Marathon Attractions
Marathon Historical Museum - The museum, located on 3rd St N. and Ave E, includes displays on early ranching, railroads, Fort Pena Colorado, early school and mercantile history of Marathon.
The Marathon Jail -- S. 2nd St. between Aves. C and D
Roping Arena -- Rt. 385 South (to right after railroad crossing)
Old Cattle Shipping Pens -- South of railroad tracks across from Los Portales
Old Water Tower -- Beside railroad tracks at Avenue F
Old Railroad Depot -- at N. Ave. G, now owned by Ted Thayer "Antiques Depot"
Marathon Cemetery - take road to left off South Ave. D (Post Road). Noted children's illustrator and author James Marshall ("George and Martha" and the Miss Nelson series), whose grandparents lived in Marathon, is buried beneath the windmill he donated to the cemetery.
Post Park or Peña Park -- 5 miles south of town, beloved by local residents for parties and dances, a prime birding spot. Ruins of Camp Pena Colorado, established in 1879 to deal with the Comanches and abandoned in 1893, can be seen to the right of Post Road before entering the county park.
Out of Town Attractions
Railroad Blues
Big Bend's premier live music venue with fine wines and the biggest beer selection in the area.Far Flung Adventures
Far Flung Adventures has been putting people and rivers together since 1977, and besides being safe, comfortable and educational, river trips are a whole lot of fun.Desert Sports
For all your big bend outdoor sport needs, from supplies, to hire, to organized trips, they have it all...Fort Davis Lajitas Stables
Experience the southwest as cowboys did over 100 years ago.McDonald Observatory
Enjoy a tour of the constellations and view the moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and other objects through large telescopes.Rattlers and Reptiles
A wonderful & unique snake exhibit, highlighting over 50 species of rattle snakes and other species of reptiles & arachnids. (432-426-2465) Fort Davis - Please call in advance for opening times.Big Bend Rivers Tours
Discover the magic of Big Bend, Texas! Come and raft or canoe the canyons, hike the desert or mountain trails, or four wheel to remote Indian camps, old mines or forgotten homesteads.Marfa Glider Rides
Fly through the air over big bend for an experience of a lifetime.Big Bend Stables
Desert Riding at it's finest. Sunset rides, Saddle/Paddle combos & Overnight trips. (Call 432-371 2212)River Trips
For over twenty-six years, Texas River Expeditions has been leading guided trips throughout the Big Bend area. Our specialty is river trips with a "naturalist" theme. Our staff spends many hours learning how to teach others about the special ecosystem found in the Chihuahuan desert. Plants, animals, astronomy, geology, cultural and human history are all part of our world in the Big Bend. Come see us. We'll let you in on the secrets of the desert!Museum of the Big Bend
Located off Hwy 90 on the Sul Ross University campus, The museum has been collecting and exhibiting artifacts of the vast Big Bend region for more than 70 years.Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park is located 4 miles west of Balmorhea on Texas Hwy 17 in Toyahville. This site features a 3.5 million gallon spring-fed pool. For more Information: Please call (432) 375-2370Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botancial Gardens
Owned and operated by the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, the Nature Center offers an intimate setting to experience the diversity of the desert region. Included are a cactus & succulent greenhouse, a 20-acre botanical garden, indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits, easy to moderately strenuous hiking trails, and a gift shop. For more information, please call 432-364-2499.The Chinati Foundation Museum
Permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary art and sculptures create a dramatic juxtaposition to the stark, desert landscape and rural culture of West Texas. Located on the south side of Marfa, the foundation attracts artists and art lovers worldwide. For more information: Please call (432) 729-4362Fort Davis National Historic Site
Fort Davis National Historic Site is an outstanding example of a southwestern frontier military post. The post was in use by the U.S. Army from 1854 - 1891 except for the Civil War years. Site Hours: 8 am - 5 pm central time. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Martin Luther King Day. Call for other holiday closures. For more information: please call (432) 426-3224Marfa Lights
Visit the Marfa Lights viewing area almost any night of the year and you'll see mysterious lights that have peaked the imagination of humans for over a 100 years. A structure built by the Texas Dept. of Transportion houses restrooms and a viewing deck for the viewers' convenience. Bring your binoculars. Watch the free 8 minute documentary video at Apache Trading Post in Alpine before heading out to view the Marfa Mystery Lights.Terlingua Ghost Town
Visit the old cemetery of the once booming mining town of Terlingua, drive among the ruins of old structures, enjoy an evening of dining and music at La Kiva or the Starlight Theatre, or meet up with one of several river rafting and jeep rental firms that operate their businesses out of Terlingua.Blue Mountain Vineyards
This vineyard is an award winning producer of outstanding local wines. The unique soil and climatic region, along with exceptional care, create extraordinary Blue Mountain label wines. Located in the highest vineyard of Texas, Blue Mountain Vineyard is eight miles West of Fort Davis on Highway 166. Take Hwy. 17 South for 2 miles;turn right onto Hwy. 166, continue 6 miles and watch for sign. Open for wine tasting and sales Tuesday to Friday noon to 4:00 p.m., Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Call for additional information. (432) 426-3763
E-mail: patj@overland.net