>>Fort Davis
Flowering Cholla along Davis Mountains Scenic Loop - photo by Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail
Prior to the arrival of the US military at Fort Davis in 1854, the surrounding cliffs were known as the Apache Mountains and were home to Lipan and Mescalero Apache, as well as Kiowa Comanche. Conflict arose as settlements grew and travelers moved along the Overland Trail between St. Louis and California. The garrison established at Limpia Creek to protect the trade route was named after then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. The new fort then gave its name to what are now known as the Davis Mountains.
After the final closing of the fort in 1891, the community of Fort Davis thrived on ranching and an early tourism industry. Before the advent of air conditioning, cool summer temperatures and a picturesque locale brought vacationers from East Texas and the Hill Country to the “Highest Town in Texas.”
Today, Fort Davis is known for its relaxed and comfortable lodging and restaurants, and artisans and merchants offering custom hats, handmade soaps, jewelry, candles, flavored pecans and more. The clear skies and surrounding natural beauty of the Davis Mountains attract birders, stargazers, hikers, cyclists, and motorists enjoying the areas scenic drives.
FEATURED EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
McDonald Observatory
McDonald Observatory
Open to the public and hosting astronomers from around the world, the Observatory’s jewel is the 432 inch Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the world’s largest. Interactive educational exhibits, an amphitheatre, gift shop, and café make-up the Visitors’ Center. Star Parties held Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Guided tours daily 11:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m. Self-guided tours 10am – 5pm.
www.mcdonaldobservatory.org
Davis Mountains State Park & Indian Lodge State Park
Over 2700 acres of parkland offers miles of hiking trails, bird watching, stargazing, picnicking, interpretive programs, and camping. Tent and RV sites with full hookups are available. Inside the park enjoy Indian Lodge, a Southwestern pueblo-style inn built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps with a swimming pool and restaurant. 432.426.3337 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/davis_mountains/
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars’ frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail. Visitors can tour the completely restored officers quarters and soldiers barracks and exhibits featuring a large collection of firearms and medical equipment as well as the Visitors’ Center with books, gifts and the museum with video and computer displays. Self guided tours and hiking trails. Open daily 8-5pm. 432.426.3224 ext. 20
www.nps.gov/foda/
Museums
The Overland Trail Museum exhibits the history of Jeff Davis County. The restored Jeff Davis County Courthouse contains a vast array of County memorabilia and is open to the public during regular business hours. Rattlers & Reptiles Museum has the largest rattlesnake exhibit on the planet and other species of desert wildlife. A truly unique educational experience! Open daily 11 a.m. until dark.
rattlers@sbcglobal.net
Scenic Loop Drive
One of the most popular drives in the Texas, beauty and nature abound on this majestic 72 mile highway through the Davis Mountains. Perfect for driving or cycling, the Loop offers with breathtaking views and places to stop, rest, take photos and picnic all along the way.
Two-barred flasher butterfly at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens
Home of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, the Center offers exhibits, unique hiking trails into canyons, a gift shop, native plantings, and a cactus greenhouse. It is located 4 miles south of Fort Davis, TX, on HWY 118. Open Mon–Sat, 9–5. www.cdri.org
Coolest 4th of July
One of the best in Texas! Featuring the Grand Parade, pet contest, bank robbery reenactments, street dances, varied vendor booths fireworks display and more.
Other annual events:
Texas Star Party, Hummingbird Festival, Old Fort Day, Arts & Crafts fair, Frontier Christmas and more. Visit www.fortdavis.com for a complete calendar of events.
Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce
4 Memorial Square
1.800.524.3015
432.426.3015
