El Paso Attractions

The Mission Trail, starting from El Paso, leads to a number of former Spanish mission stations in Texas: the Mission Ysleta, the oldest in Texas, established in 1681 as the mission of Nuestra Seora del Carmen; the Mission Socorro, founded in 1682 and moved to its present site after an Indian rising; and San Elizario, with the Spanish garrison church of 1777. The missions have different opening hours so be sure to check before you go. The most recommended routing to start with the San Elizario, then Socorro, and finish with Ysleta.

The Mission Trail is well developed and adapted for tourism, with more to see and do than just the missions. Along the route are restaurants, art galleries, shops, and other attractions. The retail selections available include everything from jewelry and crafts to photography and décor. Visitors can also tie in a trip to the Tigua Cultural Center when visiting the Ysleta Mission.

This unassuming museum located in the desert offers an interesting look at the history and evolution of the US Border Patrol. Visitors can have a look at the progression of vehicles used in the patrol over the years, from rudimentary boats, motorcycles, and jeeps to helicopters and airplanes. On display are an OH-6 helicopter, Piper Supercub airplane, and a Conquistador Class high speed boat. There are also exhibits of weapons, uniforms, badges, and artwork.

The National Border Patrol Museum also deals with the historical events and how they effected or contributed to the border patrol, such as prohibition and WWII. A look through the collection of historical photographs provides an interesting perspective on the various time periods.

The museum opened in 1985, closed briefly in the early 1990s, and then moved to its present location. The 10,000 square foot building was built specifically to house the museum.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in the far west of Texas, approximately 56 miles from Carlsbad and 110 miles East of El Paso. The area is remote and there are no paved roads within the park. The area is well known for wildlife and animals spotted include desert amphibians, golden eagles, javalinas, and over 90 species of butterflies.

The park is also known for its towering spire of rock called El Capitan. This pinnacle of rock is very impressive and a favorite with photographers. Also within the park is Guadalupe Peak, the highest elevation in Texas. The barren appearance is misleading because there are many trees and an abundance of wildlife found within this area.

Hiking is the main outdoor activity at the park. Over 80 miles of trails wind their way across the landscape and feature interesting sights, like woodland canyons and surprisingly lush riparian springs. Another popular outdoor pursuit here is horseback riding and both hikers and riders share the same trails.

Ancient fossils are readily seen and date from the Permian Age. Historical items from more recent times can also be visited including the Frijole Ranch, The Pinery, Pratt Cabin, Williams Ranch, Butterfield Stage, and the Ship-on-the-Desert. The visitor's center houses many informative displays and the rangers on staff can answer any questions you may have about the park.

The Americana Museum features exhibits on pre-Columbian culture and history in the Southwest.

The Centennial Museum, on the University of Texas at El Paso campus, features displays related to the natural and cultural history of the Southwest and Mexico. Permanent and changing exhibits deal with archeology, ethnology, geology, mammalogy, ornithology and paleontology, arts and sciences.

The Chamizal National Memorial celebrates the settlement of disputes between Mexico and the United States.

The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. There is a permanent exhibit on the Holocaust with information covering all aspects of the time period of WWII, and life before the rise of the Nazi Party. There is also a Gallery of El Paso Holocaust Survivors.

In addition to the displays the museum offers educational workshops and presentations held throughout the year. Also on site is the Robert & Sara Shiloff Library & Study Center with books and research on the Holocaust.

The museum was originally the idea and creation of Henry Kellen, a Holocaust Survivor. He started a small museum in 1984 and eventually found funding for a free standing museum which was opened in 1994. That building was destroyed by a fire in 2001. In 2008 the new building was completed and the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center opened to the public.

The El Paso Museum of Art is an important cultural institution in West Texas. It houses a collection of over 5,000 pieces in the permanent collection but also features temporary exhibits and various programs. The main focus of the museum is on American, European, and Mexican art and ranges from 12th to 18th C European art to contemporary pieces from the Southwestern United States.

The American art collection in general focuses heavily on the art of the Southwest with works by such names as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Milton Avery, portraits by Rembrandt Peale, Thomas Sully, and Gilbert Stuart, Modernist works by Milton Avery, John Marin, and Max Weber, and Impressionists pieces by Edward Bannister, Frank Boggs, William Merritt Chase, and Henry O. Tanner to name just a few.

There is also an extensive collection of works on paper that include prints, drawings, watercolors, posters, artists' books, and photographs. There are a diverse range of artists represented in this category, from Picasso to Ansel Adams.

The El Paso Opera puts on performances each season at the Abraham Chavez Theatre.

The El Paso Zoo offers an easy and entertaining day for families. The 35 acre complex is divided up by regions consisting of Animals of Africa, Animals of Asia, and Animals of the Americas, with all kinds of animals, big and small. The enclosures offer good viewing opportunities. The zoo also features Zoo Adventure Programs for children and adults.

There are daily animal encounters where visitors can get up close and personal with sea lions, eagles, monkeys, tortoises and other animals. Also be sure to check the events calendar to see what's going on at the zoo when you plan to visit.

This zoo, while carrying a good variety of animals from around the world, is relatively small but is still an interesting outing in El Paso.

Insights El Paso Science Center features hands-on, permanent and changing exhibits related to science and technology.

This nineteen room adobe house was built in 1875. The house, built in Territorial style architecture, has three wings, each built in different construction periods. Mid-Victorian wood trim is consistent with photographs which show the house decorated in Victorian style.

The Main Street Gallery, located on the El Paso Mission Trail, features regional artists that are emerging, established or developing.

The museum features artifacts and life like recreations of scenes from the pre-Columbian Indians of the Southwest.

The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is a Native American tribe, with the tribal community of Tigua established in the 17th Century. Tourists can learn more about the history and traditions of these people known as Tigua, at the Tigua Indian Cultural Center which features a museum, Indian dancing, craft gift shop, and a chance to taste some traditional dishes. Guided tours of the facility are offered and traditional dances are performed by Tigua youth to the sound of traditional music. The museum displays a variety of artifacts and provides information on the culture and history. In the gift shop visitors can see and purchase some local art such as jewelry and other pieces.

The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is located just a short drive east of downtown El Paso, but still within the city limits. The pueblo and tribe is recognized by the United States government as a sovereign nation. It also has its own political system.