Out in West Texas, travelers will find an eclectic mix of small towns. Steeped in history, Marfa is home to about 2,000 people and serves as the county seat for Presidio County. It started as a water stop, then evolved into a military training area. Now visitors will find a thriving art town, with a collection of galleries, museums and quirky shops. Here are the top things to do in Marfa.
Things to Do in Marfa
Judd Historic District
The Chinati Foundation
La Mansana de Chinati/ The Block
John Chamberlain Collection
Marfa Lights Viewing Station
Ballroom Marfa
Prada Marfa
Stone Circle
Art Blocks Gallery
El Paisano Hotel
Presidio County Courthouse
Marfa and Presidio County Museum
Shopping in Marfa
Judd Historic District
Donald Judd remade Marfa from 1973 until his death in 1994. During his time, he purchased and renovated 15 buildings in the area.
One of the tastemakers in the Minimalist movement, the Judd Historic District recognizes his contributions to art and architecture in Marfa. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2025.
The internationally renowned artist divided his time between New York City and Marfa.
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The Chinati Foundation
One of the top things to do in Marfa is tour the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary arts museum. It displays the works of Donald Judd, a leader in the minimalist movement. This is the largest space to explore in the Judd Historic District.
The Chianti Foundation features artwork across 21 buildings, two off-site facilities and three outdoor installations. It is located on the 340-acre site of a former military base, Fort D. A. Russell.
Judd’s work is included in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago. His three-dimensional work is housed inside a retired artillery shed. The Chinati Foundation includes the work of Dan Flavin and Richard Long. In total, 12 artists are displayed.
To enter the buildings, a guided tour is required. There are several tours offered, starting at $15 per person. It is free to take a self-guided walk along a 1.6-mile path to see the 15 untitled concrete blocks by Donald Judd.
Located at 1 Cavarly Row. Guided tours available Wednesday to Sunday, from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
La Mansana de Chinati/The Block
This is the former studio and residence of Donald Judd in Marfa. It houses furniture by Judd, his early works from the 1960s and 1970s. There is also a personal library of over 13,000 volumes.
Located at 104 South Highland Ave., Marfa. Enter by a 1-hour and 45-minute guided tour. Adult admission is $30, and students and seniors enter for $17. Reservations required.
John Chamberlain Collection
See 22 sculptures of painted steel by John Chamberlain at the Wool and Mohair Building in the center of Marfa. Another building repurposed by Donald Judd for the Chianti Foundation artists.
Located at 106 Highland St. To view the collection, reserve a guided tour.
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Marfa Lights Viewing Station
Texas is full of legends, from Country singers to ghosts. In Marfa, there’s one that’s inbetween.
About 18 miles west of Alpine on US Highway 67, people have seen unexplained phenomena at night. At the horizon, mysterious lights appear where there are no roads or houses.
For a chance to see the unexplained Marfa Lights, the best chance to catch them is in the wee hours of the morning. At the Marfa Lights Viewing Station, visitors will find off-highway parking with a nice viewing area complete with telescopes and 24-hours restrooms.
Ballroom Marfa
There’s more to the Marfa art scene than Judd. Another gallery to visit is the Ballroom Marfa. In a restored 1920s ballroom, visitors can enjoy an arts and cultural space dedicated to art, film and music and established in 2003 by Virginia Lebermann and Fairfax Dorn.
Located at 108 E. San Antonio St. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to enter.
Prada Marfa
This iconic storefront is a permanent land art project by artists Elmgreen & Dragset, sponsored by Ballroom Marfa. Located outside of Marfa, near Valentine, it houses the 2005 Prada collection, the year the site opened.
Located at14880 US-90, Valentine. Free to visit, best from dawn to dusk
Stone Circle
Inspired by ancient megaliths, Stone Circle is a solar-powered art installation in the high desert grasslands. The stone grouping is by Haroon Mirza.
It is advised to visit during the full moon, when the solar lights activate.
Located on Ranch Rd 1112, close to the Marfa Golf Course. Free to visit, best from dawn to dusk.
Art Blocks Gallery
Nestled in the heart of Marfa, Texas, the Art Blocks Gallery is a hub for generative art. It is the home to exhibitions and community events, celebrating the intersection of art and technology.
It also hosts the Marfa Weekend, held each fall. This event brings artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to the High Dessert.
Located at 109 W San Antonio St, Marfa. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
El Paisano Hotel
Built in 1930 by architect Henry Trost in the Spanish Revival Style, El Hotel Paisano is a historic hotel in Marfa and on the National Register of Historic Places.
However, it’s best known as a home base for actors like Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean and Rock Hudson. They were in town for the filming of the epic film, The Giant, in 1955.
Though its uninvited guests might be the stars of the hotel in the 21st century, rumors continue to circulate. James Dean stayed on at the Paisano after the filming, and he died shortly after his West Texas stay.
Located at 207 Highland St. in Marfa.
Presidio County Courthouse
This three-story Second Empire design features Italianate detailing. Completed in 1887, the courthouse is definitely worth a drive around.
Located at 300 Highland St, Marfa.
Marfa and Presidio County Museum
Learn about the history of the area in the 1880s-era Humphris-Humphreys house. It displays artifacts from its ranching, railroad, military and movie history.
Located at 110 W San Antonio St, Marfa. Open daily from 1 to 5 p.m. Free to enter and donations are accepted.
Shopping in Marfa
Marfa is a destination for quirky boutique as well as art galleries. FInd clothing, home accents, body care and more.
Marfa Mood Mercantile
A bit if this and that.
Entrance in the Alley, 301 W El Paso St. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Get Go
This is the stop for packaged food, picnic supplies and a bottle of wine.
Located at 208 S. Dean St., Marfa. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Marfa Book Company
Located at 300 S Kelly St., Marfa. Open Friday and Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
