This city grew from earlier settlements dating back to a Spanish expedition in 1598 and a settlement by Juan Maria Ponce De Leon in 1827, though some area missions predate that settlement by almost 150-years. El Paso is the largest US city on the Mexican border. The city is located in an ancient mountain pass fro which the name derived, which is surrounded by mile-high peaks.
Things to do in El Paso
Air Defense Artillery Museum
Located in Building 5000 at Pleasanton Rd. near Robert E. Lee Road you will find the U.S. Army Air Defense & Artillery Museum. As one of its kind in the country, the hands-on displays and dioramas about the history of air defense cannot be missed. Open daily 9am - 4:30pm. Best Western El Paso lodging is nearby.
Ascarate Park Golf Course
6900 Delta Drive, El Paso, TX
Border Patrol Museum
This museum presents the rich heritage of the U.S. Border Patrol. Equipment, documents, books, and memorabilia are made available to the casual visitor or the scholar. Located at 4315 Transmountain Road. Open Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm.
Buffalo Soldier Monument
This bronze statue is based on the painting, "The Errand of Corporal Ross" by El Paso artist Bob Snead. It is located at the Robert E. Lee gate to the Fort.
Chamizal National Memorial
This memorial recognizes these cities amicable settlement of long-standing border dispute between U.S. and Mexico. Located in an area by the Rio Grande where a new channel marks the adjusted international boundary. A Visitor center, exhibits, films in Spanish and English on Chamizal and border history can be found here. Located at Paisano and San Marcial Streets at 800 South San Marcial. Open daily 8am - 5pm. Call 915-532-7273 for more information.
Cielo Vista Golf Course
1510 Hawkins Boulevard, El Paso, TX
Concordia Cemetery
This historic cemetery and landmark is divided into five parts, including the actual Boot Hill Gunfighter John Wesley Hardin who is buried here along with other notable gunslingers of the old Southwest. Exit I-10 at Copia.
El Paso / Juarez Tours
These tours are an easy and fun way to cross the border to shop and sightsee in Juarez, Mexico, in a trolley. The air-conditioned trollies depart from the Civic Center on the hour from 10am - 4pm, November - March and 10am - 5pm, April - October. Call 915-544-0062 for more information.
El Paso Centennial Museum
Archeology, anthropology and geology are all featured at this museum. Photos and maps show the historical development of El Paso. Located on the campus at the University of Texas at El Paso, University Avenue and Wiggins Road. Open Tuesday - Friday 10am - 3pm;Sunday 1:30 - 5:30pm. Call 915-747-5565 for more information.
El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center
This collection includes aerial photographs of World War II concentration camps, personal effects and artifacts captured by American servicemen as well as the re-creation of a death camp transport train. The museum plans to open a new center in downtown El Paso in January of 2005. Call 915-584-4202 for more information.
El Paso Museum of Art
At this art museum visitors can view the multimillion-dollar Kress Collection and Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Located at the Corner of Santa Fe and San Antonio Streets, across from the Convention Center at One Arts Festival Plaza. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm. Call 915-532-1707 for more information.
El Paso Museum of History
The U.S. Cavalry mementos and valuable charro costumes and saddles can be seen here. Explore Southwestern history from the conquistadors to Pancho Villa in pictures. Located at the Avenue of The Americas. Open Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 4:45pm. Call 915-759-8585 for more information.
El Paso Speedway Park
Enjoy auto racing every Saturday night from mid-April to mid-October on a 1/2 mile, semi-banked clay oval racetrack. Racecar categories include IMCA-type Modifieds, Sprint Cars, Hot Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Mini-Stocks. Located 12-miles east of El Paso International Airport at 14900 Montana Ave. Races usually start at 7:30pm. For more information during racing season please call. Call 915-857-3478 for more information.
El Paso Union Depot
This depot, completed in 1906, was the first international train station in the US. The handsome renovated building now serves AMTRAK and is home to the city's transportation system, Sun Metro. Located behind the convention center.
El Paso Zoo
This zoo exhibits over 700 animals of about 200 different species. It is considered the major zoological attraction in the entirety of west Texas, southern New Mexico and the northern Mexico region. Also accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Located at 4001 East Paisano Street. Open daily. Call 915-521-1850 for more information.
