Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens - A long building with arches and palm trees.
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Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

4.6
·237 reviews·El Paso, United States

Discover El Paso's history and the beauty of native desert flora at this UTEP gem. Features dinosaur bones and over 600 plant species.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Best blooms and pleasant temperatures

CrowdLow
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Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens - A long building with arches and palm trees.

Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Best Time

Spring and Fall mornings

Best blooms and pleasant temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover El Paso's history and the beauty of native desert flora at this UTEP gem. Features dinosaur bones and over 600 plant species.

4.6
(237 reviews)

"A gem with beautiful gardens and fascinating history, offering a great cultural experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 Embrace the Gardens

Meander through the well-tended gardens; plants are clearly marked with names. Beautiful blooms are a highlight!

🦕 Touch a Dino Bone!

Don't miss the chance to interact with a dinosaur bone exhibit – a unique and memorable experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Outdoor gardens surrounding the museum

Wander through over 600 native plants, a vibrant testament to desert biodiversity and beauty.

Dinosaur Bone Exhibit

Dinosaur Bone Exhibit

Museum interior

Get up close with ancient giants; you can even touch one of the impressive dinosaur bones!

El Paso History Exhibits

El Paso History Exhibits

Museum interior

Discover the fascinating heritage of El Paso through engaging displays on local history and culture.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Desert Blooms

While beautiful year-round, the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens truly shine with blooms in spring and fall. Visiting during weekdays might offer a more tranquil experience than weekends, especially if you want to avoid student crowds.

Explore Beyond the Cactus

Don't just expect cacti! The gardens showcase over 600 native plants, offering a diverse look at desert flora. The museum itself delves into El Paso's rich history and culture, providing a well-rounded visit.

Best Times

When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Best blooms and pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer students, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Easy campus access and parking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#tryaplace #best_places_to_visit_USA #best_things_to_do_USA Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens in El Paso, TX 79968 💗 Best places to visit in Texas The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens represent a cultural and natural history museum situated on the premises of the University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, Texas, within the United States. Constructed in the year 1936, t...
@try_a_place
5 likes • 130 views

🌸 Embrace the Gardens

Meander through the well-tended gardens; plants are clearly marked with names. Beautiful blooms are a highlight! Reddit

🦕 Touch a Dino Bone!

Don't miss the chance to interact with a dinosaur bone exhibit – a unique and memorable experience. Reddit

the oldest museum in El Paso #elpaso #texas #museums #travel #adventures #tx #txtravel #archaeology #history #art #utep
@dollarstorejohnnydepp
122 likes • 1.8K views
Hey Amigos! Come take a walk through the garden with me! The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens at UTEP Centennial Museum are a wonderful example of how you can have a thriving garden full of flowers and greenery here in the desert while using native plants. #plantnative #plants #garden #gardening #flowers #utep #centennialmuseum #chihuahuandesert #chihuahuandesertgardens #desert #nature #ep #eptx #elpas...
amigomanep
84 likes • 3.2K views

🏛️ Explore Local Heritage

The museum offers fascinating exhibits on El Paso's history and culture, including migrant experiences. Reddit

🚗 Weekday vs. Weekend

Weekends offer easier campus access. Weekdays might be less crowded but check access details. Reddit

🎙️ You won’t believe these birds are real! 🐦✨ In Episode 3 of our new podcast from the Centennial Museum & Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, hosted by Director Daniel Carey-Whalen and Botanical Curator Dr. Kevin Floyd, we dive into the unreal beauty of birds soaring through the Chihuahuan Desert. Some are so stunning, you'd think AI made them. 👀 🎧 Recorded at KTEP Public Media 🎙️ Now streaming on KTEP....
centennialmuseum
69 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Embrace the Gardens

Meander through the well-tended gardens; plants are clearly marked with names. Beautiful blooms are a highlight! Reddit

🦕 Touch a Dino Bone!

