Museum of the Big Bend

Regional museum on the Sul Ross State University campus in Alpine, covering the natural history, culture, and art of the Big Bend area.

Alpine, TX

About Museum of the Big Bend

The museum is run by Sul Ross State University and focuses on the prehistory, history, and cultural diversity of the Big Bend region. Its permanent Big Bend Legacy exhibit introduces visitors to the area's landscape, people, and blend of cultures, and rotating exhibits add to it. The original building dates to 1937 and was expanded in 2023. Visitors can also take guided private tours for groups, browse a gift shop, or walk through the exhibit areas virtually online.

#museum
#history
#natural history
#art
#Big Bend

What's around here?

The closest stops to Museum of the Big Bend, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sightseeing
Quirky Fun
Marfa Lights Viewing Area
No admission fee
A roadside viewing area on U.S. 90 east of Marfa where you scan the dark desert horizon after sunset for the Marfa Mystery Lights.
15 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Under $25
A preserved frontier Army post in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, run by the National Park Service.
22 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Museums
History Buff
Chinati Foundation
$25–$50
Take a guided tour of large installations by Donald Judd, Dan Flavin and other artists on a former Army post in Marfa.
23 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Davis Mountains State Park
Under $25
Drive the CCC's Skyline Drive to mountain overlooks, hike to Fort Davis, and stay up for dark West Texas skies or a night at the adobe Indian Lodge.
23 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
Rebecca Gale Telescope Park
Check prices
An outdoor telescope park behind the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center, known for its public Star Parties.
31 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Balmorhea State Park
Under $25
A West Texas state park built around a huge spring-fed pool where you can swim, snorkel and scuba dive in clear desert water.
41 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors