Toyah TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Toyah, Texas.
1. Toyah Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Toyah Cemetery is one of the oldest burial grounds in Reeves County where some of the first settlers are buried. Visitors can explore this historic site to learn about the early days of West Texas and the founding families of the area. The cemetery offers a glimpse into the rich history of this once-thriving railroad town.
2. Historic Toyah School
ABANDONED BRICK SCHOOLHOUSE
The historic Toyah School is a handsome brick building erected in 1912 when the town was at its peak. Though abandoned for decades, the structure remains a testament to Toyah's prosperous past when over a thousand residents called the town home. The school building stands as a silent reminder of the educational history of this small West Texas community.
3. Memory Lane Car Museum
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION
Memory Lane Car Museum showcases an impressive collection of vintage automobiles that delight enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The museum opened in Summer 2017 and has quickly become one of the area's top attractions with a 4.5 rating from visitors. Each carefully preserved vehicle tells a story of America's automotive heritage and the cultural significance of cars throughout different eras.
4. West of The Pecos Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
West of The Pecos Museum preserves the rich history of the Pecos River Valley region with extensive exhibits on pioneer life, ranching, and oil development. Housed in a historic hotel and saloon building, the museum features over 50 rooms filled with artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia dating back to the 1800s. Visitors consistently rate this museum highly with a 4.4 rating for its authentic representation of West Texas heritage.
5. Buck Jackson Arena
RODEO AND EVENTS CENTER
Buck Jackson Arena hosts the world-famous West of the Pecos Rodeo along with various other community events throughout the year. The arena continues the traditional celebration of cowboy culture that has been part of the region's identity for generations. Visitors can experience authentic Texas rodeo action and Western heritage at this popular venue that has earned a solid 3.7 rating from attendees.
6. Balmorhea Rock Shop
GEOLOGICAL TREASURE TROVE
Balmorhea Rock Shop offers an impressive selection of minerals, fossils, and geological specimens native to West Texas and beyond. The shop has earned a stellar 4.6 rating from visitors who appreciate both the quality of the merchandise and the knowledgeable staff. Rock enthusiasts and casual tourists alike can find unique souvenirs and learn about the fascinating geological history of the Toyah Basin area.
7. Balmorhea State Park
DESERT OASIS SWIMMING
Balmorhea State Park features the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool, spanning 1.3 acres and holding 3.5 million gallons of crystal-clear water. The natural pool, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, maintains a refreshing temperature of 72-76 degrees year-round and is home to numerous fish and aquatic species. Visitors can swim, scuba dive, or simply relax in this unique desert oasis just a short drive from Toyah.
8. A.M. Fields Hotel Site
HISTORIC LODGING LANDMARK
The A.M. Fields Hotel site marks the location of one of Toyah's most important historic establishments, opened in 1886 during the town's railroad boom period. The hotel once served as a crucial stopping point for travelers and businesspeople involved in the region's ranching industry. Though the original structure is no longer intact, the site represents an important chapter in Toyah's development as a commercial center in Reeves County.
9. Toyah Trading Post
ORIGINAL COMMERCIAL CENTER
Toyah Trading Post marks the site of W.T. Youngblood's original adobe store that established Toyah as a commercial center before the railroad arrived. This historic location represents the beginning of Toyah's development as the oldest townsite in Reeves County. Visitors interested in frontier commerce and early Texas settlement patterns can appreciate the significance of this foundational business location.
10. Fort Davis National Historic Site
FRONTIER MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves one of the best surviving examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest. Established in 1854 to protect travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road, the fort played a crucial role in the history of the Trans-Pecos region that includes Toyah. Visitors can explore more than 20 restored historic buildings and learn about the Buffalo Soldiers who served at this remote outpost.
11. McDonald Observatory
CELESTIAL VIEWING EXPERIENCE
McDonald Observatory, operated by the University of Texas, offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of the universe through public star parties and daytime tours of its powerful telescopes. Located in the Davis Mountains near Fort Davis, the observatory benefits from some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States. The facility's visitor center features interactive exhibits, solar viewing during the day, and renowned evening programs that allow guests to observe celestial objects through various telescopes.
12. Reeves County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Reeves County Courthouse in nearby Pecos stands as an architectural landmark representing the governmental history of the region that includes Toyah. Built in 1932, the building features elements of Art Deco style that was popular in public buildings of that era. The courthouse continues to serve as the center of county operations while offering historical interest to visitors exploring the area's heritage.
13. Davis Mountains State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Davis Mountains State Park encompasses over 2,700 acres of scenic mountain terrain offering hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities within a short drive from Toyah. The park features the historic Indian Lodge, a pueblo-style hotel built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from Skyline Drive and observe diverse plant and animal species adapted to this unique mountain environment in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert.
14. Calera Chapel
HISTORIC DESERT SANCTUARY
Calera Chapel, a small mission-style church in nearby Balmorhea, represents the religious heritage of the region surrounding Toyah. Built in the early 1900s, the white adobe structure with its distinctive bell tower has served as a spiritual gathering place for generations of area residents. The chapel's simple architecture and serene setting offer visitors a glimpse into the role of faith in sustaining communities in this remote part of West Texas.
15. Pecos River Historical Museum
REGIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Pecos River Historical Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing the rich cultural heritage of the Pecos River Valley, including the history of Toyah and surrounding communities. Displays include Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, ranching equipment, and photographs documenting the development of the region. The museum provides valuable context for understanding Toyah's place in the broader historical narrative of West Texas settlement and development.
Toyah Restaurants
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Toyah Beaches
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