Don't miss the chance to interact with a dinosaur bone exhibit – a unique and memorable experience. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Local Heritage

The museum offers fascinating exhibits on El Paso's history and culture, including migrant experiences. Reddit

🚗 Weekday vs. Weekend

Weekends offer easier campus access. Weekdays might be less crowded but check access details. Reddit

🎧 Desert Diaries Podcast

Tune into the museum's podcast for insights into desert critters and plant life. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(237 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens to be a delightful and educational experience. Many praise the well-maintained gardens showcasing diverse native plants and the engaging museum exhibits, particularly the dinosaur bones. It's often highlighted as a valuable, free cultural resource for the community.

"Really neat place. We liked it. It was my first time seeing Dinosaur bones and now I can't wait to see more. You are able to touch one of the Dino bones, which was very cool. I loved walking the gardens and seeing the beautiful blooms. I'm sure this place would be super amazing when all the flowers are in bloom."

Traveling wvcouple

"The Chihuahuan gardens around the museum are a great example of native plants that are not mostly cactus. The building architecture is very interesting. Weekends is easy entrance to the campus. I'm not Suite what access is like on weekdays."

Gary Samaniego

"It's a small garden but it's a nice experience. The museum is also a good experience to get a bit of culture and learn some heritage. We didn't get to visit the Lhakhang although it was supposed to be open. Came on Saturday so parking was relatively easy. I would not visit during school hours."

Surge

What People Like

Beautiful native plant gardens
Interactive dinosaur exhibit
Educational history displays

What People Dislike

Can be small for some
Lhakhang access sometimes unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus. Driving is the most common way to get there. Parking is often easier on weekends, and you may need to get a pass from the office for designated parking spots. Reddit+1

Yes, El Paso's public bus system serves the UTEP campus. Check the Sun Metro website for routes and schedules that can take you near the museum. TikTok

Designated parking is available, especially on weekends. You might need to obtain a pass from the museum office for specific spots. Reddit

The museum is generally accessible, and the gardens have walking paths. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens with other El Paso attractions like the Mission Trail or downtown museums. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is often free or by donation, making it a great cultural option in El Paso. Check their official website or social media for the most current information on admission policies. Reddit

Hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. It's recommended to check the Centennial Museum's official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

Typically, advance booking is not required for general admission, especially if it's free or donation-based. However, for special events or workshops, pre-registration might be necessary. Instagram+1

Yes, the museum frequently hosts events like chocolate-making workshops, family days focused on civil engineering, and pollinator week celebrations. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements. Instagram+2

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, supporting organizations like the museum often have donation or membership options to help fund their operations and educational programs. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features exhibits on El Paso's history, culture, and heritage, including fascinating displays on migrants and civil engineering. You can also see dinosaur bones, some of which you can touch! Reddit+1

These gardens showcase over 600 native plants from the Chihuahuan Desert region, offering a beautiful and educational display of desert flora beyond just cacti. InstagramReddit

Many visitors enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens first, followed by exploring the museum's indoor exhibits. However, the order is entirely up to your preference! Reddit

While specific guided tours aren't always advertised, the plant labels in the garden and the informative exhibits inside the museum provide a rich learning experience. Reddit

Exhibitions often focus on El Paso's history, borderlands culture, and relevant social topics like migration. There's usually a rotating exhibition on the first floor. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. Visitors usually plan to eat before or after their visit at nearby UTEP eateries or restaurants in El Paso. Reddit

The UTEP campus has various dining options, and the surrounding El Paso area offers a wide range of restaurants, from casual to upscale. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated outdoor areas rather than inside museum exhibits. Check with the museum for their specific policy. Reddit

Exploring the local El Paso food scene is a must! Look for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a staple in the region. Reddit

Special events like workshops or family days might sometimes include light refreshments or snacks, but this is not guaranteed. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the museum, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always look for signage. TikTok

The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots with diverse native plants, especially when flowers are in bloom. Look for unique plant formations and scenic pathways. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited on university campuses and within museum grounds for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not allowed. TikTok

