Location: Marfa
Top Things to do in Marfa
Countries
10 Things to Do in Marfa That You Shouldn't Miss
Marfa is a city in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos in far West Texas, located between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. It is the county seat of Presidio County, and its population as of the 2010 United States Census was 1,981. The city was founded in the early 1880s as a water stop; the population increased during World War II, but the growth stalled and reversed somewhat during the late 20th century. Today, Marfa is a tourist destination and a major center for Minimalist art. Attractions include Building 98, the Chinati Foundation, artisan shops, historical architecture, a classic Texas town square, modern art installments, art galleries, and the Marfa lights.
Restaurants in Marfa
1. Angell Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By Ddwolpert
We had nearly the worst possible weather on this most recent trip with Charlie, but still had THE MOST AMAZING TIME!!!
6 of us braved near freezing temperatures, zero sunshine, and even some light rain, yet still came away with huge grins on our faces. Charlie had us prepared for whatever the river and weather was going to throw at us and we all had an absolute blast. The food, the campsites, the scenery, everything was incredible. It just goes to show that with proper preparation, you can still have a great time with Charlie and his awesome crew. Nina from Outward Bound joined Charlie to assist on this trip and she was so awesome!!!
Another fantastic trip with Angell Expeditions.
Can’t wait until next time.
Thanks again Charlie and Nina!!!
2. Chinati Foundation
Overall Ratings
4 based on 275 reviews
An art museum operated by the Chinati Foundation, housed in a former U.S. Cavalry post, Fort D.A. Russell.
Reviewed By jones2 - Singapore
Excellent tour with our guide Elizabeth who was very knowledgeable but also gave us plenty of quiet time to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the art, landscape and buildings.
3. Presidio County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Annette_and_Wes - Houston, Texas
This historic courthouse is worth the visit just to see the interior. Although still clearly a working courthouse, you can still see and appreciate the history. The best part, though, are the views from the top as it is the highest building in this small town. It is free and easy to walk in so definitely do not miss it.
4. The Marfa Mystery Lights
Overall Ratings
4 based on 425 reviews
Mysterious dancing lights ("ghost lights") in the sky over Marfa after dark.
Reviewed By Robert S - Lawrence, Kansas
We did no see the Mystery Lights, but enjoyed the setting and the folks who came out. The star gazing was good that night. The viewing area is very elaborate and comfortable.
5. Marfa Book Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By jsthouston - Houston, texas, USA
It use to be about four times larger and while it still has a very good selection of books on art and architecture the fiction, non-fiction, and poetry selection is limited. Still a good bookstore for a small town but so sad to see it scaled down so much.
6. Judd Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Guided visits to Judd Foundation properties in Marfa offer visitors direct engagement with Donald Judd’s art and vision. Judd’s formerly private living and working spaces provide firsthand experience of Judd’s concept of permanent installation in the Chihuahuan Desert. Judd Foundation offers two different guided visits of properties in downtown Marfa, La Mansana de Chinati/The Block and The Studios. Advance reservations for guided visits are required. La Mansana de Chinati / The Block Daily, 11:00am-12:30pm and Thursday-Sunday from 4:30pm-5:45pm. Doors open 10 minutes in advance of start time. Visits to The Block begin promptly at their scheduled time. Advance reservations are required. Guided visits start at the gated entrance to La Mansana de Chinati/The Block, across from Godbold feed mill, at 400 West El Paso Street, which is at the intersection of Kelly and El Paso streets, 3 blocks west of Judd Foundation offices. La Mansana de Chinati, Judd’s residence and studio in Marfa, informally known as The Block, is the site of some of the artist’s first large-scale architectural projects. Guided visits provide access to Judd’s three main studios, which are permanently installed with his early work, and his personal library, which houses his collection of over 13,000 books. Ticket Prices $25 per person, $12.50 students and seniors, with valid ID. Guided visits are free for full-time residents of Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis counties. The Studios (Architecture Studio, Art Studio and the Cobb and Whyte Houses) Friday and Saturday, 1:30-3:15pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2:00-3:45pm. Visits to The Studios visits begin promptly at their scheduled time. Advance reservations are required. Guided visits start at the Judd Foundation offices, 104 South Highland Avenue, south of the railroad tracks, across the street from the Hotel St. George. The Studios visit provides access to a selection of Juddʼs downtown spaces, including the Architecture Studio, Art Studio, and the Cobb and Whyte Houses. These spaces contain furniture by Judd, as well as his early paintings from the 1950s and 60s, along with an extensive collection of modernist and period furniture, and works by other prominent twentieth century artists and designers. Ticket Prices $25 per person, $12.50 students and seniors, with valid ID. Guided visits are free for full-time residents of Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis counties.
