Presidio Tourism

Don’t overlook Presidio & Ojinaga in your visit.  There are wonderful things to see and do on both sides of the river.
Bring your passport.
We are here for YOU!
The Tourism Department is located at the City Hall, 507 W. O’Reilly, Downtown in Presidio, Texas.

Current Events

4th of July Celebration and Presidio Drag Racing

Call City Hall to sign as a vendor (432) 229 3517

Races start at 3:00pm – Food all Day – Fireworks start at 10:00 pm – Directions FM 170 West (across the Highway from the Chili Plant)

4th of July Celebration

4th of July Celebration 2021


DSC_0170 GOT WINGS?
Fly to Presidio!
We have a great Airport.
Please visit airnav.com/airport/KPRS or Globalair.com/airport for more information.


Big Bend Blue Bonnets

February, March and April is the Giant Big Bend Bluebonnet season.  It looks like a good crop this year due, they are on the grow now.  It is a beautiful sight.


SEE PRESIDIO’S TEXAS ICONS, THE OFFICIAL STATE OF TEXAS LARGE MAMMAL, THE TEXAS LONGHORN AT BIG BEND RANCH,

IT’S A STATE PARK TOO!

BB Ranch LongHorn Brochure BB Ranch LongHorn Brouchure Inside


 

THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT YOU CAN SEE IN THE DARK SKIES OF PRESIDIO, TEXAS.

IF YOU HAVE SEEN SOMETHING SEND IN YOUR STORY.

bnewton@presidiotx.us


 

History

After Cabeza de Vaca’s visit, a number of Spanish expeditions came to present Presidio County, the first in 1581. The entrada of Juan Domínguez de Mendoza and Father Nicolás López in 1683–84 established seven missions at seven pueblos along the river in the La Junta area. In 1683 Father López celebrated the first Christmas Mass ever observed in Texas at La Junta.

Close ties between the sister cities of Presidio and Ojinaga result in a strong Mexican influence in Presidio where restaurants offer delicious, authentic Mexican food and shoppers can enjoy visits to both sides of the border, as well as duty free shopping.

Presidio is the western gateway to Big Bend Ranch State Park, Fort Leaton and Big Bend National Park. The famed “River Road”, Highway 170 between Presidio and Lajitas, was designated by National Geographic as one of the most scenic drives in North America. Proximity to neighboring destinations such as Shafter Ghost Town on US 67, and Redford, Candlelaria and Ruidosa on FM 170, as well as the Chinati Hot Springs, makes Presidio a perfect base for your West Texas adventure. Explore the old rail stops and watering holes of Casa Piedra and Alimeda. In dry conditions, two wheel drive with high clearance can navigate Casa Piedra Road to FM 169. The 1000’s Ocotillo Cactus in Bloom and the vast vistas on Casa Piedra Road is an impressive sight. Be sure to take your camera, plenty of water and a spare tire and jack, just in case.


OTHER HIGHLIGHTS & INFORMATIVE LINKS:

Presidio, Texas

There are several websites on the subject of Presidio, Texas. With our long history dating back nearly 3000 years of continuous human habitation it is no wonder why we are still here. Presidio is a wonderful place to live or visit, it is located on two rivers, The Rio Grande and Rio Conchos. it has a rich cultural history and the vistas of the Big Bend are simply awesome. Consider this your personal invitation to visit Presidio, until then check out the links below so you can plan your trip.

http://www.texasescapes.com/WestTexasTowns/Presidio-Texas.htm

The Lincoln Profile as seen from Casa Piedra Road

The Lincoln Profile as seen from Casa Piedra Road.

A Closer View of the Lincoln Profile can been seen on US 67.

There are 56 Summits in Presidio, County.

 

 

Topographical Maps are online:

http://www.topozone.com/states/Texas.asp?county=Presidio&feature=Summit

St. Francis Plaza
St. Francis Plaza, a walled garden with benches and fountains, is dedicated to the contributions of Franciscan missionaries to Presidio and Ojinaga. Located on O’Reilly Street

Fort Leaton State Park Presidio, Texas

Fort Leaton State Park Presidio, Texas

Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Visit a massive, fortified adobe trading post dating from the 1840s. Interpretive exhibits highlight area history. Day-use only.http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_leaton/

Big Bend Ranch State Park This massive park of almost 300,000 acres flanks the “River Road” and features trailheads, small recreation areas, primitive camping and river access points. The Dark Skies of BBRSP allow one to see millions of stars otherwise obscured by light pollution. Big Bend Ranch has the 2nd and 3rd tallest waterfalls in Texas. Camping Permits for Big Bend Ranch can be obtained at Fort Leaton State Park or Sauceda, Park Head Quarters located 27 miles off FM 170 on Casa Piedra Road. Average travel time is 1 1/2 hours. Visit the website to see all the camp grounds and a map of this jewel in the Texas Parks System. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/

Ruidosa
About 36 miles northwest of Presidio on FM 170, Ruidosa, a once thriving agricultural community, today is home to a general store, the ruins of the historic Sagrado Corazon Mission, which was built in 1914, and cantinas that serve beer and wine in the evenings.