Yes, photography of the dinosaur bone exhibits is usually allowed, offering a great opportunity for unique shots. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering light for photography in the gardens, minimizing harsh shadows. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens offer a fantastic outing for families. Kids will be thrilled by the dinosaur bone exhibit, especially the chance to touch one! Reddit The gardens provide a safe and engaging outdoor space for children to explore nature, and the museum's exhibits on topics like civil engineering have been highlighted as particularly engaging for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Look out for family-friendly events hosted by the museum, such as the 'Building the Borderlands Family Day,' which offers fun and educational activities. Instagram The museum's commitment to offering free cultural options makes it an accessible and budget-friendly choice for families looking for enriching experiences in El Paso. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Gardeners

For those passionate about plants and the natural world, the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are a must-visit. You'll discover an impressive collection of over 600 native plant species, meticulously curated and labeled. Reddit It's a perfect opportunity to learn about drought-tolerant landscaping and the unique flora of the Chihuahuan Desert. Instagram

Beyond the gardens, the museum's 'Desert Diaries' podcast offers deeper dives into the region's biodiversity, covering everything from birds and bugs to bats and diverse plant life. Instagram+1 The museum also participates in events like National Pollinator Week, highlighting the importance of supporting local ecosystems through native planting. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers

As the oldest museum in El Paso, the Centennial Museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in local history and culture. TikTok Explore exhibits that delve into the heritage of El Paso, including fascinating displays on migrant experiences and border history. Reddit The museum provides a comprehensive look at the region's past and present, making it an essential stop for understanding the area's unique identity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens: A Native Plant Oasis

The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are a living testament to the resilience and beauty of native flora. Spanning a significant area around the Centennial Museum, these gardens meticulously display over 600 species of native plants from the Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can explore diverse sections featuring everything from iconic cacti and succulents to flowering shrubs and trees, all thriving in the arid climate. The gardens are not just aesthetically pleasing; they serve a crucial educational purpose, highlighting the importance of native plant conservation and demonstrating how to create sustainable, water-wise landscapes. Instagram

What makes these gardens particularly special is their commitment to showcasing plants that are adapted to the local environment. This approach not only conserves water but also supports local wildlife, providing habitats and food sources for birds, insects, and other desert creatures. The gardens are thoughtfully laid out with walking paths that allow visitors to get up close with the plants, many of which are clearly labeled with their scientific and common names. This makes it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone curious about the unique plant life of West Texas. Reddit

While the gardens are beautiful year-round, they are especially vibrant during the spring and fall when many of the desert plants burst into bloom. Experiencing the gardens during these seasons offers a spectacular display of colors and textures, proving that the desert is far from barren. The UTEP Centennial Museum often hosts events related to pollinators and native planting, further emphasizing the ecological significance of this remarkable outdoor space. Instagram

Unearthing History at the Centennial Museum

The Centennial Museum stands as the oldest museum in El Paso, established in 1936 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Texas' independence. TikTok Its collections are dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history, diverse cultures, and natural heritage of the El Paso region and the broader borderlands. The museum houses a variety of exhibits that cater to different interests, from archaeology and paleontology to cultural history and contemporary issues. TikTok

One of the most engaging exhibits for many visitors is the dinosaur bone collection. Here, guests can marvel at the skeletal remains of ancient creatures, with the unique opportunity to touch one of the dinosaur bones, offering a tangible connection to prehistoric life. Reddit Beyond paleontology, the museum delves into the complex narrative of El Paso's past, including exhibits that explore migrant experiences and the border history related to migration, providing insightful perspectives on the region's evolving identity. Reddit

In addition to its permanent collections, the Centennial Museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions on its first floor, ensuring there's always something new to discover. These exhibitions can range from art and cultural displays to scientific topics. The museum also actively engages the community through events and its 'Desert Diaries' podcast, which explores the natural world of the Chihuahuan Desert. Instagram+1 The museum's architecture itself is also noteworthy, adding to the overall experience of visiting this cultural gem on the UTEP campus. Reddit

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