EL PASO

This memorial traces the long-standing border disputes that were resolved in 1963 by the Chamizal Treaty. A video on border history is shown in both Spanish and English, and Los Paisanos. The gallery exhibits works by artists from Mexico and the U.S.

Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed major holidays).

Admission: Free.

Built as a chronological overview, the museum exhibits artifacts from the Holocaust and WWII, and interactive exhibitions. The museum’s goals are to combat prejudice and bigotry through education and to instill the value and dignity of human life. A library and study center are on-site.

Open Tue.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. noon–4 p.m.

Admission: Free. Docent and self-guided tours available.

Founded in 1947, the museum is a major cultural and educational resource for the region. Located downtown in a 104,000-square-foot facility, it has a permanent collection of 5,000 works, including the multimillion-dollar Kress Collection of European art from the 13th through the 18th centuries, American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and Mexican colonial art and retablos. The museum also has an impressive contemporary art collection from the Southwest and Mexico. In addition to these holdings, the venue presents a diverse schedule of temporary exhibitions, films, lectures, and other educational programs for the public.

Open Tue.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. (closed major holidays).

Admission: Free.

The El Paso Museum of History exists for the educational benefit of the community and visitors. It promotes the understanding and significance of the rich multicultural and multinational history of the border region known as “the Pass of the North.” Through exhibits and programs, the museum involves diverse audiences in exploring varieties of human experience and encourages individuals to explore the past and reflect on their own place in history.

Open Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m.

Admission: Free. Call to schedule tour.

In 1948 the citizens of El Paso donated a replica of the original fort to commemorate its centennial. The museum has been developed to represent the 1857 Magoffinsville site of Fort Bliss. This illustrates the origins of the bicultural experience that shaped Fort Bliss, following the admission of Texas to the United States. The museum’s period rooms are carefully furnished with historically accurate reproductions and are staffed by trained volunteer interpreters. These rooms depict everyday activities in a kitchen, weaving room, barracks, carpentry shop, and pottery shop. Herb and vegetable gardens, an orchard, and a vineyard are also part of the grounds.

Open Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed major holidays).

Admission: Free. 1235

This state park was created by an act of the Texas Legislature in 1979. The mountains form a striking backdrop to the city of El Paso and constitute an area of statewide ecological and aesthetic significance. Although located completely within the city limits, the park abounds in birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The Tom Mays section of the park is a public day-use area, with shaded picnic and barbecue sites, several miles of gentle hiking trails, and primitive camping. Rock climbing and mountain biking are just two of the park’s newest recreational activities.

Open Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.– 8 p.m.

Admission: $4, seniors $2, children 12 and under free. Nature guided tours available by reservation. Call for camping and group tour prices.

Take a self-guided tour of these charming missions, which predate all other missions in Texas and California. They illustrate the substantial influence of early Spanish missionaries in El Paso’s Lower Valley.

Call for individual mission hours.

Admission: Free.

Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park features an aerial cable car that covers 195 acres of rugged mountain terrain. The 5,632-foot elevation gives onlookers quite an experience. Visitors can ride on the Swiss-made gondolas to the top of Ranger Peak. The trip includes descriptions of cacti and rock formations, as well as an abundant view of reptiles, birds, and insects.

Call for hours.

Admission: $7, children 4–12 $4, under 4 free.

Group tours by reservation.