Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 432-426-3337;
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us
;
Hwy 118; adult/child under 12yr $6/free)
Just a few miles
northwest of Fort Davis on Hwy 118, set amid the most extensive mountain range in
Texas, is Davis Mountains State Park. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding (BYO
horse) and stargazing are all big attractions here, as is bird-watching. Pick up a bird
checklist from park headquarters so you know what you're looking at, or, if you already
know what you're looking at, use it to impress your bird-watching friends.
With mountains come views, and there's no better place to enjoy your position than at
an overlook at the top of Skyline Dr. In daylight, you can check out the surrounding area
and neighboring mountain ranges. Dusk brings majestic sunsets, and after dark - and boy
does it get dark - you can test your knowledge of the constellations.
Overnighters can camp within the park or bunk down at Indian Lodge (
Click here
)
.
Overland Trail Museum
( 432-426-3904; Fort & 3rd Sts; donations accepted; 1-5pm Tue-Sun)
Pioneer doohickeys and Old
West thing-a-majigs are on this display in the former home of early settler Nick Mersfel-
ter, located right along the stagecoach route known as the Overland Trail. And it's not just
personal whatnots you'll find; there are larger displays like the original switchboard from
nearby Valentine.
MUSEUM
Rattlers & Reptiles
( 432-426-2465; 1600 N State St; adult/child under 10yr $4/1; 10am-dark)
Snakes, spiders, scorpi-
ons…all the things you should check your boots for before you put them on can be seen
on display at the funky little Rattlers & Reptiles. Sure, the critters on display give some
people the willies, but better to run into them here than out on the trail or, worse yet, in
your tent.
MUSEUM
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
( 432-364-2499;
www.cdri.org
; 43869 Hwy 118; adult/child under 12yr $6/free; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Four
miles south of town, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center exhibits the region's flora in
gardens and on trails. Take a 2-mile hike down into a canyon, watch butterflies flitting
around wildflower gardens, check out a permanent exhibit on mining, or visit the cactus
greenhouse.
NATURE RESERVE
