LOCAL AREA

Franklin Mountains State Park, in El Paso County, was created by an Act of the Texas State Legislature in 1979. The Franklin Mountains form a striking backdrop to the City of El Paso and constitute an area of regional ecological and aesthetic significance. Making the mountains a park for the protection of their natural features and enjoyment of the public has long been a dream of farsighted El Paso residents, as well as conservationists across the state and nation.

Rocky slopes and canyons, cactus, grass, thorny shrubs, and the occasional tree, who could guess at the hidden treasures deep underground? Beneath this rugged land are more than 117 known caves all formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology is dedicated to the narration, interpretation and preservation of archaeological and anthropological artifacts through research, exhibits, education, and special programs, with a focus on the prehistory and culture of the El Paso area and the Southwest.

The White Sands National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located about 25 km Southwest of Alamogordo in western Otero County and northeastern Dona Ana County in the state of New Mexico, at an elevation of 4235 feet . The area is in the mountain-ringed Tularosa Basin valley area and comprises the southern part of a 710-km² field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals.

Western Playland Amusement Park,over 47 years of family fun tradition! We are located across the street from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.Come see the new amusement park with 25+ acres of extreme family fun. This is the #1 amusement park in the southwest area that is packed with over 30 great family thrill rides and attractions.

Founded in 1959, the El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA) is a major cultural and educational resource for West Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. The Museum houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of art. In addition to displaying works from its holdings, the Museum offers a diverse schedule of temporary exhibitions, films, lectures, concerts, and other educational programs to the general public. Lease call for accurate hours for weekdays and weekends.

The mission of EPHM is:-- to educate the public about the Nazi Holocaust as a way of ensuring that similar acts will not be repeated;-- to honor those who perished in the Holocaust and those who survived;-- to oppose prejudice and bigotry. Open on weekends from 1:00Pm-5:00Pm.

The Chamizal Convention of 1963 was a milestone in diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States. Chamizal National Memorial was established to commemorate this treaty, which resulted in the peaceful settlement of a century-long boundary dispute. The Memorial provides visitors with an opportunity to better understand the culture of our borderland.

Locally recognized as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure. Bigger and better than ever, the El Paso Zoo is an expansive green space that is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star train and the Hunt Family Desert Spring. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums .

Founded in 1959, The El Paso Museum of Art is located in downtown El Paso, Texas. First accredited in 1972, it is the only accredited art museum within a 250 mile radius and serves approximately 100,000 visitors per year. A new building was completed in 1998. In addition to its permanent collections and special exhibitions, the museum also offers art classes, film series, lectures, concerts, storytelling sessions and other educational programs to the West Texas community.

One of our Nation's best kept secrets is the National Border Patrol Museum & Giftshop, located in El Paso, Texas. Here you can journey through the history of the U.S. Border Patrol from the beginning in the Old West, through Prohibition, World War II, into the high-tech Patrol of today. The museum exhibits uniforms, equipment, photographs, guns, vehicles, airplanes, boats and documents depicting historical and current date sector operations throughout the United States.

The El Paso Desert Botanical Garden is the ideal location for your next special event - a peaceful world of beauty and wonder surrounded by breathtaking garden displays, a koi pond, a plaza with soothing fountain, amphitheater and gazebo. You’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for weddings, receptions, corporate events, meetings or private parties.

The El Paso Museum of History exists for the educational benefit of the community and visitors. It promotes the understanding and significance of the rich multicultural and multinational history of the border region known as The Pass of the North. Through exhibits and programs, the Museum involves diverse audiences in exploring varieties of human experience and encourages individuals to explore the past and reflect on their own place in history.

The Museum and Gardens are part of the University of Texas at El Paso, and also serve the binational community of the Chihuahuan Desert region; the Museum was established in 1936, and the Gardens were dedicated in 1999. The Museum’s permanent exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert region. The extensive stored collections of the Centennial are available for scholarly research.