| Aardvark Theatre, Inc. 915/581-0700 5411 N. Mesa, El Paso www.goaardvark.com |
Committed to the creation and presentation of quality classical and modern theater, Aardvark Theatre, Inc., strives to mount exemplary drama which is aesthetically and educationally enriching. This organization reaches out to surrouding areas with a true 'theater for the community' approach. |
| Centennial Museum of the University of Texas at El Paso 915/747-5565 UTEP, Wiggins Rd. & University Ave., El Paso www.utep.edu/museum |
This museum's permanent and changing exhibits showcase the natural history and human culture of the Southwest United States and Mexico. The museum collection includes pottery, stone tools, shell jewelry of prehistoric Mexico, mineral and rock specimens, and other artifacts. Lectures, workshops and children's events are also offered. |
| Chamizal National Memorial 915/532-7273 800 S. San Marcial St., El Paso www.nps.gov/cham/ |
This memorial recognizes the amicable 1963 resolution of the dispute between the U.S. and Mexico over this section of borderland. A 55-acre park, visitor center, the Los Paisanos Gallery, an outdoor amphitheater and a 500-seat theater are included. Open year-round. |
| Concordia Cemetery 915/842-8200 (Concordia Heritage Association) Exit I-10 West at Peidras St. www.concordiacemetery.com |
This 65,000 plot, 54-acre cemetery is the resting place for one of El Paso's more notorious characters, John Wesley Hardin (b. May 26, 1853, d. August 19, 1895). One of El Paso's first anglo settlers, Hugh Stephenson, acquired the land from Juan Maria Ponce de Leon and named it after the place where he grew up, Concordia, Missouri. His wife was buried there on February 6, 1856. It is maintained by the Concordia Heritage Association which conducts tours throughout the year. |
| El Paso Convention & Performing Arts Center 915/534-0600 One Civic Center Plaza (corner of Santa Fe St. & San Antonio Ave.), El Paso www.elpasocvb.com |
Located in downtown El Paso, the El Paso Convention and Performing Arts Center houses the 133,000-square-foot Judson E. Williams Convention Center and the 2,500-seat Abraham Chavez Theatre. Regular performances in the Theatre include the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, the El Paso Opera and conferences, group meetings, banquets and performances throughtout the year. |
| El Paso County Coliseum 915/534-4229 4100 E. Paisano Dr., & Shelter Dr., El Paso www.co.el-paso.tx.us/coliseum |
This 5,600-seat arena hosts a variety of events each year, notably, the Southwestern Livestock Show and Rodeo each February. |
| El Paso Museum of Archaeology 915/755-4332 4301 Transmountain Rd., El Paso www.elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum |
Dioramas and displays of prehistoric Native Americans from the region are featured at this archaeological museum. An outdoor nature trail leads visitors to a replica of a pueblo ruin. Admission is free, donations accepted. Open Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| El Paso Museum of Art 915/532-1707 One Arts Festival Palza (Santa Fe St. between San Antonio Ave. & Main St., El Paso www.elpasoartmuseum.org |
This Museum's collections include the Kress Collection of European Masters, Mexican Colonial art, American art 1790-1960, the Contemporary Collection and works on paper from the 16th-20th centuries. Rotating fine art exhibits are scheduled on a regular basis. Art classes, educational programming, lectures and concerts available to the public. Open Tues. & Thur., 1-5 p.m.; Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| El Paso Opera 915/581-5534 1035 Belvidere St., Ste., 100, El Paso www.epopera.org |
El Paso's professional opera company began in 1994 with the prodcution of Puccini's Tosca. The company's mission is to to present opera productions of the highest quality in the El Paso region, to serve the southwest United States and northern New Mexico, and to develop and expand opera appreciation and involvement through innovation, engaging education and outreach programs. Performances held at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. |
| El Paso Patriots Soccer 915/771-6620 6941 Industrial, El Paso www.elpasopatriots.com |
This professional soccer club features local high school and college graduates together with players from the United States and throughout the world. |
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El Paso Playhouse |
The El Paso Playhouse is a nonprofit organization utilizing the talent and time of volunteers and is El Paso's oldest community theater. |
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El Paso Pro-Musica |
This chamber music organization presents an annual concert series featuring solo artists and ensembles. A highlight each season is the nationally acclaimed El Paso Pro-Musica Chambers Music Festival which brings some of the world's finest talent to the city each January for a two-week series of performances. |
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El Paso Public Library |
The El Paso Public Library System consists of the Main Library, 10 branch libraries and a bookmobile service. Founded in 1894, Texas' oldest public library is also one of its most technologically advanced. Besides Internet access for the public, the libraries offer almost one million books, periodicals, microfiche, video and audio tapes and government documents. The Border Heritage Collection, located at the Main Library, is a renowned collection on Texas, New Mexico and Mexico which draws researchers from around the world. |
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El Paso Symphony Orchestra |
Founded in 1930, the El Paso Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in the region. This 100-member orchestra presents classical and pops concerts and a variety of other performances. Completeing the season arethe six Young People's Concerts and the Kinderconcerts, offered to the El Paso elementary school children as part of the El Paso Symphony's educational outreach program. |
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El Paso Union Depot |
