www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/franklin-mountains.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN—A 90-minute, self-guided walking tour begins in San Jacinto Plaza, the original site of Ponce de León’s ranch; winds through El Paso’s down- town historic district; and ends on Mills Street at the Kress Building. Contact Visit El Paso, formerly the El Paso Con- vention & Visitor Bureau, for a brochure. 915/534-0661.
HUECO TANKS STATE HISTORIC SITE—Named for the natural rock basins in its granite outcroppings that capture rainwater, this ancient site preserves more than 2,000 pictographs. Reservations recommended. Admission and camping charge. U.S. 62/180, about 25 miles east of El Paso. 915/857-1135.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state- parks/hueco-tanks.
INDIAN CLIFFS RANCH—Ranch includes a private zoo, lake, movie sets, restaurant and Fort Apache. Free. Locat- ed 20 miles east of El Paso, five miles north of Exit 49 (Fabens) on I-10. 915/544-3200.
www.cattlemansranch. com/
indiancliffsranch.htm.
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART—The museum is home to African, Western, heritage, Kolliker and Hall of Fame artists. It is in the stately Turney Mansion near downtown. Free. 1211 Montana Ave. 915/543-6747.
www.internationalmuseumofart.net.
KEYSTONE HERITAGE PARK—This 52-acre park is an archeological site, an archaic wetlands and a desert botanical garden. The park is an important stop for migrating birds, and more than 200 species have been documented. 4200 Doniphan Drive. 915/584-0563.
www.keystoneheritagepark.org.
LOS PORTALES TOURIST MUSEUM AND INFORMA- TION CENTER—In an 1850s Territorial-style building, exhibits showcase the historical legacies of the San Elizaro community, the Spanish presidio, the Salt War of 1877 and more. South on F.M. 258 to 1521 San Elizario Road. 915/851-1682.
www.epcounty.com/sanelizariomuseum.
MAGOFFIN HOME STATE HISTORIC SITE—This Texas Historical Commission property features the stories of a multicultural family who influenced the development of the Southwest borderlands. The home offers authentic art and furnishings indicative of the daily lives of this promi- nent El Paso family. Admission charge. 1120 Magoffin Ave. 915/533-5147.
www.visitmagoffinhome.com.
MCKELLIGON CANYON—In the Franklin Mountains, this 90-acre park is open to hikers and picnickers. Surrounded on three sides by dramatic canyon walls, the 1,500-seat amphitheater—used for concerts and special events— is a special feature of the park. 1500 McKelligon Road. 915/566-6441.
http://elpasolive.com/venues/mckelligon_ canyon or
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks.
MISSION TRAIL—El Paso’s Lower Valley is the site of Spanish missions older than the better-known missions of California. Tour mapped by Visit El Paso (formerly the El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau). 915/534-0661. Nuestra Señora del Carmen, was established in 1681
for the Tigua tribe and dedicated as Corpus Christi de la Ysleta in 1690. Damaged by both floods and fires, it was restored and maintained in the original style. It is the
The First Thanksgiving
THE EL PASO MISSION TRAIL Association hosts this event in April. Costumed actors and dancers represent the Native Americans and Spaniards, who give thanks and celebrate after their perilous crossing of the Chihuahuan desert and arrival at the banks of the Rio Grande.
www.visitelpaso
missiontrail.com.
oldest mission in Texas. 131 S. Zaragoza Road. (Zaragosa exit on I-10 East). 915/859-9848.
www.ysletamission.org. Nuestra Señora de la Concepción del Socorro was
established in 1682 as a mission for the Piros, Thanos and Jemes tribes. When a group of Native Americans threat- ened to revolt, the mission was moved closer to Ysleta Mission. An early 19th-century flood left the village and mission on the Texas side. 328 S. Nevarez Road. Socorro is adjacent to southeast El Paso. 915/859-7718. San Elizario Presidio Chapel was founded in 1777
to serve a Spanish military garrison and the government. Still in daily use, the chapel stands as it was built 200 years ago, preserving a type of architecture that supplanted the more austere styles of Ysleta and Socorro missions. 1556 San Elizario Road. 915/851-2333.
MOUNT CRISTO REY—The Mountain of Christ the King looms above El Paso at a point where 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.
NATIONAL BORDER PATROL MUSEUM & MEMORIAL LIBRARY—Equipment, documents, books, paintings, photos, vehicles and memorabilia are available to visitors and scholars. Free. 4315 Transmountain Road (Loop 375). 915/759-6060.
www.borderpatrolmuseum.com.
THE OUTLET SHOPPES AT EL PASO—Includes more than 90 name-brand stores, dancing water fountain and children’s area. 7051 S. Desert Blvd., Canutillo. 915/877- 3208.
www.horizongroup.com/our-centers/elpaso.
PLAZA THEATRE—First opened in 1930, it is one of the few remaining atmospheric theaters in the nation. It was saved from demolition in 1986. The theater was later restored, and it is open for tours and performances. 125 Pioneer St. 800/351-6024.
www.visitelpaso.com.
SAN ELIZARIO HISTORIC DISTRICT—This nationally recognized district has a history spanning more than 400 years: From Don Juan de Oñate in 1598—who took posses- sion of the land—to Billy the Kid—who broke into the Old County Jail in 1876—and the biggest gunfight of the Old West—the Salt War of 1877. There are 17 historic sites, several art galleries and studios, museums, walking tours, restaurants, shops, a historic sculpture series, re-enactments and many seasonal events. Take I-10 east to Exit 42, then Socorro Road to south F.M. 1110 (21 miles from El Paso).
www.sanelizariohistoricdistrict.org.
SAN JACINTO PLAZA—This is the original historic city square and park, right in the heart of downtown. The plaza features a fiberglass sculpture, “Plaza de los Lagartos” by sculptor Luis Jiménez, depicting the alligators that used to call San Jacinto Plaza their home.
SCENIC DRIVES—Scenic Drive traces a winding course on the southern flank of Mount Franklin above downtown El Paso, with a view of Juárez across the river. El Paso is “V” shaped, divided by the steep slopes of the
Franklin Mountains. Connecting the V’s top ends is Loop 375 (Transmountain Road) that climbs through mile-high Smugglers Gap with impressive views of rugged mountain- desert scenery. Accessible from I-10 northwest of the city and from U.S. 54 northeast. Reached from Richmond Street on the east and from Rim Road on the west.
STANLEE AND GERALD RUBIN CENTER FOR VISUAL ARTS—Three galleries exhibit contemporary art. Free. Dawson Road at Sun Bowl Drive. 915/747-6151.
www.utep.edu/arts.
TIGUA INDIAN RESERVATION: YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO—The oldest community in present-day Texas is now part of the city of El Paso. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center is owned by the Tigua tribe. It features a museum, gift shop, Native American social dancing and the Cacique Cafe. 305 Yaya Lane (off Socorro Road). 915/859-7700.
TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER—See ANTHONY. 99
IF THIS IS THE LAST TIME
YOU OWNED WESTERN BOOTS
visitelpaso.com
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