes, the Marfa hoopla suddenly…
22.29 MILES
Be sure to find out what’s happening at Ballroom Marfa, a nonprofit art space located in a former dance hall. The focus is on offbeat, interesting…
Fort Davis National Historic Site
21.53 MILES
Established in 1854, this well-preserved, beautifully sited frontier fort was named for then–Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. Staffed exclusively by…
23.15 MILES
For majestic sunrises and sunsets, this remote park rivals any we've seen – and we've seen plenty. This wonderful place is just 3 miles northwest of Fort…
Marfa Mystery Lights Viewing Area
15.12 MILES
Ghost lights, mystery lights…call them what you want, but the Marfa Lights, flickering beneath the Chinati Mountains, have been capturing travelers’…
22.4 MILES
The Judd Foundation maintains and preserves the living and work spaces of minimalist artist Donald Judd, who founded the Chinati Foundation Museum. Two…
0.29 MILES
Behind Sul Ross State University, a trail leads up the dusty slopes of Hancock Hill. As well as offering fine views of the area, the hill holds some…
11.97 MILES
Back in 2016, a tiny cinderblock shack beside the railroad on US 90, 15 miles west of Marathon – morphed into Target Marathon, complete with Target’s bull…
Nearby West Texas attractions
0.29 MILES
Behind Sul Ross State University, a trail leads up the dusty slopes of Hancock Hill. As well as offering fine views of the area, the hill holds some…
11.97 MILES
Back in 2016, a tiny cinderblock shack beside the railroad on US 90, 15 miles west of Marathon – morphed into Target Marathon, complete with Target’s bull…
3. Marfa Mystery Lights Viewing Area
15.12 MILES
Ghost lights, mystery lights…call them what you want, but the Marfa Lights, flickering beneath the Chinati Mountains, have been capturing travelers’…
4. Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
16.47 MILES
Four miles south of town, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center exhibits the region's flora in gardens and on trails. Take a 2-mile hike down into a canyon,…
21.39 MILES
Pioneer doohickeys and Old West thing-a-majigs are on display in the former home of early settler Nick Mersfelter, located right along the stagecoach…
21.47 MILES
Snakes, spiders, scorpions…all the things you should check your boots for before you put them on can be seen on display at this funky little museum. Sure,…
7. Fort Davis National Historic Site
21.53 MILES
Established in 1854, this well-preserved, beautifully sited frontier fort was named for then–Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. Staffed exclusively by…
22.29 MILES
Be sure to find out what’s happening at Ballroom Marfa, a nonprofit art space located in a former dance hall. The focus is on offbeat, interesting…