Castolon Visitor Center
29.1343, -103.5149 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Located in the Castolon Historic District, the Castolon Visitor Center is open daily during the winter months. River use permits are issued during normal business hours, and entrance fees can be paid at the Castolon Visitor Center. The Castolon Visitor Center has a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore and nearby restrooms. The visitor center is located in the historic Garlick House, immediately behind the Magdalena House Exhibits. Stop by to meet a ranger and plan your adventure.
- Every day
- 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Open seasonally, November through April Open Daily 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed for lunch)
- Closed for Summer · May 1, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026 · Closed
- Christmas Day · Dec 25, 2026 – Dec 25, 2026 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Castolon Passport Stamp available
The Castolon Visitor Center is located within the Castolon Historic District of Big Bend National Park. The site is located along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, approximately 8 miles from the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. The visitor center is inside the historic officer's quarters building.
The Castolon Visitor Center is located within the historic Garlick House in Castolon. This small adobe building is located on the edge of a bluff with expansive views of the Rio Grande floodplain, and 1,500 feet high cliffs of the Sierra Ponce extending into Mexico. The nearby Magdalena House exhibit building offers exhibits highlighting the lives of early bi-cultural, bi-national settlers who worked together to live in this remote area. The visitor center contains an information desk and some sales items. Historic images are on display that highlight the rich border culture and history of the Castolon area.
Drive to Castolon Visitor Center
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