The Tigua people are the last remaining tribe that carries on Puebloan culture in the state of Texas. Puebloan culture includes all tribes that live in similar ways and have similar cultural practices albeit they speak mutually unintelligible languages. In fact the binding nature of their name also derives from the houses they build, Pueblos. Here at the center inside the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, visitors can learn more about these native peoples with the wealth of education the tribe provides, such as bread baking, social dancing and even a museum with ancient artifacts.
Located on the southernmost tip of the state of Texas, the Franklin Mountains State Park stands at an elevation of 5,426 feet (1,653.84 meters) overlooking the semi-arid expanses of El Paso. Encompassed by the dominant Franklin Mountains, the park offers a virtually never-ending selection of mountain biking, hiking, climbing and cross country driving options. The territory covers nearly 24,247 acres (9,812.41 hectares) and is America's most expansive park within a city's limit. Wildlife includes barrel cactus, Mexican poppy, hackberry, cottonwood, golden eagles, black bears, pumas and ring-tailed cats.
The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center was established in 1994 by Henry Kellen, a Holocaust survivor. It is an ode to the millions of people who died and to those who endured. This museum presents the atrocities committed during the end of World War II as a grim reminder of hatred and prejudice. Visitors can get a glimpse of that time with the multi-media presentations that cover life before the Third Reich, the subsequent rise of the regime, the concentration camps and more. Admission is free though donations are welcome.
The historic Magoffin Home today houses a vast collection of Magoffin family artifacts used at the end of the 19th Century. On display guests will find furniture, decorative art and other interesting historical resources from this important El Pasoan clan. Built in 1875, the site still retains an old Texas charm with its period furniture and paintings. The site has become an integral part of the city's rich history as well as a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Texas Historical Commission manages the site and owns the belongings inside.
This museum located on the eponymous military base pays homage to the United States 1st Armored Division, more affectionately known as 'Old Ironsides'. The first division in WWII to encounter enemy fire. Today, the museum exhibits artifacts about this unit which include weaponry, historical accounts, patches, etc. Additionally, if you have the time, visit the replica Old Fort Bliss located on the same property. Admission is free, however you must have identification to enter the base.
The EPMA has been going strong since 1959, providing the city and surrounding area with countless aesthetic delights. About 100,000 visitors come through the doors of the museum annually, to see some of the many temporary exhibits in the well-designed halls and galleries, as well as more than 5,000 permanent artworks. The majority of art focuses on Native American, Mexican and European pieces. The museum offers numerous education programs to enhance one's knowledge and even has it's own art school.
The Los Portales Museum is run under the auspices of the San Elizario Genealogy & History Society and it is here where you will learn all about the history of this tiny town. The museum is tucked away on the side of the San Elizario Presidio Church, a hidden gem on its own. Some of the artifacts exhibited here include documents and pictures from the Salt War and exhibits as far back as the Spanish Conquest. Guests will also find a visitor's center which provides comprehensive information about the surrounding region.
This 42 foot tall statue of Christ atop what used to be called 'Mule Drivers Mountain' (now Mount Cristo Rey) is a monument to those in the Catholic faith. Its location at an elevation of 4,675-ft. and the accompanying 4.4-mile trail (round-trip) is constantly traversed by hikers, the curious and almost everybody else who is in the area. Its original conception came from a parish priest who erected a wooden cross here in 1934. Thereafter in 1939, the church commissioned sculptor Urbici Soler to design the base and statue. And though the face on the statue resembles the one on the famous Corcovado in Brazil, this one is quite smaller and little less scenic, however once you reach the top, you can see into Mexico, New Mexico and Texas at the same time.
Located inside Keystone Heritage Park, the El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens is the home to the region's succulent plants. The gardens feature well-manicured grounds populated primarily with desert flora, however there are plenty of other non-succulent species as well. In fact, there are seven gardens in total, those of which are the Xeriscape, Butterfly, Culinary, Healing, Formal, Cactus and Children's gardens, respectively. The picturesque venue is also a popular site for private functions like weddings and Quinceañeras. See website more information and calendar of events.
The Tigua people are the last remaining tribe that carries on Puebloan culture in the state of Texas. Puebloan culture includes all tribes that live in similar ways and have similar cultural practices albeit they speak mutually unintelligible languages. In fact the binding nature of their name also derives from the houses they build, Pueblos. Here at the center inside the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, visitors can learn more about these native peoples with the wealth of education the tribe provides, such as bread baking, social dancing and even a museum with ancient artifacts.
Hal Marcus displays his work in this eponymous gallery located in the Sunset Heights neighborhood of El Paso. He is a native El Pasoan that has been creating art for more than 40 years and in addition to his own work the gallery presents other pieces from local artists as well. Admission is free and some of the art includes paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed-media, etc. For a complete list of artists and to see examples of their work, check out Hal's website.