LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Area Attractions- Situated among the Davis Mountains in West Texas, Fort Davis has forever been a stopping place for travelers. Clean water made camping convenient. Abundant wild game provided excellent hunting and the flora and fauna made the high Chihuahuan Desert an oasis.
Fort Davis, with the most species of hummingbirds, (16)is the "Hummingbird Capital of Texas making Stone Village Tourist Camp "the" motel to base your birding trip. Hunting is also available throughout the West Texas region. Audad sheep, mountain lion, elk, mule and whitetail deer call the Davis Mountains home.
Scientific study and exploration are other hallmarks. Learn about the stars and constellations at The University of Texas McDonald Observatory; view the geological beginnings of the area and tour the botanical gardens comprised of local flora at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Harvard University Radio Astronomy VLBA conducts deep space study and the Davis Mountain State Park and interpretive center offer information on the area's diverse ecological system.
There are three excellent ways to view the beautiful mountains of West Texas. The Scenic Loop, a seventy-five mile road through and around some of Texas's highest peaks, can be traveled by car, bike or motorcycle. Highway 166 and 118 are listed in Ride Texas as two of the 'Top Five Rides' in Texas! Cross country cycling and competitors in the annual Texas Cup Series stage race, HammerFest, offer the highest elevation changes in the entire southwest. Stone Village Tourist Camp is also proud to host Adventure Cycling's Souther Tier and Big Bend rides throughout the Fall and Spring.
History abounds with several Historic sites and museums available. The Fort Davis National Historic Site, an award winning preservation effort, provides a glimpse into cavalry post life for the Buffalo Soldier and Museum of the Big Bend reveals the history dating back to Pre-Columbian era for man and several dinosaur exhibits discovered in the Big Bend area!
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Cited for its excellent preservation, Fort Davis NHS presents a unique historic prospective into the establishment of Texas and all of the Southwest's most unusual and unique areas, The Davis Mountains.
The Indian Lodge at Davis Mountain State Park
San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park
This museum details the life of Nick Mersfelder, founding settler, politico and entrepeneur.
University of Texas McDonald Observatory
Cutting edge research under the "Darkest Skies in North America" Star Parties for the public on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights
Sul Ross State University is home to one of the best know map collections, a flying teradochtyle and other great art and historical exhibits, including: "Trappings of Texas".
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
Located three miles south of FD on 118, enjoy beautiful botanical gardens, living geology displays from atop Clayton's Lookout. Excellent educational experience for the whole family!
For a complete listing of all area attractions and calendar of events, go to FortDavis.com
