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Gardens at the Gage Hotel - photo by Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail
A quaint getaway along U.S. Highway 90, Marathon offers distinctive hostelries, dining, shops and galleries and unrivaled night skies for hours of star gazing. Marathon became the “Gateway to the Big Bend” with the establishment of Big Bend National Park in 1944 to the southeast. Visitors enjoy views of Iron Mountain to the north and Santiago Peak to the south, and the dry high-desert climate assures cool evening breezes in summer and a few snowy days in winter.
In the early 20th century, Marathon was a bustling community and had grown to almost 1,000 by 1927 when it served as a railroad shipping point for livestock from area ranches and silver and mercury from mines to the south. Now, with a population of nearly 500, Marathon has become an attraction, if not home, to artists and naturalists from around the world.
FEATURED EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
Camp Peña Colorado (Post Park)
Stillwell Store, Home of Hallie's Hall of Fame
Five miles south of town, this shady oasis known by locals as simply “The Post”, was a major stopover on the Comanche War Trail. A military outpost was established in 1879 to patrol the border and secure the proposed route for the coming transcontinental railroad. The park is a popular location for dances, picnics, and fishing, and is one of the best birding sites in the region.
Marathon Historical Museum
Housed in the first schoolhouse in the Big Bend region, the museum features displays on early ranching, railroads, and the mercantile history of Marathon. North 3rd Street and Avenue E.
Hallie’s Hall of Fame MuseumLocated 40 miles south on Hwy 385, then 6 miles east on FM 2627, this family museum honors the memory of legendary ranch woman and author Hallie Stillwell.
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
Fifty-five miles south of Marathon via Highway 385 and FM 2627, find 100,000 acres devoted to management and study of native wildlife. Hunting and fishing by permit.
West Fest and Cabrito Cook-off
The last weekend of September, West Texas cooks vie for top prize with cabrito (goat) specialties. Activities include washer pitching, team roping softball, live music, and a dance.
Marathon 2 Marathon - photo by Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail
Marathon2Marathon
This 26.2 mile run from Alpine to Marathon is held in mid-October and features a 10K fun run, two-person relay, and downtown festivities. http://www.marathon2marathon.net/
Fiesta de Noche Buena
Galleries and shops open on this December evening as musicians stroll among the downtown revelers.
Marathon Chamber of Commerce
105 West Hwy 90 (in Front Street Books)
432.386.4516
www.marathontexas.com