Panther Junction Visitor Center
29.3278, -103.2059 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Panther Junction Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. Backcountry & river use permits are issued here. Entrance fees can be paid here. Exhibits provide an overview of geology & natural and cultural histories of the park. The visitor center also has a theater with a park orientation movie shown upon request.The visitor center complex includes a Big Bend Natural History Association bookstore, U.S. Post Office, and restrooms. A water faucet is available for filling personal water containers
- Every day
- 8:30AM - 5:00PM
Open all year, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Reduced hours on Christmas day: 8:30 am-12:00 pm
- Christmas Day--Reduced Hours · Dec 25, 2026 – Dec 25, 2026 · Every day 8:30AM - 12:00PM
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Panther Junction and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River Passport Stamps are available.
Panther Junction Visitor Center is located in the center of the park. It is 68 miles south of the town of Marathon, and 29 miles east of the town of Study Butte.
Panther Junction Visitor Center is located at a major junction in Big Bend National Park. From here, roads continue in three directions: Rio Grande Village to the east, Persimmon Gap towards the north, and the Chisos Basin and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the west. From the large parking lot, the center includes an outdoor native plant garden, a covered porch area, and main entrance. Inside, there are interesting exhibits that highlight the many activities visitors enjoy throughout the park, as well as a Big Bend Natural History Association Bookstore. A large relief map of the entire park is especially popular. A theater room provides regular viewings of the park film. Adjacent to the visitor center you will find a small US Post Office, and restrooms.
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