BIG BEND COUNTRY: FORT DAVIS TEXAS

FORT DAVIS TEXAS

Maps of Fort Davis & Fort Davis Area

Fort Davis was established by Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, as a frontier fort in 1864, built at the intersection of the famed Chihuahua and Butterfield Overland Mail Route.

Fort Davis is the county seat of Jeff Davis County. The town has a population of 1,050 and sits at an altitude 5,050 feet above sea level.

Before the Civil War Fort Davis helped protect westward bound pioneers as they crossed the treacherous area where Indians were still hostile. During the Civil War the troops were pulled from Fort Davis, which left it to the mercy of the natives. After the war westward migration resumed and so did Fort Davis, remaining as a protector of pioneers until it was shut down in 1891.

Downtown Fort Davis, Texas Modern day Fort Davis' climate and altitude make it a popular tourist destination. Visitors will find specialty shops, restaurants and lodging, in addition to camping areas and other attractions..

Wine lovers will find the Blue Mountain Winery on the Scenic Loop Tour.

The Chihuahuan Desert Visitor Center is a natural area operated by the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, dedicated to preserving the Chihuahuan Desert Region. You can hike on the fairly difficult Modesta Canyon trail for a close look at the Chihuahuan Desert. Clayton's Overloook trail gives you views of the diverse desert topography. In the Center's greenhouse there are more than 200 species of Chihuahuan Desert cacti.

You'll find Davis Mountains State Park in a sloping basin in the Davis Mountains. The park has a multilevel hotel called Indian Lodge, built in the Pueblo style. There is a free interpretive center open afternoons. You will find camping, picnicking, trailer sites and the other usual amenities Davis Mountains State Park, plus trails for hiking and mountain biking.

You can visit Fort Davis National Historic Site, the location of the actual fort where the buildings that housed 12 companies still exist. There is an entry fee.

The Overland Trail Museum is named for the historic trail that once passed by its front door. There is an admission fee.

The McDonald Observatory was built in 1932 on Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes, due to its clear air, cloudless nights and distance from city lights.

The Frank N. Bash Visitors Center is open daily from 9 am til 5 pm. Solar viewings are shown daily. There are fees for the various activities, including once a month when visitors can view celestial objects through the 107 inch telescope. This is very popular, reservations should be made well in advance. Call 432.426.3640.

WHERE TO STAY IN FORT DAVIS

Indian Lodge was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservations Corps. It is a multi-level pueblo style structure located in Davis Mountains State Park. If you want to stay in Indian Lodge make reservation well in advance of your visit. Hotel Limpia is another popular Fort Davis lodging location. Harvard Hotel & Ranch and H.E. Sproul Ranch is a newer lodging option, with a rustic look. The Veranda is a block away from Jeff Davis County Courthouse, the inn has walled gardens and courtyards with rocking chairs and free Wi-Fi. Butterfield Inn Cottages has cozy cabins with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. For RVers and campers there is Davis Mountain State Park, and, in downtown Fort Davis, you will find the Overland Trail Campground.

WHERE TO EAT IN FORT DAVIS

Fort Davis Drug Store is an old-fashioned soda fountain and restaurant known for its chicken-fried steak, burgers and big breakfasts. Cueva de Leon Cafe is the Fort Davis Tex-Mex place, known for its chile rellenos and chicken enchiladas. The Hotel Limpia Dining Room is a high quality, casual dinner joint where you can have a cocktail upstairs in Sutler's Club after paying $3 to become a member of the bar to comply with local liquor laws. Star Date Cafe in the McDonald Observatory Visitors Center is open daily serving food with a southwestern theme. The Black Bear at Indian Lodge also serves southwestern cuisine. You can probably guess the cuisine at Murphy's Pizza, Subs and Pasta. At Heavenly Skies Cafe you will find ice cream, soups, sandwiches, in addition to things like bird feeders and bike rentals. The Chuckwagon specializes in contemporary western cuisine. The Caboose is an ice cream and shaved ice shop featuring 24 flavors of Bell Bell ice cream and 25 flavors of shaved ice. The Bear Den features a patio where you can enjoy Mexican cuisine and steaks.

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