Marfa

A minimalist art town on the high plains of West Texas, known for the Judd Foundation, the Chinati Foundation, a Prada store in the desert and the mysterious Marfa Lights. To the north, the Davis Mountains have an observatory and an old military fort.

Marfa is in Presidio County in far West Texas. It sits on a high plateau at about 1,400 m above sea level, with fewer than 2,000 residents, yet it is a pilgrimage site for contemporary art lovers worldwide. Minimalist artist Donald Judd moved here from New York in the 1970s. He turned an old army base into the Chinati Foundation and later bought houses and studios in town, which are now the Judd Foundation. Galleries, bookstores and design hotels followed, giving the town the feel of an art town in the desert. About 60 km northwest, along Highway 90, is the art installation Prada Marfa. From a viewing spot to the east, you can wait for the mysterious Marfa Lights. About 35 km north is Fort Davis, where the Davis Mountains have the McDonald Observatory, the Fort Davis National Historic Site, a state park and a scenic loop. Farther north is the Balmorhea Springs swimming pool. To the east is Alpine, the gateway to Big Bend National Park.

The best seasons are March to May and September to November. Summer days are hot, with afternoon thunderstorms, and winter nights often drop below freezing. Marfa is very remote. The nearest airports are El Paso (about 3 hours' drive) and Midland (about 3 hours). Alpine is served by the Amtrak Sunset Limited. You must drive. Art museums are mostly open Wednesday to Sunday and require reservations for guided tours. Many shops close early in the week, so check opening hours before planning. Plan 2-3 days: one day for Chinati and the town's galleries, one day for the Davis Mountains and a stargazing party at the observatory, and half a day for Prada Marfa and the Marfa Lights.

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