Exploring Marfa, Texas: Top 12 Must-See Attractions

Exploring Marfa, Texas: Top 12 Must-See Attractions

Discovering Marfa, Fort Davis, and Alpine: Top 10 Kid-Friendly Attractions

Marfa, Fort Davis, and Alpine, Texas, offer a rich tapestry of kid-friendly attractions and activities that cater to various interests. Here are the top 10 attractions that families can explore:

1. Fort Davis National Historic Site – A captivating educational spot where children can embark on a self-guided walking tour of restored 1880s buildings, watch an engaging film, and participate in the Junior Ranger program to earn a badge by learning about the fort’s history and environment.
2. Bird Watching at Fort Davis – With over 150 bird species recorded, Fort Davis serves as an ideal spot for children interested in wildlife and nature exploration.
3. West Texas Adventure Co. Horseback Riding in Marfa – Suitable for all ages, these horse riding tours provide an active, engaging way to experience Marfa’s unique landscape.
4. Ebikemarfa Electric Bike Rentals and Tours – Older kids and teens can enjoy ebike tours around Marfa and surrounding areas, combining exercise with sightseeing in a fun way.
5. Marfa Maid Dairy Visit – Children can witness a real goat milking and cheese-making operation at this local dairy, offering a farm experience and insight into local agriculture.
6. Marfa Municipal Golf Course – For families who enjoy outdoor sport, this highest golf course in Texas offers golf lessons and rentals to kids and adults alike in a scenic setting.
7. Exploring Marfa’s Art Galleries and Installations – More suitable for older children, Marfa’s world-class art scene offers unique visual experiences, including outdoor installations connected to the landscape.
8. Big Bend Ranch State Park (near Marfa) – For adventurous families, the park provides hiking and outdoor exploration in rugged terrain, suitable for children used to outdoor activities.
9. Visiting Alpine’s Museums and Parks – Alpine is known for family-friendly activities like visiting museums (e.g., Museum of the Big Bend) and parks, which complement the experience in the region.
10. Participating in Junior Ranger Programs or Similar Educational Activities – Encouraged at Fort Davis National Historic Site and potentially at other parks nearby, these programs add interactive learning for children.

These activities offer a blend of history, nature, art, and outdoor adventure that appeal to children and families visiting the area.

Additional Attractions in the Area

• Davis Mountain State Park, 30 minutes west of Marfa, offers hiking trails with breathtaking mountain views, including the 2.5-mile Indian Lodge Loop trail.
• Balmorhea State Park is 30 miles north of Fort Davis, making it about a 50-minute drive from Marfa.
• Fort Davis, located 30 minutes west of Marfa, boasts cooler temperatures and gorgeous mountain scenery.
• The scenic loop drive around Fort Davis is recommended, especially if visiting McDonald Observatory.
• Balmorhea State Park is an oasis in the high desert and home to the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.
• Fort Davis was primarily used to safeguard the west Texas frontier against the Comanches and Apaches until 1881.
• The Hancock Hill hike starts in the Sul Ross University parking lot and offers stunning views of Alpine, a bike tree, and an old desk full of notebooks.
• Balmorhea State Park offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat, with its cool, clear waters inviting swimmers to enjoy a swim or snorkel.
• The Junior Ranger Program for Fort Davis is available for printing or can be obtained at the visitors center.
• The Marfa Stone House comes with 2 adult bikes and it's recommended to bring bikes or scooters for kids.
• Other notable bike ride destinations and murals in Marfa include the Marfa Courthouse, the pink fire station, Marfa Elementary School playground, Godbold Feed mill, "I'd rather be in Marfa" mural, "Mystery Lights" mural, "Greetings from Marfa Texas" mural, and "Marfa Shorthorns" mural.
• Prada Marfa, a permanent installation 26 miles northwest of Marfa, is a must-see attraction for art enthusiasts.
• The Marfa Mystery Lights, glowing orbs, are a must-see attraction located 9 miles east of town on Highway 90, towards Alpine.
• The official Marfa Lights viewing area has an adobe viewing platform and a large paved circular driveway for viewing the mystery lights from your car.
• Ballroom Marfa, a contemporary art and performance space, is housed in a 1920s ballroom and offers rotating exhibits and performances. It is open from 11am-6pm Wednesday- Saturday and admission is free.
• Chinati, a contemporary art exhibit, is open from 9-5pm Wednesday- Sunday and reservations for a guided tour are recommended. Children 17 and under are free.
• The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center includes hiking trails, a cactus museum collection, and a replica of a 19th Century silver mine.
• Entry to Fort Davis is $20 per vehicle.
• Entry to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center is $6.50 for adults, with children 12 and under entering for free.
• McDonald Observatory offers 90-minute guided daytime tours.
• Highlights of the McDonald Observatory tour include standing at the highest point of Texas highways and stunning views of the surrounding region.

1. Families who are interested in shopping for unique and local products can visit Marfa's home-and-garden stores for home decor items and lifestyle goods, as shopping in Marfa is known for its quirky and artsy offerings.
2. After exploring the top 10 kid-friendly attractions, parents might also consider planning a travel adventure to Big Bend National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive west of Alpine, where families can enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in the country.

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