Location: Alpine
Top Things to do in Alpine
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10 Things to Do in Alpine That You Shouldn't Miss
Alpine is a city in and the county seat of Brewster County, Texas, United States. The population was 5,905 at the 2010 census. The town has an elevation of 4,475 ft (1,364 m), and the surrounding mountain peaks are over a mile high. The university, hospital, library, and retail make Alpine the center of the sprawling (12,000 mi) but wide open Big Bend area (combined population only 12,500) including Brewster, Presidio, and Jeff Davis Counties.
Restaurants in Alpine
1. Big Bend National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 825 reviews
Reviewed By Susan05821 - Barnet, Vermont
Big Bend is one of the lesser known of the National Parks, but it is far from a lesser experience. It is huge and diverse. It encompasses the green and soaring canyons along the Rio Grande, dramatic volcanic peaks, sweeping ranch lands, vast desert-like fossil fields that are remnants of an inland sea, and all of the accompanying flora and fauna. It has a little bit of everything for everyone from the diehard backcountry hiker and camper to the individual who is more comfortable seeing everything from a car. The roads are well-maintained and on the days we went in late March, relatively empty. Ours was often the only car to be seen for miles. It might be possible to see much of the park in one very long day of driving to the three-four main sites, but that would not do it justice. Plan to spend at least three days even if traveling by car; longer if you want to hike or truly experience the diverse ecosystems. (Or if you stop at every overlook or pull-off to read every sign and historic marker as I do). There are unique sights around every bend, each stunning in its own way. Some are extremely poignant...like the single grave marker on the way to the Fossil Discovery Center. We were disappointed in the lack of wildlife but did manage to see some roadrunners and one lone mountain goat. All in all, it was well worth trading the Green (and snowy) Mountains of Vermont for the dry desert peaks of West Texas.
2. Museum of the Big Bend
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By Annette_and_Wes - Houston, Texas
When starting a visit to the Big Bend region, this small museum is a great place to get your bearings in location and in history. My kids particularly enjoyed the large map of the area where they could push buttons to light up various destinations. It helped them more effectively visualize the places we would see. The woman working in the gift shop was extremely helpful with all of our questions.
After our visit, we hiked up the hill close to the museum for good views of town.
3. Stillwell Store - Hallie's Hall of Fame Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Unusual museum devoted to one woman's life and the struggle to eke out a living in the rugged West.
Reviewed By Kenneth R - Garland, Texas
If you like remote, out-of-the-way places and don't need all of today's modern conveniences to be happy, then this is the place for you. Relaxed, unhurried and fairly basic. The little museum is really interesting. Hallie Stillwell was an amazing woman. A few miles outside Big Bend park, this place is quiet and very dark at night. A good place to camp or park your RV if you relish quiet solitude and thousands of stars at night. Ask for the key to the museum at the store.
4. Kokernot Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By TxTrvlr88 - Texas
We have attended several games here, and always enjoyed the atmosphere, the magnificent views and, most of all, the ballpark itself. Built in the 1940's, it is still a wonderful place to watch a ball game between minor league teams in the Pecos League. Tickets are inexpensive, seating is plentiful, and lots of locals having lots of fun.Hard to beat this bit of Americana in such a lovely setting.
5. Mariscal Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By VespagirL55 - Bushnell, Florida
Not sure why this shows a location in Alpine. Other reviewers have gone into depth on the history, which it is worth your time to read so you understand what you're looking at. DON'T TOUCH the bricks or tailings -- particularly if you have kids, you'll really need to monitor them. We accessed River Road from the east on the main park road. Conditions on River Road vary due to rain, so be sure to check with the park rangers for current status. I'm a moderately-skilled motorcyclist, and I had no trouble with River Road, though we only went to and from Mariscal; the rangers say the road is rougher to the west. (For comparison, Old Ore Road really tested my skills.) A note on the ruins themselves: you can stay on the road up the hill, which loops from left to right and is a much easier path, or you can climb straight up from the bottom, if you're into rock scrambling. Definitely worth the drive.
6. Cheshire Cat Antiques
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By noplacetogo - Texas
My wife discovered this place. Now it has become a favorite for both of us. The business is in an old house that has so much character. Their inventory is top quality. My wife has found some nice jewelry items. We usually find something that we can't live without. The owners are very friendly and welcoming. They are great sources of information of Alpine and the area. You won't be disappointed here. Stop by.
7. Catchlight Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Watercolorpainter52 - Alpine, Texas
Catchlight Gallery is an Art Gallery that hosts 14 area artists, whose work includes paintings, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media, photography and ceramics. Since it is a co-op, all the people who work there are very knowledgeable about art, their fellow artists and the area.
8. The Desk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By abeandsarah - Lubbock, Texas
In 1981, Sul Ross Industrial Tech Education student Jim Kitchen and classmates Bill Wagner and Travis Miller decided they needed a quiet spot away from the dorm to study. Together they carried a desk up Hancock Hill right above Mountainside dormitory. Soon Kitchen and his friends were spending hours up on the hill studying and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. One day, Kitchen left a notebook in one of the desk drawers and when he checked it later, someone had written in it. Students sitting on the desk on top of Bar-SR-Bar mountain Sul Ross students enjoying the day at The Desk. He replied and soon the tradition of a notebook associated with The Desk was born. Ten years later, the first completed notebooks were brought to the Archives of the Big Bend in the Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library.
9. Big Bend Cowboys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Very fun attraction in the Big Bend, TX region. The professional minor league baseball team plays in historic Kokernot Field, a scaled down replica of Wrigley Field.
Reviewed By TxTrvlr88 - Texas
What a great experience ... minor league baseball on a cool, clear night, with the unmatched scenery of the Big Bend all around. The game was good, but the conversation with local folks and baseball fans was even better. Kokernot Field has a remarkable history, and I am really glad it continues to be such an attractive and enjoyable place.
10. Gallery on the Square, Big Bend Arts Council
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Watercolorpainter52 - Alpine, Texas
Over 27 local artists from the area are represented in this co-op. There is even a wall of art produced by the students at Sul Ross State University. Paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, hand dyed silks, wood working and more. This gallery promotes the amazing amount of artists found in the Big Bend region.
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