News Release

Chisos Basin Visitor Center Closes For Renovations

News Release Date: June 19, 2019

Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

Contact: Jennette Jurado, 432-477-1109

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX – Beginning Monday, June 24th, the Chisos Basin Visitor Center will be closed for up to 120 days for much-needed renovations. All other facilities in the Chisos Basin remain open.

UPDATE 8/30/19: The renovations have been completed, and the Chisos Basin Visitor Center is now open daily 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

During this time, contractors will repair walls, raise the ceiling in the bookstore area, paint, install new carpet, and construct a welcoming shade ramada above the entrance patio.  Some of these updates will be in preparation for the installation of brand new interpretive exhibits next year. Project updates will be shared through Big Bend National Park's Facebook page.

“This will be the first major renovation to the facility since it opened over 30 years ago,” said Big Bend National Park Facilities Manager Linda Richards. "These improvements to the visitor center are all made possible by funding generated from park entrance and camping fees."  

Although the visitor center will be closed, park staff and volunteers will be available at a nearby temporary information booth daily from 8:30 to 12:00 noon.

Full services, including exhibits, BBNHA bookstore, backcountry permits, and viewing the park film will be available at the Panther Junction Visitor Center daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.