Opened in 1906 as the first international train station built in the U.S., it served the needs of the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Texas and Pacific, El Paso Northeastern, El Paso Southwestern and Nacional of Mexico Railroads. This red-brick, high-steepled station is a downtown landmark. The station was renovated in 1981 and is now El Paso's only passenger station, serving Sun Metro (El Paso's public transportaion system) and AMTRAK. |
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El Paso Zoo |
Located near the Bridge of Americas, the El Paso Zoo is home to over 700 animals of 200 species. The zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). Special features include walk-though aviaries, animals of North and South America, an Asian section featuring over 12 endangered species, and a new state-of-the-art Sea Lion Exhibit featuring underwater viewing and daily amphitheater demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Guided tours are offered on weekends at 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. |
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Fort Bliss Museum & Study Center |
Exhibits here illustrate the U.S. Army's air defense artillery from World War I to Operation Desert Storm. Air defense weapons of the U.S. Army and other countries are on display in the outdoor weapons parks. There is also an exhibit on the story of Fort Bliss from 1848 to present day, featuring many colorful personalities and activities in the Army's important relationship with El Paso. Also, visit 'Old Fort Bliss', a replica of the Magoffinsville Post as it appeared from 1854-1868. Visitors must have a valid driver's license and curent vehicle registration to enter Fort Bliss and access may be restricted. Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. |
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Franklin Mountains State Park |
This 24,000-acre park is the largest urban park in the nation, encompassing an entire Chihuahuan Desert mountain range. The park is a habitat for the rare Southwestern barrel cactus, birds, small mammals, mule deer and mountain lions. Visitors can also enjoy mountain bike trails, rock climbing, picnicking and primitive camping. The perimeter of the park runs from downtown El Paso to the New Mexico border. |
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Hueco Tanks State Historic Site |
Located east of El Paso, this molten rock formation was shaped more than 34 million years ago. The historic site is estimated to contain more than 2,000 Native American pictographs among its caves and cliffs. The park contains 17 multiuse campsites and is perfect for picnicking (charcoal and firewood are not permited). Three campsites have water only, 14 have water and electricity. There is a dump station, but no full hookups and an available shower facility. Rocking climbing and camping are permitted, but reservations may be required. |
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Indian Cliffs Ranch & Cattleman's Steakhouse |
Visitors to this working ranch can enjoy hayrides, exotic animals, a Native Ame4rican maze, a lake walk and a rattlesnake pit. Customized group activities are offered for all ages. Open Mon. - Fri. 5 - 10 p.m.; Sat. 12:30 - 10 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 - 9 p.m. |
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Insights - El Paso Science Museum |
At Insights, visitors will uncover the mysteries and wonders of science from millions-of-year-old fossils to bubbles and marvelous magnets. All the exhibits are designed to make learning about science and technology an active experience. The gallery features exciting traveling exhibits and more than 70 hands-on exhibits. Open Tue. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. Call for information regarding night viewing held on the rooftop observatory. |
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La Viña Winery |
New Mexico's oldest winery has a new home in the Rio Grande Valley where the ancient tradition of wine-making continues. This new vineyard provides 'estate-bottled' New Mexico wines with a new complexity. Visitors can enjoy a tasting room and a patio. Open daily, Noon - 5 p.m. and is located just 20 minutes from El Paso. |
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Magoffin Home State Historic Site |
The 1875 Magoffin Home was constructed for Joseph Magoffin, an El Paso pioneer, politician and businessman. The 19-room home is noted for its Territorial-style adobe architecture and its furnishings of original family artifacts. The home is available for rent for weddings and parties. Open daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
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McKelligon Canyon Park & Amphitheater |
This 90-acre park, located in El Paso's Franklin Mountains, is open to hikers and picnickers. A special feature is the 1,500-seat amphitheater, surrounded on three sides by dramatic canyon walls. A variety of concerts, a Shakespeare Festival and the Viva El Paso! pageant are presented each summer. Both the amphitheater and the 250-seat pavilion, with its working stone fireplace, are available for rent year-round. |
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Music Under the Stars Concert Series |
World, folk, ethnic and classical music are among the programs performed by nationally and internationally knows artists and local talent during this series. The season runs June - August with concerts every Sunday. The series is sponsored by the City of El Paso Arts & Culture Department. |
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National Border Patrol Museum |
This museum features artifacts which relate the history of border patrol along the Mexican-American and Canadian-American borders. Open Tue. - Sun., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed major holidays. |
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San Elizario Presidio |
Located on the famous Camino Real, San Elizario was established as a presidio (fort) for the Spanish government in 1773. An adobe church, completed in 1883, is one interesting feature. |
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Sierra Del Cristo Rey |
Atop this 4,576-foot summit is a pilgrimage shrine to Christ the King. The limestone monument overlooks the site where Texas, New Mexico and Mexico meet. A circular concrete crown measuring 100 feet was completed around the base of the monument in 1989. A pilgrimage is made to the top of the mountain to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of every October. |
