The history of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine can be traced back to 1927 when it was built by father Marcelino Ruiz from Mexico. Earlier this Church was built for the Mexican-Americans of the region, and now supports and welcomes people of all nationalities.
Spread over 252 acres of land, the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a beautiful nature's preserve that connects individuals of all ages to nature. Featuring over 300 plant species, deciduous forests, wetland and a lake, the site also offers a birdwatching area adjacent to the Botanical Gardens. Known as the birds paradise, this is a place where one can enjoy the watching the nesting birds. Although destroyed by the hurricane Rita, the garden has recovered and is open to the visitors. This center attracts several visitors daily to take a break from their chaotic life into the serenity of nature.
The Stark Museum of Art is the vision of H.J. Lutcher and Nelda C. Stark. Opened in 1978, it is among the best repositories in the country featuring Western American art from the 19th and 20th Centuries. Its impressive collection includes Western, Decorative and American Indian art and rare manuscripts. Check the dramatic landscapes, wildlife, sculptures, prints, objects and pottery. Stroll through the five galleries that house the works of artists like Charles Marion Russell, John James Audubon, Georgia O’Keeffe and Frederic Remington. You can buy posters and books from their on-site store as well.
Step back a century when you step into this museum which is really a restored and conserved house dating back to 1906. Having been in the same family since 1914, the house is peppered with of turn of the century furniture, nick-knacks and artifacts which date back to the early 20th Century. Call ahead if you are coming in a big group or just show up for one of their tours to see this preserved slice of History.