Off the Ranch Activities
Marfa
Marfa is where the iconic Texas movie “Giant” was filmed in the 1950s – starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean (tours are available through the Chinati Foundation). This small town is home to numerous studios, galleries and museums displaying works from local artists and international iconoclasts like Andy Warhol. Just outside of town travelers can witness the strange and unexplained phenomena known as the Marfa Lights. These mysterious lights appear randomly throughout the night and have inspired much speculation and legend as to their origin.
Fort Davis
Among other attractions within easy driving range of Cibolo Creek Ranch is Fort Davis, a 19th century U.S. Army Cavalry fort that was home to the famous ‘Buffalo Soldiers.’ Take a trip to Fort Davis National Monument to learn about the fort that won West Texas.
McDonald Observatory
Near the Fort Davis National Monument is McDonald Observatory, the renowned University of Texas astronomical facility with the technologically advanced Hobby-Eberly telescope. The observatory offers daytime tours and star parties at night in addition to hosting other events open to the public.
The Chinati Foundation
The Chinati Foundation in Marfa sponsors art and education programs, establishing close links to the local community and other cultural institutions and universities in the United States and abroad. Started by Donald Judd, Chinati’s Artists in Residence Program provides artists from around the world an opportunity to develop and exhibit their work in a stimulating environment.
The permanent collection includes 15 outdoor concrete works by Donald Judd, 100 aluminum works by Judd housed in two converted artillery sheds, 25 sculptures by John Chamberlain, an installation by Dan Flavin occupying six former army barracks and works by Carl Andre, Ingólfur Arnarsson, Roni Horn, Ilya Kabakov, Richard Long, Claes Oldenburg, Coosje van Bruggen, David Rabinowitch and John Wesley. Each artist’s work is installed in a separate building on the museum’s grounds. Temporary exhibitions feature modern and contemporary art of diverse media.
Big Bend National Park
Cìbolo Creek Ranch is close to many of the top Texas places of interest and local tourist attractions. We are about two hours northwest of the stunning Big Bend National Park and an hour from the 311,000-acre Big Bend Ranch State Park. Situated along the Rio Grande, the parks are home to hundreds of species of plants, birds, reptiles and mammals. But if you prefer to stay close to the ranch, there’s more than enough on offer to keep you occupied.
Driving Tours
Cross the border into Ojinaga, Mexico or explore the historic Old West towns of Fort Davis, Marfa and Alpine. About 45 minutes away, Alpine is the home of Sul Ross State University and the Museum of the Big Bend. A major attraction in the museum is a large exhibit devoted to Milton Faver and Cibolo Creek Ranch, which he founded in the mid-19th century.