Fort Bliss
This U.S. Army post was established in 1848 as defense against hostile Indians and to assert U.S. authority over lands acquired after the Mexican War. It was the headquarters for the confederate forces in the Southwest during the Civil War. Later, it became a refitting post for military efforts against the wily, much-feared Apache chief, Geronimo. Today the fort is an U.S. Army Air Defense Center and combat training for allied nations. On site you will find the Air Defense Artillery Museum and the Buffalo Soldier Monument. Call 915-568-3390 for more information.
Fort Bliss Museum and Study Center
At this museum visitors can find exhibits and artifacts portray the history of America's air and missile defense as well as the modern-day technology breakthroughs. Located at building 1735 - Marshall Road. Open daily 9am - 4:30. Closed Christmas, New Year's, Easter and Thanksgiving.
Franklin Mountain State Park
This 24,000-acre park is located within the El Paso city limits. Hiking, picnicking, and nature study are available. It encompasses an entire Chihuahuan Desert mountain range. Located at Woodrow Bean and Trans Mountain Road. Call 915-566-6441 for more information.
Fray Garcia Monument
This 14-ft. bronze sculpture by John Houser honors the priest who founded the area's first mission. The statue, located in Pioneer Plaza downtown, is the first in the series of Twelve Travelers monuments by Houser scheduled for various sites in El Paso.
Hueco Tanks State Historical Site
Precious water from infrequent rains are "stored" in natural rock basins. For centuries this was a strategic travel stop in this arid region. Ancient Indian pictographs, plus names of '49ers on way their way to California. The area offers picnicking, hiking and climbing. Located off U.S. 62/180, 26 miles east of El Paso.
Indian Cliffs Ranch
This ranch is located 20-miles east of El Paso and 5-miles north of Exit 49 on the I-10. Includes the ranch, private zoo, lake, movie sets and a restaurant. Open daily. Call 915-544-3200 for more information.
Insights - El Paso Science Center
The El Paso Science Center features educational and hands-on exhibits about science and technology. These technologies include solar power, motion, light illumination, electricity, space science, computers, energy and the human body. Located at 505 North Santa Fe Street. Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm except major holidays. Call 915-534-0000 for more information.
International Museum of Art
This museum is home to African, Western, Heritage, Kolliker and Hall of Fame artists. It is located in the stately Turney Mansion near downtown. Located at 1211 Montana Avenue. Open Thursday - Sunday 1 - 5pm. Call 915-543-6747 for more information.
Juárez, Mexico
This city is the largest Mexican city on the U.S. border with a population of 1.5-million. Visitors can find a variety of shopping such as the Puebito Mexicano Shopping Mall, an indoor mall that is a recreation of a Mexican Village. There is also the Museo de Arte e Historia, which displays excellent collection of pre-Columbian art among other contemporary exhibits and artifacts.
Magoffin Home State Historical Site
Here visitors can take guided tours of this homestead, which was built in 1875 as a replica of the earlier home destroyed in a 1868 flood. This home was the political and social center of the Magoffinsville community (later named El Paso). Located at 1120 Magoffin Street. Open 9am - 4pm daily. Call 915-533-5147 for more information.
Mission Tour
Hop aboard the "Trolley on a Mission" to take the mission tour. Visit Mission Ysleta, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Socorro and San Elizario. This 4 1/2-hour tour includes lunch as well as a stop at the History Museum and Tigua Cultural Center. Tours are held on the fourth Saturday of the month from September - April and every Thursday during May - August. Tours depart from Civic Center. Call for reservations. Call 915-544-0062 for more information.
Mission Trail
El Paso's lower valley is site of several graceful old Spanish missions that are older than the better known missions of California. Call 915-534-0677 for more information.
Museum of the Noncommissioned Officer
The museum traces the history of the U.S. NCO corps with artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War. Open Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm; Saturday and Sunday noon - 4pm. Located at Biggs Army Airfield, Bldg. 11331 at Barksdale & 5th Streets.
Natural History Museum of El Paso
In association with the Texas Museum of History, the Natural History Museum features more than 300 exhibits spanning the wonders of the universe, the progression of life on earth and the dawn of civilization. Located at 9348 Dyer Street in Northgate Center. Call 915-545-4257 for more information.
Nuestra Señora de la Concepción del Socorro
This was established in 1682 as a mission for Piros, Thanos and Jemes Indians. It was originally located about 12-leagues from Guadalupe Mission at Paso del Norte and about 7.5 leagues from Ysleta. However, when a group of Indians threatened to revolt the mission moved to a new location about one league from Ysleta Mission. Located southeast of El Paso on FM 258 South.
Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Established in 1681, and later dedicated Corpus Christi de la Ysleta, this mission was damaged by both flood and fires, but has been restored and maintained in its original style. It is the oldest mission in Texas and was established for Tigua Indians. When founded, the mission pueblo was south of the Rio Grande, but has been left on the Texas side by changes in the river channels. Located at the 100 block of Old Pueblo Drive.
Painted Dunes Golf Course
12000 McCombs Street, El Paso, TX
San Elizario Presidio Chapel
The chapel was founded in 1777 to serve as a Spanish military garrison and government. The chapel is still used daily and preserves a type of architecture that supplanted the more austere styles of Ysleta and Socorro missions. Located on FM 258 South at 1556 San Elizario Road.
San Jacinto Plaza
This original historic city square and park are located right in the heart of downtown. The plaza features a fiberglass sculpture, "Plaza de los Lagartos," by sculptor Luis Jimnez depicting the alligators that used to call San Jacinto Plaza their home.
Scenic Drives
The Scenic Drive traces a winding course on the southern flank of Mount Franklin above downtown El Paso, with a view of Juarez across the river. It can be reached from Richmond Street on the east and from Rim Road on the west. El Paso is V shaped, divided by imposing steeps of the Franklin Mountains. Connecting the top ends of the V is Loop 375 (Transmountain Road) that climbs through mile-high Smugglers Gap with impressive views of the rugged mountain-desert scenery.
Sierra de Cristo Rey
The Mountain of Christ the King looms above El Paso at point where the territories of Texas, Mexico and New Mexico meet. Prominent on the 4,576-foot summit is a massive monument of Christ on the Cross-by artist Urbici Soler, built of Cordova cream limestone quarried near Austin. Not recommended to climb except during Pilgrimage on the last Sunday in October.
Speaking Rock Casino
The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo operate this handsome bingo/casino facility. Sessions are offered daily except Monday. Visitors must be 21 yrs. old to enter the bingo hall. Three levels of play are available and jackpots vary. State-of-the-art equipment with electronic display boards. The casino also includes poker, slot machines, and Tigua 21. Located next to the Ysleta Mission on the Tigua Indian Reservation at 122 Old Pueblo Road. Call 915-860-7777 for more information.
Tigua Indian Reservation: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
This is the oldest community inside the present boundaries of Texas. Now it is a part of the city of El Paso. The community was established in 1681 by refugees from a bloody uprising that expelled Spanish and Christian Indians from present New Mexico. Spanish missionaries and loyal Tigua Indians settled here at El Paso del Norte and built the Ysleta mission. Open Tuesday - Friday 9am - 4pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am - 5pm. Call 915-859-7913 for more information.
Travel Information Center
Located at I-10 west. This is one of the travel centers provided by the state at key highway entrances to Texas. They are located in the State Capitol complex, and at the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry. Staffed by uniformed, professional travel counselors, free services to all visitors include information, maps, literature on every part of state, and expert assistance in charting routes. Located on I-10 at New Mexico state line; operated by Texas Department of Transportation.
Western Playland
This 25-acre amusement park offers dozens of rides, including the Splashdown Log Ride and El Bandito Roller Coaster. Open March - May on Friday 7 - 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 2 - 10pm; June - August on Monday - Friday 7 - 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 2 - 11pm; September - October on Saturday & Sunday 2 - 8pm. Located on the landscaped grounds adjacent to the lake in Ascarate Park just 6 miles east of the city off I-10. Call 915-886-2222 for more information.
Wet N' Wild Water World
This park is 37-acres of good family fun. It boasts 24 water attractions including a six-story tall water slide and wave pool. Open everyday through summer. Call 915-886-2222 for more information.
Wilderness Park Museum
Here, visitors can view dioramas depicting ancient Indian tribes of the Southwest, their survival in the desert and adaptation to a changing environment. Located at 3401 Transmountain Road. Open Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm. Call 915-755-4332 for more information.
Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
At this park visitors can get an eagle-eye view of seven-thousand miles of Southwestern natural beauty from atop Ranger Peak in El Paso's Franklin Mountains. From the peak travelers can view the Hueco Mountains, New Mexico's white sands and Mexico. Open Thursday - Monday. Located at 1700 McKinley Call 915-566-6622 for more information.