Big Adventures in Big Bend Country

Donated by: Holland Hotel, Hotel Paisano, Gage Hotel, Dr. Bryan Schroeder, Far Flung Outdoor Center, the Museum of the Big Bend, and Texas Historical Commission

RETAIL VALUE: $2,400

 The enchantment of far west Texas awaits you in this one-of-a-kind adventure package to Big Bend Country. Explore, connect, and relax in a landscape of wide-open skies, ancient history, historic architecture, and pristine parklands.

  • The first of three hotels in this package, designed by Henry Charles Trost of the renowned firm Trost and Trost Architects and Engineers—the historic Holland Hotel in the heart of Alpine, Texas—welcomes you for a two-night stay. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1928 and has been restored to its original grandeur.
  • Also designed by Henry Charles Trost, the Hotel Paisano in Marfa, Texas famous for its connection to the film Giant, invites you to enjoy a two-night stay. Built in 1930, the hotel features historic rooms, a bright and airy courtyard for afternoon drinks, a cozy pool area, and a downtown Marfa location surrounded by restaurants and shops.
  • And finally, a two-night stay for two at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, also designed by Henry Charles Trost, commissioned by Alfred S. Gage in 1926, and opened in 1927.
  • Experience the archeological wonders of Bee Cave Canyon on a private tour led by Dr. Bryon Schroeder, Director of the Center for Big Bend Studies in Alpine. Van transportation will be provided.
  • A full-day Camp 360 jeep tour for four on property adjacent to the Big Bend National Park. Experience the majesty of this vast, untamed wilderness that folks from this region love so dearly. The folks at Far Flung look forward to helping you discover and explore the canyons, rivers, mountains, and endless desert vistas that make up the wild and wonderful Big Bend National Park.
  • One of the best kept secrets of Texas, Fort Lancaster State Historic Site lies 20-miles down a scenic drive through the legendary Pecos River Valley. The site features ruins that once housed soldiers guarding the old Lower Government Road between San Antonio and El Paso. Discover all this site has to offer with a private tour led by key site staff for up to 13 people. Bonus – you can also explore the site using their golf carts. Gift basket full of site-curated treasures and treats included.
  • Experience the vibrant heritage and diverse history of the Big Bend region with tickets for four to the Museum of the Big Bend. With immersive exhibits brimming with artifacts, the museum helps paint a picture of how life once was in this part of Texas.

Restrictions and Special Instructions

  • Holland Hotel: Standard king or queen bed; Expires October 31, 2025. Certificate valued at $450. Guest is responsible for any charges over the maximum value. Good for non-holiday weekends and weekdays. Please call for reservations.
  • Hotel Paisano: Call 432-729-3669 for reservations. Reservations are required. Certificate must be presented at check-in. Certificate not redeemable on holidays. Expires 10/9/2026.
  • Gage Hotel: Restrictions apply. No blackout dates, no holidays, no weekends, and based on availability.
  • Far Flung Outdoor Center: Please make reservations by phoning the FFOC office at 432-371-2633. This certificate is non-transferable. Space is subject to availability. Certificate has fixed dollar amount of $395, and any cost difference arising from increased prices at the time of use will be the responsibility of Certificate Holder. Expires 8/19/2025.
  • Archeology Tour:   Please contact Dr. Bryon Schroeder at 432-837-8339 (w), 307-258-6085 (c) or bryon.schroeder@sulross.edu to schedule the tour. Please provide at least a one-month advance notice for scheduling.
  • Museum of the Big Bend: Closed on major holidays. Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
  • Fort Lancaster: Site is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and closed on Sunday and Monday. Tour must be scheduled 30 days in advance. Contact visitor center at 432-836-4391 to coordinate tour date and time. Tour limited to 10 people. Expires August 31, 2025.