Reviewed By davidsonh2016
It's not easy to get to Marfa. In fact, you might ask where in the world is Marfa? Well the Soho Crowd has discovered and transformed this once moribund Texas town. We rolled into town with only the afternoon to explore and just in time for this enthralling two hour tour. Had we been more informed about the spectacular work of Donald Judd we would have planned ahead for the all day tour. His installations are sublime. His aesthetic specific. Well worth the considerable effort to get to this Far West Texas high desert town.
7. Marfa and Presidio County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Hokie67 - Chestertown, Maryland
Lots of great memories restored here... with lots of personal memorabilia from the locals. You really get a picture and feel of what it was to live in Marfa and West Texas over the last 100+ years. And it's free.
8. Marfa Gliders
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By ewebber - Austin, TX
Wasn't expecting to do this on a recent trip, but on a lark decided to give it a try. Burt Compton is an accomplished glider pilot and instructor, so you're in good hands. And he's also a really nice guy, which added a lot to the experience. He's good about emailing and calling prior to the flight, and when you're out there he makes you feel like part of the club, as opposed to just a customer. Weather delayed my flight by a day, but it was well worth the wait. Both peaceful and thrilling. And then his crew chief, Barry, gives you a lift into town. Again, like you're a friend and not just a mealticket. A great experience overall.
9. Fort D. A. Russell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
A former U.S. Cavalry post called Camp Marfa which was the bachelor officers quarters and party house of Fort D.A. Russell from the late 1800s to the end of World War 2.
Reviewed By WeirdHarold - Santa Fe, NM
We visited Building 98 for the opening of an exhibit titled “Degrees of Separation”, an international collaboration. Four each photographers, artists and writers from Louisiana, four of each from France, were selected to contribute, and to interact with and respond to each others' works. It's hard to describe but well worth seeing. (Full disclosure: our daughter is one of the writers.) The exhibit will be on display Oct. 5 - Dec. 13, 2014.
There are other exhibits, too. The historic building itself is interesting, and is being restored by The International Woman's Foundation.
10. Chinati Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By EW_Nocona - San Marcos, Texas
Hot tub soaking is great....note the big pool/tub is closed in fall-winter. Other outside tub is ok for 6-8 people but not hot enough in the fall/winter for long stays. A room with its own tub is recommended...esp for couples.....very cozy. BRING everything you want to eat and drink....there is nothing for miles. Communal kitchen has stoves, refrigerators, ice, utensils, etc. Hike the hot springs river bed up and/or down...amazing geologic layering of concreted river bed rocks and gravel, clay, and what looks to be dust layers from ancient events. Lava rocks are plentiful, but are well rounded and traveled from point of origin, as are sedimentary rocks with colorful mixtures. Cool tabby cat while we were there had run of the place. Very friendly caretaker, and once you get set up you won't see much of her unless you seek her out. Very peaceful.
Word of travel advice...DO NOT make the choice to take the Pinto Canyon country road out to FM 2810 (where there is pavement) and onto Marfa without consideration. It can be a perilous journey even with a high-clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle. It is beautifully scenic, but many low water crossings (can be difficult during/following a rain), narrow road, elevation changes from about 2300 foot above sea level to about 5600 foot...and you'll be hugging some of the mountain sides to stay on the road at parts. I'm sure no big deal for the ranching hands that work out there, but if you're not used to 4-wheeling rough country, better just take the long way back through Presidio. Know that if you have trouble...NO cell phone service, and very few other travelers to come along for a rescue - maybe none for days. When we made the trek, we finally got out of the Chinati mountains and came upon a US Express Trucker (Sean from Baltimore) stuck in the mud. His first time in Texas, trying to get from California to Laredo and said his GPS unit directed him down to Marfa and onto that road. Crazy. Not sure what that was about, but we gave him a ride back into Marfa....if he had had to walk, it could have truly been life threatening from dehydration. We also gave him a Texas map to supplement his GPS. Over the whole distance from the Springs to Marfa (~55 miles) we did not see one other person or operating vehicles....only a few ranch houses in the distance which may or may not have been occupied. Happy to have made the adventurous trip route once, but don't think I'd ever do it again.
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