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Fort Davis National Historic Site

Designation: National Historic Site

Location: Texas

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest. From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was strategically located to protect emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Trans-Pecos portion of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and on the Chihuahua Trail.

🌤 Weather Information

Summer Temperatures average a High of 95 and low of 65. Winter Temperatures average a High of 60 and a low of 20. Wind is very common and heavy rainfall is very sporadic.

🚗 Directions

We are approximately 2.5 hours south of Midland/Odessa starting on I-20 to HWY 17, 3.5 hours North West of Del Rio starting on HWY 90 to HWY 118, 4 hours east of El Paso starting on I-10 to HWY 118 and 7 hours west of San Antonio starting on I-10 to HWY 17.

Images

Garrison Flag flying over the post.

Garrison flag flying over the post within the box canyon Fort Davis is located.

Credit: NPS Photo / Max Kandler

Artillery Crew stands at the ready

The Artillery Crew stand ready for orders to post at their positions and fire the U.S. 3-inch Ordnance Rifle.

Credit: NPS Photo / Max Kandler

Two ladies working in the kitchen

Special events bring back the smells of an 1800s Kitchen

Credit: NPS Photo / Dana Jones

Soldier mounted on his horse

The U.S. Cavalry was utilized at Fort Davis for most of its existence. Here a soldier shows off the uniform and equipment of the 1800s.

Credit: NPS Photo / Max Kandler

Building and trees at Fort Davis during the fall with yellow leaves.

This sky island habitat is known for its dramatic season changes. Fall brings the end of our rainy season allowing the bright yellow Cottonwoods to shine. In spring /summer waving grasses and wildflowers show off their vivid colors once again.

Credit: NPS photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday
8:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person
Per Person entry.
$10.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Fee per motorcycle.
$15.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Entrance - Private Vehicle (includes driver and passengers)
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Commercial Entrance - Sedan (1-6 persons vehicle capacity)
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial Entrance - Van (7-15 persons vehicle capacity)
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus (16-25 persons vehicle capacity)
$40.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach (26+ person vehicle capacity)
$100.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
This pass will admit the pass owners and three other adults to the Fort for 12 months from the month of purchase.
$35.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Sunday, Jul 12

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 80.9°F | Low: 65.9°F

Humidity: 62%

Wind: 19 mph

Rain Chance: 57%

UV Index: 10.7

Sunrise: 07:01 AM

Sunset: 09:00 PM

Moon: New Moon (2%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 64.6°F

Cloud Cover: 57%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Jul 13

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 77.1°F | Low: 65.7°F

Humidity: 64%

Wind: 14.5 mph

Rain Chance: 73%

UV Index: 12.3

Sunrise: 07:02 AM

Sunset: 09:00 PM

Moon: New Moon (0%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 64°F

Cloud Cover: 73%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, Jul 14

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 74.3°F | Low: 63.1°F

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 17 mph

Rain Chance: 79%

UV Index: 6.9

Sunrise: 07:02 AM

Sunset: 09:00 PM

Moon: New Moon (1%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 62.9°F

Cloud Cover: 79%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Park Closed New Years Day Park Closure
Fort Davis National Historic Site will be CLOSED January 1, 2026. Park will reopen on January 2, 2026 @ 8:00am.
Park Closed Martin Luther King Day Park Closure
Fort Davis National Historic Site will be CLOSED January 19, 2026. We will reopen on January 20, 2026 @ 8:00am.
Weather Closure Park Closure
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, Fort Davis National Historic Site will be closed due to Winter Storm Fern. Check this page for updates and the park will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.
Fort Davis NHS is in the Central Time Zone Information
Fort Davis National Historic Site is located in the Central Time Zone. The park is open 8:00 am until 5:00 pm (Central Time). The Visitor Center closes at 4:30pm. The Main Gate locks at 5:00pm.
Fort Davis NHS is a NO DRONE Zone! Information
The use of drones is prohibited at Fort Davis National Historic Site. Thank you for preserving the cultural landscape.

More Info

Cashless Fee Collection Exercise Information
Fort Davis National Historic Site to begin 6-month cashless fee collection exercise starting Monday November 18, 2024. Transition to electronic payments reduces transaction times, saves money, and improves accountability.

More Info

Park Events

Constellation Tour on the Parade Grounds at Fort Davis NHS

Meet us under the stars! We're celebrating International Dark Sky Week with several great events at Fort Davis National Historic Site.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. bring a lawn chair and enjoy a constellation tour on the parade grounds at Fort Davis NHS!   In partnership with McDonald Observatory, there will be telescopes for the public to view the stars. Closed-toe footwear and flashlights recommended.   All night events are weather permitting. Have questions? Call 432-426-3224

Date: Apr 15, 2026 12:00am to Apr 15, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Experience Fort Davis After Dark - Enjoy a Night Hike
Experience the Park After Dark and Enjoy a Night Hike!   Partnered with Sul Ross State University Biology Program, join us for a night hike behind the post hospital with Dr. Chis Ritzi as he identifies the nocturnal insects that make the night come alive.   Closed-toe footwear and flashlights recommended.     All night events are weather permitting. Have questions? Call 432-426-3224

Date: Apr 17, 2026 12:00am to Apr 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

"Night Insects" Day-Time Program
"Night Insects" Day-Time Program   Discover insects that call the night home! This program will take place in the Fort Davis NHS Auditorium. Have questions? Call 432-426-3224

Location: Fort Davis NHS Auditorium

Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Fort Tour

Enjoy a tour led by one of our staff through historic buildings.

Date: Jun 29, 2026 12:00am to Jun 29, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Program

Join Fort Davis NHS staff in our park auditorium as we explore the U.S. Army, civilian life, nature, and other fun topics.

Date: Jun 29, 2026 12:00am to Jun 29, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Fort Tour

Enjoy a tour led by one of our staff through historic buildings.

Date: Jun 30, 2026 12:00am to Jun 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Program

Join Fort Davis NHS staff in our park auditorium as we explore the U.S. Army, civilian life, nature, and other fun topics.

Date: Jun 30, 2026 12:00am to Jun 30, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Small Arms Demonstration

Dive into the weaponry and tactics of historic weapons on the southwest frontier. 

Date: Jul 1, 2026 12:00am to Jul 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Artillery Talk

Join park staff as they discuss the types and uses of artillery at frontier posts. 

Date: Jul 1, 2026 12:00am to Jul 1, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Small Arms Demonstration

Dive into the weaponry and tactics of historic weapons on the southwest frontier. 

Date: Jul 2, 2026 12:00am to Jul 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
101 Lt. Flipper Dr. #1379
P.O. Box 1379
Fort Davis, TX 79734

🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1379
101 Lt. Flipper Dr. #1379
Fort Davis, TX 79734

📞 Voice Phone: 1-432-426-3224

📞 Fax Phone: 1-432-426-3122

✉️ Email: FODA_Superintendent@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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