The Terrell County Visitors Center, located at the corner of 2rd and Oak, is housed in the recently completed Terrell County Convention and Visitor Center.   The Center vacated the old Rancho Grande Bar, its home for several years.  Although the Bar was quaint and unique among visitor centers in the area, it had become too costly to maintain, heat and cool.  The new building is  constructed in mission-style and has a modern, tempertaure controlled interior.
Our center is well stocked with information about Big Bend National Park and other scenic attractions in this part of Texas. Terrell County merchandise, curios and informative books, including the Terrell County history book, are for sale.  The Center also stocks postcards of local scenes and historical views.  Brochures from the Sanderson Chamber of Commerce, including our walking tour of historical sites and informational brochures on the history of Terrell County, are available.  Many hours of labor went into creating this setting and the citizens of Terrell County are proud of the results.

 

Back at the old building at 3rd and Oak, the area to the east of the building has been cleared and landscaped with native plants representing the flora of Terrell County.  Terrell County is designated the Cactus Capital of Texas because of its unique location at the confluence of three ecological biomes, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Edwards Plateau and the southern reaches of the Great Plains. Cacti found in these biomes are present locally, making  this a one-of-a-kind paradise for cactus aficianados.  As one wanders about the grounds, informative signage identifies the plants for those who are curious about desert ecology.

 

Local school students have given an enthusiastic reception to the historical depictions, which bring local lore and history alive for them.  We also entertain visitors from all over the world, who are attracted to this hands-on history lesson.

 

Our current Visitors Center Director Carolyn Hutto can answer most questions about accommodations in Sanderson and Terrell County, as well as the Big Bend area.  She has a wealth of literature and maps which can fill in the blanks.  This is the lady to go to if you have a question about travel in Terrell County and the Big Bend.

 

Located among the plantings in the outdoor interpretive area are monoliths of native limestone which were erected by county crews to serve as backdrops for simulated petroglyphs explaining the history of Terrell County. 

Local artist Ayako Monier painstakingly recreated symbols found in local caves and rock shelters, inscribed by the original prehistoric inhabitants of the area, and representing their history and influence.  In addition, she added more modern symbology to represent the march of time as the area entered the historic era. 

 

The first place you should stop in Sanderson and Terrell County is our Visitor Center.  There you can visit with our Center manager and arm yourself with brochures and books to make your stay informative and to help you understand our local history.  You won't be disappointed.

Come visit us at the Corner of US Highway 90 and 2nd Street.

Call us at 432-345-2324

Terrell County Visitor Center