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Socorro Mission La Purisima |
Located on the Camino Real, this is the oldest continuously active parish in the U.S. The Piro tribe constructed the original mission in 1682. Special features include the original hand-carved roof beams sculpted by the Piros and a beautiful statue of St. Michael. Visitors will marvel at the facade of the mission which depicts the Piro symbol for rain clouds. Mass is a 7:30 a.m. daily and the mission is open until 4 p.m. |
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Sun Bowl Association |
The Sun Bowl Association is a nonprofit organization that produces community events which include the Vitalis Sun Bowl, SunClassic Baksketball Tournament, Western Refining College All-American Golf Classic, Las Palmas Del Sol Thanksgiving Day Parade, State Farm Bank Internation Soccer Tournamet and Wells Fargo Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta. The organization also hosts several youth sports camps. The Sun Bowl Association was founded in 1934 and the Sun Bowl is the second-oldest college bowl game in the nation. |
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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino |
Sunland Park is a total entertainment facility offering live horseracing mid-November through April together with daily simulcast wagering, over 700 generous slot machines, live entertainment every weekend, monthly big-name concerts and fine dining in Riley's restaurant or Ventanas buffet. Open daily, Noon - midnight. |
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University of Texas at El Paso |
For 90 years, the Univeristy of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has been a center for education, cultural arts and entertainment in the Soutwest. Founded in 1914 as a small mining school, UTEP today is a doctoral-research university. Its vibrant, urban campus is a hub for high-tech research, academic excellence, and top-quality visual and performing arts. A new contemporary art gallery opens in the fall of 2004. The Union Dinner Theatre stages award-winning productions and the Don Haskins Center is one of the country's top-ranked venues for national tours. It's also the home to the UTEP Miners men's and women's basketball teams. The Sun Bowl Stadium hosts the nationally-televised Sun Bowl football game, Miner football and major outdoor concerts. The Centennial Museum explores the region's natural history with tours and educational programs for all ages. |
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UTEP Dinner Theatre |
This professionally produced dinner theater utilizes the talents of the community and of students from the University of Texas at El Paso. The regular season runs September - August. Special rates available for groups up to 200. |
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U.S. Army Museum of the Noncommissioned Officer |
This is the U.S. Army's official museum of the noncommissioned officer. The history of noncommissioned personnel and their influence on the military from 1775 to the present is the focus of this museum. Memorabilia and artifacts on display. Open Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
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Viva El Paso! |
This outdoor stage presentation conveys the 400-year history of the El Paso region through music, dance, song, drama and narration. The cast of 50 illustrates the story of El Paso and of the rich culture found here. The compnay also works with the community to help young artists further their craft. Performances are held on warm summer evenings, Thursday - Saturday from June 3 - August 21. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and performances are at 8:30 p.m. Viva El Paso! is produced by the El Paso Association for the Performating Arts. |
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War Eagles Air Museum |
This museum features a collection of 29 fully restored and 23 flyable historic aircraft of the WW II and Korean Conflict eras as well as 43 antique, classic automobiles. This unique museum pays tribute to military aviation and is a reminder of the significant role these airplanes, together with their pilots and support crews, played in securing the country's freedom. |
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Western Playland |
Western Playland, an El Paso tradition for family fun for over 40 years, is packed with great family thrill rides and attractions like the popular steel roller coaster El Bandido and great water rides like Splash Down, Tsunami and Snake Mountain. Western Playland also features 12 rides for the little ones, along with great food, games and prizes. Group rates are available. |
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Wet 'N' Wild Water World |
The only way to beat the heat in El Paso! This tree-shaded, 37-acre water amusement park features 24 water rides and attractions and an 80,000-square-foot, tiled patio. Both exciting and relaxing, this park lets everyone in the family have a great time and keep cool throughout the day. New to the park are the five-story, enclosed flume Amazone ride, the Alien Vortex ride, and a toddler sandbox. Open May 3 - Labor Day. |
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Ysleta del Sur Pueblo |
One of only three Native American reservations left in Texas, this site is where the Tigua tribe settled in 1681 after fleeing the Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico. The Tiguas are the oldest identifiable ethnic group in Texas. Visitors may tour adobe buildings to see examples of Tigua handicrafts and replicas of Tigua homes. Restaurants and an art gallery are also available. Tirbal dances are performed on Saturday and Sunday, year-round at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. |
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Ysleta Mission |
Built in 1681 by Franciscan priests and the Tigua Native Americans, this is the oldest mission in Texas. The mission serves as the cultural and religious center of Ysleta del Sur. Open daily, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
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El Paso Area Attractions
