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In my opinion some of the coolest places to visit in our Great State of Texas are the older State Parks built by the CCC back during the Depression. They made it their goal to use native materials and help the park blend into it’s natural surroundings. The stone work is incredible, the carpentry superb, and while the accommodations may not live up to our 21st century ideal of what defines “necessities”, i.e. air conditioning, wi-fi etc, what the cabins, structures, and campsites do incredibly well is remind us how much simpler we can live without these necessities. Today we’re going to discuss the three CCC built State Parks in West Texas.
Balmorhea
Every time I’ve passed the sign for this state park while I was cruising down I-10 I’ve always thought Balmorhea sounded like some place in a Lord Of The Rings movie! What it is though, is a beautiful state park built around the San Solomon Springs, a true oasis in the middle of the Chihuahua desert. The CCC began construction of the park in 1934 using native limestone and adobe bricks to build a swimming pool and motor court-style lodgings around the springs.
Davis Mountains
Construction began 4-5 miles northwest of Ft Davis, TX in 1933. Back before I-10 most east/west motor traffic was on what is now Route 90, or Hwy 290 and this park was built to attract visitors in the newly burgeoning motor tourism. This park features a couple mess hall type buildings, picnic tables and shelters, and is set in the beautiful Davis Mountains, perfect spot for lunch!
Indian Lodge
Known as Indian Village Hotel, this pueblo style whitewashed adobe building is a spectacular tribute to the CCC’s sense of style and place and is a perfectly preserved piece of 1935 arts and crafts architecture. It is located near Davis Mountains and is a must see spot in W Texas!