Fort Stockton TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Stockton, Texas.
1. Annie Riggs Memorial Museum
HISTORIC WEST TEXAS INSIGHTS
The Annie Riggs Memorial Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Fort Stockton and the surrounding Pecos County. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the area's development from frontier outpost to modern community. Visitors can explore the various rooms filled with period furniture and learn about the influential figures who shaped the region's history.
2. Giant Road Runner
ICONIC TEXAS ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Giant Road Runner, locally known as Paisano Pete, is a beloved roadside attraction and unofficial mascot of Fort Stockton. Standing at an impressive size, this whimsical sculpture has been delighting travelers along the highway since its installation and has become one of the most photographed landmarks in West Texas. Visitors often stop to take pictures with this charming piece of Americana that represents the spirit and humor of small-town Texas.
3. Historic Fort Stockton
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
Historic Fort Stockton is a significant landmark that played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States. Established in 1859 as a military outpost, the fort was strategically positioned to protect travelers and settlers along the San Antonio-El Paso Road. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and reconstructed buildings, including the iconic adobe structures that reflect the architectural style of the period.
4. Old Pecos County Jail
FRONTIER JUSTICE MUSEUM
The Old Pecos County Jail has been converted into an engaging museum that offers a glimpse into the law enforcement history of the frontier era. Visitors can tour the historic facility and learn about the fascinating stories of outlaws, lawmen, and the justice system that operated in this remote region of Texas. The museum features original cells, period artifacts, and informative displays that bring the colorful and sometimes harsh realities of frontier justice to life.
5. Fort Stockton Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Fort Stockton Visitor Center serves as the perfect starting point for exploring all that the area has to offer. Staffed by knowledgeable locals, the center provides maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to help visitors make the most of their time in the region. The facility also features informative displays about local history, culture, and natural attractions, making it an essential stop for travelers passing through or staying in Fort Stockton.
6. Old Fort Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY BURIAL GROUND
The Old Fort Cemetery was established as the final resting place for soldiers who guarded Fort Stockton and the San Antonio-San Diego route. This historic burial ground offers a poignant connection to the past, with weathered headstones telling stories of the men who served in this remote outpost during challenging frontier times. Visitors interested in military history and genealogy find this peaceful site a moving testament to the sacrifices made during the western expansion of the United States.
7. Rollins-Sibley House
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Rollins-Sibley House was built in 1905 on the foundations of the old fort hospital by Dan Rollins and later purchased and remodeled by J.W. Potts and D.J. Sibley in 1927. This beautifully preserved historic home showcases the architectural styles and living conditions of early 20th century West Texas. Visitors can admire the craftsmanship and design elements that reflect the transition from frontier settlement to established community in Fort Stockton.
8. Grey Mule Saloon
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
The Grey Mule Saloon offers a laid-back, fun wine bar experience featuring selections from Texas, California, and Europe. This charming establishment combines the ambiance of a historic saloon with a sophisticated wine tasting venue that appeals to both locals and travelers. Visitors can relax in the welcoming atmosphere while sampling quality wines and learning about the growing Texas wine industry.
9. James Rooney Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION DESTINATION
James Rooney Memorial Park serves as the premier outdoor recreation area in Fort Stockton, offering well-maintained walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for visitors to enjoy. The park features lush greenery and an inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families and visitors seeking outdoor activities. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events and celebrations, providing both residents and tourists with opportunities to experience local culture and hospitality.
10. Pecos County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT ARCHITECTURE
The Pecos County Courthouse stands as an impressive architectural landmark in downtown Fort Stockton. Visitors can admire the stunning design and craftsmanship of this historic building that has served as the center of county government for generations. The courthouse and its surrounding square offer a glimpse into the civic pride and development of West Texas communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
11. Comanche Springs
HISTORIC NATURAL WATER SOURCE
Comanche Springs was once one of the largest natural spring systems in Texas and holds significant historical importance for Native Americans and early settlers. This natural spring site provided essential water resources in an otherwise arid landscape, supporting human habitation and travel through the region for centuries. Today, visitors can learn about the ecological and cultural importance of this water source that played a crucial role in the development of Fort Stockton and the surrounding area.
12. Specialty Gift Shop
LOCAL SOUVENIRS AND TREATS
This popular specialty gift shop in Fort Stockton offers something for everyone, from unique Texas souvenirs to local artisan crafts. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the wide selection of merchandise that captures the spirit and culture of West Texas. The shop also features delicious treats like homemade milkshakes, making it both a shopping destination and a refreshment stop for travelers passing through the area.
13. Big Bend National Park
MAJESTIC DESERT WILDERNESS
Big Bend National Park encompasses over 800,000 acres of stunning desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and the scenic Rio Grande river valley. Located within driving distance of Fort Stockton, this national park offers visitors an incredible diversity of plant and animal life adapted to survive in the Chihuahuan Desert environment. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, river activities, stargazing under some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States, and exploring unique geological formations that showcase millions of years of Earth's history.
14. Fort Davis National Historic Site
FRONTIER MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves one of the best examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest. Located about an hour's drive from Fort Stockton, this historic fort was established in 1854 to protect travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road from Apache and Comanche raids. Visitors can explore more than 20 restored and furnished buildings while learning about the lives of soldiers, officers, and their families on the Texas frontier during the Indian Wars era.
15. McDonald Observatory
WORLD-CLASS ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH
The McDonald Observatory, operated by the University of Texas at Austin, sits atop the Davis Mountains and takes advantage of some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States for astronomical research. Visitors can participate in daytime tours of the research telescopes, attend solar viewings to safely observe the sun, and enjoy the popular Star Parties held several nights each week. The observatory's visitor center features interactive exhibits explaining the science of astronomy and the groundbreaking research conducted at this world-class facility within driving distance of Fort Stockton.