Chinati Hot Springs
At a constant 110 degrees, these mineral-rich waters have been regarded for their healing qualities for well over one hundred years. Fees are charged for baths, cabins, and camping. The graded dirt Hot Springs Road heads north from FM 170 just past Ruidosa. http://www.chinatihotsprings.com/

The Ghost Town of Shafter & The Rio Grande Mining Company
Twenty miles north of Presidio on Highway 67 is the Rio Grande Mining Company a subsidiary of Aurcana Corporation. Texas only active Silver mine that is operating 24/7 with over 100 employees. It is not open to the general public for safety reasons. However, the remains of the original silver mining town can be seen from US 67 and in the Ghost Town of Safter. For your own safety, respect the visible fenced ruins and no trespassing signs.

For more information on the Shafter Silver Mine visit the following link: http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasGhostTowns/ShafterTexas/ShafterTexas.htm http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasGhostTowns/ShafterTexas/Shootout-At-Shafter-Texas.htm

Ojinaga
An easy drive across the International Bridge, Ojinaga (OJ) welcomes visitors with a variety of excellent restaurants and shops. OJ is a safe place to visit Mexico with a casual atmosphere. The locals are friendly and helpful. The Ojinaga Cultural Museum is a must see on the main road (Libra Comercio) just 4/10ths of a mile from the International Bridge. Just 25 miles past Presidio/Ojinaga on the old road to Chihuahua, is a short path leads to one of the most dramatic views in the Big Bend Region, with walls carved to a depth of two thousand feet. The Rio Conchos that runs deep through Peguis Canyon allows float trips despite dry conditions that makes Rio Grande float trips impossible. For more information: www.angellexpeditions.com

La Junta de los Rios
La Junta de los Ríos is a historic farming and trading area at the junction of the Rio Grande (called Río del Norte by the Spanish) and the Río Conchos. Presidio is at the Hub of this historical home for early man dating back 3000 years. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ryl01 http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/junta/index.html

Millington Site
Just four miles below La Junta de los Rios, from 1936 to 1939 major excavations uncovered the archaelogical remnants of house structures, ceramic bowls and human bones that date early settlement in the area to as far back as 1200AD. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/bbm04

Elephant Rock
This bizarre rock structure can be viewed from Highway 67 just outside of Shafter. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrchriscornwell/sets/72157624830514713/

Profile of Lincoln
Another favorite rock novelty, the profile of Lincoln can be viewed from Highway 67 just north of Presidio.

AEP Battery & Substation
In 2009 AEP Texas began construction of what will ultimately be the country’s largest NAS battery system, housed in a building that architecturally emulates a Spanish fort (also known as a “presidio”).

Guide Services:

The Big Bend is an awesome place to explore off road or a river trip through the Canyons, its vastness and rugged conditions require specialized vehicles and equipment. Presidio is the closest access to the Big Bend State Ranch and Peguis Canyon float trips just 25 miles from Presidio-Ojinaga, Mexico. Professional Guide Services are an affordable and safe way to see the rugged beauty of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend National Park, Rio Grande, Rio Conchos & Peguis Canyon Mexico, and other custom excursions in the region. Presidio is the closest incorporated City to your next high adventure trip. Check the following link for a Presidio based professional outfitter. www.angellexpeditions.com

Tourist kiosk 026

NEW VISITOR INFO WIFI AVAILABLE

Presidio’s Visitor’s Kiosk located at 80 FM 170 by the Fire Station now has 6 MEG WIFI provided as a free service from Presidio Cable and The Presidio Tourism Department. Just sign on Presidio Visitor’s Info, no password is required. While you are there check out the Kiosk for free pamphlets, maps and magazines.

BIG BEND BETWEEN THE PARKS

HOTEL INFORMATION: Here is the Places to stay in Presidio and hotel information for all the Big Bend.  Where to Stay

For More information call:

Brad Newton
(432) 229-3517
Box 1899
Presidio, Texas 79845