Major Tourist Attractions In El Paso by newsdesk

Border Patrol Museum : Displays the history of the U.S. Border Patrol from the old west to the present. Displays of aircraft and vehicles used by the patrol, as well as surveillance equipment, confiscated items and more. This 10,000 square foot museum is next to the Wilderness Park Museum. Centennial Museum : Natural and cultural history museum focusing on the Southwest and Mexico. It features a wide array of exhibits, education programs, and research. Chamizal National Memorial and Park : This 300-acre park (55 acres on the US side), museum, and Los Paisanos Gallery pay tribute to the 1963 resolution that ended the dispute with Mexico over this section of borderland. One can stroll through the grounds and informal gardens, or enjoy the regularly featured shows at the 500-seat amphitheatre. The gardens contain replicas of some of Mexico's most historic sites, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Teotihuacan. Chapel San Elizario : This chapel was originally built as a fortified mission, "presidio," for the soldiers of its time. Although the original mission was moved several times due to flooding and other disasters, the structure that stands today is still an excellent example of late adobe-style architecture. The interior is graced by gilt pillars connected by archways, and overhead one can find a beautiful painted tin ceiling. Ciaudad Juarez : This historic Mexican city is located just across the Rio Grande and the US/Mexico border. There are many restaurants, bars, and interesting shops including the "mercado" (crafts mall). One can also visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe that dates back to 1659. Concordia Cemetery : This historic graveyard dates to 1856 and is the final resting place for many of El Paso's most famous and infamous citizens. : Family events, film, video programs, gallery talks, concerts and performances, storytelling sessions and more are offered throughout the year in conjunction with changing exhibitions. Among the museum's permanent collection you'll find the Kress Collection of European works from the 14th through 18th centuries, the Spanish Viceroyal Collection and Mexican Folk Retablos from the 17th through 19th centuries. El Paso Museum of History : Through exhibits and classes, this museum displays the colorful history of Indians, conquistadors, vaqueros, cowboys and cavalrymen who played a role in settling the Southwest from 1581 to the present. El Paso union Depot : This 1906 structure, with its high steeple and red brick facade, was the first international train station in the , and serviced Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, and many other rail lines. It was renovated in 1981 and serves as home to El Paso's bus and trolley service, . El Paso Zoo : Among the 18 acres of exhibits, you'll find exhibits devoted to Asian animals, and to North and South American animals. Highlights of the Asian exhibits include endangered Amur leopards, Indochinese tigers, orangutans, sun bears, and siamangs. The Americas exhibits feature sea lions, guanacos, tamarins, jaguars, Mexican wolves, anteaters, and ocelots. Throughout the zoo one can find a variety of birds and reptiles as well. Franklin Mountains State Park : This 24,000 acre park encompasses almost all of the Chihuahuan Desert Mountain Range and features the 7,192-foot North Franklin Peak. There are several hiking trails that wind their way around caves and springs. One can drive up Trans Mountain Road to experience some of the best views in the area. Fray Garcia de San Francisco Monument : This 14-foot bronze sculpture by John Houser, dedicated in 1996, pays tribute to the beloved priest who began El Paso's first mission. Located in Pioneer Plaza, and part of a collection of 12 statues dedicated to the people who played an integral role in the city's history and growth. Heuco Tanks State Park : This ancient Indian habitat dates back to 1500 B.C. Native Americans gathered at these rock formations and created drawings and carvings on the rock faces. Their artwork can be viewed from the park's hiking trails. This park offers world-class rock climbing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Indian Cliffs Ranch : This fascinating working ranch is located in the middle of the west desert. The land has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native Americans and one can still see remnants of campsites, fire pits, and pottery left behind. Today, the working ranch is home to Belgian team horses, Texas Longhorns, deer, and other animals. Other features include a playground for the kids and Sunday hay rides. La Purissimo Socorro Mansion : The mission and bell tower that stand today date back to the 1840s and provide an excellent example of Spanish Mission architecture. Inside one can find a statue of St. Michael dating back to the early 1800s. Its beautiful ceiling is an intricate pattern of Indian-decorated and carved beams (vigas and latias/enrejados). The original mission was built in 1691 but was destroyed by the flooding river and rebuilt in the 1740s. In 1828, a second flood destroyed the structure. La Vina Winery : The ancient tradition of wine making dates back centuries here in the Rio Grande River valley. La Via features Italian and Rhone varietals of grapes but also grows Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Zinfandel varietals. The winery has a tasting room and patio that is open to the public. Las Cruces : This southwestern historic gem is surrounded by the rugged and beautiful Organ Mountains. There are many museums, monuments, shops and galleries to visit, but one of the most interesting attractions is Old Mesilla, an 1800s village where Billy the Kid was tried for murder. Magoffin Home State Historic Site : This 1875 homestead was owned by one of El Paso's founding citizens. Today it serves as a museum with many of the family's original furnishings as well as historic artifacts. Mckelligon Canyon : Beautiful canyon park located on the north side of El Paso amid the Franklin Mountains. It offers great hiking and picnicking. The amphitheater is home to performances of "Viva El Paso!" each summer. Mt. Christo Rey : Located about 15 miles northwest of El Paso, one can find the 29-foot statue of Christ by acclaimed sculptor, Urbici Soler, that sits atop an 800-foot peak. This spot offers spectacular views and serves as a pilgrimage destination for thousands of Christians each Easter. NMFarm and Ranchy Heritage museum : This new museum is the largest agricultural museum in the country and offers several exhibits on farming and ranching, as well as displays of Southwestern art. The museum also encompasses an insect zoo and wildflower and native plant garden. Animals on site include burros, churro sheep, longhorn cattle and dairy cows. Plaza Monumental Bullring : This Mexican bullring is the fourth largest in the world and has a seating capacity of 17,000. Generally three matadors perform against three bulls each in this traditional Spanish sport. Scenic Drive Park : This city park provides binoculars to its visitors so they can take ultimate advantage of the spectacular views that reach as far as Juarez, Mexico, to the south and New Mexico to the north. US Army and Air Defense Artillery : From the Civil War through Desert Storm, this museum details US Army involvement in major conflicts over the years. Exhibits include weaponry, uniforms, and other military artifacts. The history of and its Air Defense Artillery Center are also explored, along with some interesting information about army aviation. The grounds surrounding the museum feature a number of missiles, antiaircraft artillery, and other large-scale artifacts. White Sands National Monument : This monument boasts the largest gypsum dune fields in the world. One can opt to drive through the park, stop for a picnic at one of its many sites, or be adventurous by riding the dunes on plastic saucers. During full moons there are special events held at the dry lake bed of Lake Lucera. As the Holloman Air Force Base is nearby, visitors can often witness Stealth fighters overhead. Ysleta Del Sur Indian Pueblo : Built by Franciscan priests and Tigua Indians in 1680, this is one of the oldest missions in our country. Its silver dome roof pays homage to the proud heritage and perseverance of the native people through centuries of struggle. The Tigua Cultural Center contains displays of the tribe's pottery, jewelry and native clothing.

Major Tourist Attractions In El Paso by newsdesk