Fort Davis National Historic Site

10/21/2026

🚨PARK ALERT 🚨

For public safety, the Tall Grass Loop Trail and Scenic Overlook Switchback Trail are closed until further notice.

The closures are due to structural damage to Historic Building 15 (the two-story bachelor officers' quarters) during severe weather last week.

Remaining Open: The Hospital Canyon Trail and North Ridge Trail are open and provide access to the Davis Mountains State Park and Fort Davis NHS overlook.

📸 Credit: NPS

10/09/2026

Have you made your reservation for our Lantern Tours? 👀

There is still time to do so as a few reservations remain for the Annual Lantern Tours tomorrow, Saturday October 10, 2026. Join us as we step back in time and guide you through an evening from the past! Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/foda/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

Call Fort Davis National Historic Site Visitor Center at 432-426-3224 to secure your spot.

📸: Three actors dressed in living history clothing lean against a wagon illuminated by lantern light. NPS

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/26/2026

Fort Davis National Historic Site's Annual Lantern Tours are back!

On this one night of the year, join park staff in this FREE EVENT as they guide visitors by lantern light through reenacted scenes of daily life at the fort.

The Lantern Tours will be held the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2026. There will be eight tours, each tour one hour in length, beginning at 6:40 pm for those who prefer more daylight. Each tour is limited to 20 guests and reservations are recommended as spots fill up quickly.

Tour times are as follows: 6:40, 6:55, 7:10, 7:25, 7:40, 7:55, 8:10, 8:25.
Flashlights are allowed to assist with walking from scene to scene, closed-toe footwear is encouraged.

Reservations open on Sunday, September 27, 2026 and can be made by calling the Fort Davis NHS Visitor Center at 432-426-3224.

Photo: A reenactor carries a lantern at a previous Fort Davis NHS Lantern Tour.

Image Credit: Lee Hoy, used with permission.

08/27/2026

Lace up your hiking boots!

Want to learn about both Fort Davis National Historic Site and Davis Mountains State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife on the same hike? Join interpretive rangers from both parks this Saturday, August 29, 2026 for our Park2Park Hike! The hike will begin and end at the CCC Overlook at Davis Mountains State Park (DMSP), with rangers guiding hikers to the Fort Davis NHS Overlook.

Time: 8:30 am - 11:00 am.
Difficulty level: Moderate (2 miles, roundtrip)

Don't forget to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water!

*Cost is free if you’re camping at DMSP. Day passes may be purchased at the DMSP front office.

📸: NPS

08/24/2026

NOW HIRING!

Have you ever dreamed of working for the National Park Service? If you enjoy history, public speaking, education, and connecting with people, this is a great opportunity to join the team at Fort Davis National Historic Site as a permanent Park Ranger in the Interpretation and Education Division!

Applications close September 2, 2026.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals and reside within 60 miles of Fort Davis, Texas to qualify under the local hiring authority.
Apply on USAJobs at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/881256800

📸 NPS

08/21/2026

This weekend, August 22 and 23rd, is the fourth annual Fort Davis NHS Bug Roundup!
At this FREE event, discover and learn about the exciting insect population of Fort Davis and get a pin for joining in! Participants will also be allowed to explore inside the historic Cottonwood Grove while searching for various insects.
*Insects will not be collected--photographed only* 📸
REMEMBER: bring good shoes, a hat, a camera (phone cameras work) and plenty of water!

Join staff, volunteers and park partners from Borderlands Research Institute for the following walks and in-depth programs:

Saturday, August 22– Sunday, August 23, 2026
--Sat/Sun: 8:30 am: Guided Bug Walk. Explore insects on the park grounds with staff and volunteers—don’t forget your water and closed-toe shoes! (Meet at Fort Davis NHS Visitor Center)
--Sat/Sun: 11:00 am: Bug Talk after the Bug Walk! (Park Auditorium)
--Sat/Sun: 2:00 pm: Insect Show and Tell — dive deep into the bug world with our partners from Borderlands Research Institute. (Fort Davis NHS Park Auditorium.)

Alt Text: Collage of insects found at Fort Davis NHS. Clockwise from top left: Katydid; Camel Spider; Huntsman Spider; Walking Stick.

