Explore West Texas: Fort Davis National Historic Site

America’s Southwest is full of natural beauty as well as historic sites that offer a glimpse into the past. One of the best examples of a frontier military outpost (1854 – 1891), lies along the foothills of the Davis Mountains in West Texas. Fort Davis National Historic Site is operated by the National Park Service and gives visitors the chance to explore the fort, including restored buildings, abandoned structures, and ruins. Through films, exhibits, and insightful programs, visitors can learn about the fort’s strategic location along the San Antonio-El Paso Road, where travelers, troops, postal workers, and Native Americans interacted on a daily basis.

Travel Tip: The area is home to a handful of under-the-radar attractions that are all worth a visit. Explore the area nicknamed the “Alps of Texas” while driving on the 75-mile Mount Davis Scenic Loop. Visit a few of the nearby recreation areas, including Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge State Park. Hang until after sunset and attend a Star Party at the McDonald Observatory.

Things to Do

• Stop in the visitor center and have a seat in the former mess hall to watch the 15-minute introductory video, narrated by basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Check out the exhibits and grab a grounds map before heading out to the former military outpost.
• Enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic site. There are six restored buildings on the grounds, providing guests with a realistic image of the fort during its active years in the 1880’s. Have a look at the 20 abandoned buildings and the ruins of another 100 structures, all serving a function at one time.
• The National Park Service maintains several short trails and a picnic area shaded by beautiful oak trees. The habitats around the Davis Mountains attract a wide range of birds, many of which nest on the property. Bring your binoculars to catch sight of some of the dozens of species in the park.
• Time your visit with a special event or demonstration. During the summer months you might see an 1880’s baseball game. In the Fall, the park offers evening lantern tours. Throughout the year, the park rangers organize historic demonstrations that are fun for the entire family.