Museum of the Big Bend

This small but comprehensive museum explores the natural and human history of Texas' Big Bend region, with an emphasis on the paleontology, settlement and diverse cultures of the area. A series of tableaux and dioramas re-create life in the region from pre-history to the present, with a particularly fine exhibit of movie making in the area. Additionally, changing exhibits are curated with an emphasis on West Texas culture, including Mexican pioneers, boot makers and cartography.

How to get to the Museum of the Big Bend:
Located on the northeast corner of the campus of Sul Ross State University, the museum can be reached via the university's Entrance Two on U.S. Highway 90 or Entrance Four from North Harrison Street. Once on campus, follow the small, brown signs to the museum's main entrance.

Parking at the Museum of the Big Bend:
There is a small parking lot behind the museum, as well as parking available in university lots.

Admission at the Museum of the Big Bend:
Admission is free, but private tours are available for groups of eight or more people ($5 per person; book seven days in advance)

Must see/do at the Museum of the Big Bend:
The Big Bend in Film exhibit shows the region as a location for multiple Hollywood movies, including Giant and other Westerns. There are also excellent exhibits that demonstrate how railroads helped West Texas to grow, and a very good collection of artifacts dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers. Be sure to check the museum calendar for the free Speaker Series events, lectures that help enhance vistors' experience of the collection, as well as focuses on the history and culture that makes the Big Bend unique.

Other places to see/things to do near the Museum of the Big Bend:
Big Bend National Park sprawls across more than 800,000 acres, offering 150 miles of hiking trails, camping facilities, a full-service lodge, fishing and a border crossing into Mexico (open Wednesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Adults can also enjoy tours of Big Bend Brewing Company, an hour-long excursion of this West Texas craft brewery that includes a complimentary tasting and a souvenir pint glass.

Author's bio: Holly Beretto is a Houston-based writer covering the arts, food and wine, travel and interesting personalities for a variety of local and regional publications. She is currently at work on her first book, a pictorial history of St. Michael Catholic Church, to be published by Bright Sky Press in late 2015.