Discover El Paso’s Cultural Heritage: Museums and Landmarks
Ever since Spanish explorers traveling northbound named the pass between the two mountains rising out of the desert El Paso del Norte in the late 1500s, the area has been a hub of crisscrossing cultures.
Today, El Paso stretches along the Texas–Mexico border, in close proximity to its sister city Juarez, Mexico, which together form the largest bi-national metroplex in the world. El Paso’s rich culture reflects a blend of Old West lore, Native American heritage, Spanish colonialism, Mexican culture, Texas bravado, and the desert landscape it occupies. Its museums showcase this diverse range of influence. Remarkably, all El Paso museums are free to the public, making a day of museum hopping an affordable option for everyone.
Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens: Best for Plant Lovers
The El Paso Centennial Museum was established during the 1936 Texas Centennial, making it the oldest museum in El Paso. Permanent exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert region, emphasizing both indigenous and colonial cultures. Natural exhibits highlight the unique flora that thrives in this desert landscape.
In 1999, the museum expanded to include gardens, now certified as a Texas Wildscape site, featuring more than 800 species of native or adapted plants. The gardens represent one of the largest collections of Chihuahuan Desert flora in the world. As visitors wander through these themed gardens, they gain insights into landscaping with native plants, water conservation, and restoring healthy ecosystems.
Chamizal National Memorial Museum: Best for Picnickers
Not many people outside of El Paso realize the long-standing historical dispute between the United States and Mexico over a piece of land. The Rio Grande river, which naturally acted as the border, was rerouted in 1864, inadvertently conceding 600 acres of Mexican land to El Paso.
For almost 100 years, Mexico contested the new boundary until President Kennedy negotiated the Chamizal Treaty, returning the land to its rightful owners. The Chamizal National Memorial commemorates this landmark in diplomatic relations. The onsite museum details the history of the US–Mexico border, from the Indigenous people’s roots along the Rio Grande to the treaty that led to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Spanning 55 acres of gently rolling hills, the parkland is shaded by numerous trees and features restrooms, picnic areas, and grills, creating an ideal spot for a picnic after exploring the museum.
Old El Paso County Jail Museum: Best for Wild West Enthusiasts
The infamous gunslinger Billy the Kid remains one of the most legendary figures of the Old West. Originally a two-room adobe building serving as the county judge’s courtroom and jail, this location became legendary when Billy the Kid disguised himself as a Texas Ranger to free fellow outlaw Melquiades Segura.
Today, this small museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time, experiencing what life was like on both sides of the jail door in the late 1800s. The walls are adorned with maps and Billy the Kid wanted posters, overlooking a wooden table set with cards and a bottle of whiskey to occupy jailers. Guests can even enter the original jail cells while local reenactors vividly portray the Billy the Kid breakout saga monthly.
Historic Mission Trail: Best for Those Who Remember the Alamo
Despite popular belief, the Alamo isn’t the only significant mission in Texas. The nine-mile Historic Mission Trail along El Paso County’s east side allows visitors to walk through three of the oldest churches in the United States. The Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Chapel each represent a piece of Texas history, spiritual significance, and architectural beauty.
Constructed by the Tigua people in 1682, the Ysleta Mission is the oldest active mission in Texas. Though the structure has faced changes due to fires and floods, it remains the state’s oldest active parish.
These missions stand as enduring symbols of the intricate history shared by Spain, Mexico, and the United States in the region. This trail is part of the historic Camino Real that once connected Mexico City with Santa Fe, showcasing not only the missions but also cultural centers, art galleries, restaurants, and local breweries.
El Paso Museum of History: Best Interactive Museum
A massive 3D touch-sensitive digital wall at the El Paso Museum of History allows visitors to delve into 400 years of the city’s history with just a touch. This impressive installation features five panels of touchscreens measuring 35-feet, making it a unique highlight in the United States.
The interactive program includes historic and modern-day photography and video, portraying scenes from El Paso’s fascinating past. Visitors can navigate various topics by time period, location, or themes such as celebration, education, and faith.
Inside the museum, five galleries exhibit the rich history of this border region. The permanent exhibition “Changing Pass: People, Land & Memory” spans a millennium of history, beginning with early Indigenous settlers and culminating with World War II and the Bracero Program in the 20th century.