Image Credit: NPS Photo.

07/06/2026

HOLD YOUR HORSES — our celebration of carries on with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Buffalo Soldier Program and ... 🐪CAMELS!

Monday, July 6 - Tuesday, July 7
9:00 am — 4:00 pm: Buffalo Soldiers Program- Texas Parks and Wildlife
Visit with Texas Parks and Wildlife Buffalo Soldiers Heritage and Outreach Program as they bring history to life interpreting the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the Southwest through tools and stories.

Wednesday, July 8 - Thursday, July 9
9:00 am — 4:00 pm: The US Army Camel Experiment
Brought to you by park partners, Western National Parks, learn the story of the U.S. Army Camel Experiment and how they made their way through Fort Davis in the 1850s.



Attached Photo: Left image of Texas Parks and Wildlife Buffalo Soldiers Program interpreters; Right image of camel standing tall in front of the parade grounds at Fort Davis NHS.

06/29/2026

Join us as we celebrate !

Traveling to Fort Davis for Independence Day? We have programs every day at Fort Davis National Historic Site from Tuesday June 30 through Sunday July 5! Check out our schedule:

Tuesday, June 30
11:00 am: Fort Tour
2:00 pm: Ranger Program, Fort Auditorium

Wednesday, July 1
11:00 am: Small Arms Demonstration, Fort Parade Grounds
2:00 pm: Artillery Talk, Fort Parade Grounds

Thursday, July 2
11:00 am: Small Arms Demonstration, Fort Parade Grounds
2:00 pm: Artillery Talk, Fort Parade Grounds

Friday, July 3
11:00 am: Fort Tour
2:00 pm: Ranger Program Fort Auditorium

Saturday, July 4
10:00 am: Parade On State Street, Downtown Fort Davis
2:00 pm: Gun Salute, Fort Parade Grounds
4:00-4:30 pm: Lowering of the Garrison Flag

Sunday, July 5
11:00 am: Small Arms Demonstration, Fort Parade Grounds
2:00 pm: Baseball played by 1880s rules--PUBLIC INVITED TO PLAY! Bring plenty of water, sun protection, tennis shoes, and team spirit! *Equipment provided
4:00-4:30 pm: Lowering of the Garrison Flag

All events are WEATHER PERMITTING. For more information call the Fort Davis NHS Visitor Center at 432.426.3224


Photo: Park visitors and staff lower 38-star Garrison flag at Fort Davis National Historic Site during 4th of July holiday, 2025.

06/04/2026

Mark your calendars!
We are kicking-off this summer by once again partnering with our friends over at Davis Mountains State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife in providing evening programs for the Summer 2026 season! Join Fort Davis NHS staff on Saturday evenings for various ranger talks throughout the summer, as we explore the U.S. Army, civilian life, nature, and other fun topics.

This weekend:
June 6: "More than Dirt: Unearth the use of adobe in 19th century military construction"

Time: 6pm-7pm
Where: Davis Mountains State Park (DMSP) Interpretive Center
*Cost is free if you’re camping at DMSP. Day passes may be purchased at the DMSP front office until 4:45 pm. A self-pay kiosk is available after.

Coming up this month:
June 13: "Pills, Potions and Poison: Victorian Cure Alls, Drugs, Panaceas, Nostrums, and Tonics of All Descriptions (1860s-1890s)
June 20: "Surviving the Frontier: The struggles enlisted troops faced while stationed at Fort Davis"
June 27: "Death by Infection: Dying from the Unknown in the 1880s"

Pictured: Ruins of adobe two-story houses that were built during the mid-1880s to accommodate junior officers at Fort Davis. Designed to be shared quarters, they were sometimes occupied by non-commissioned officers when space permitted. c. 1953

05/20/2026

Fort Davis National Historic Site Memorial Day Event
--A ceremony commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States--

Learn the history of Memorial Day, see a traditional three-volley salute, and visit historic Fort Davis on a fee free day.

When: Monday May 25th, 2026
Time: 12 pm
Where: Fort Davis National Historic Site

All are welcome to attend and are not required to salute or pay honors; all are asked to remain quiet and respectful during the ceremony.