Enjoy Sonora, Texas, where western heritage is alive and well and adventure awaits you both above and below ground. Located where the Texas Hill Country meets the rugged Southwest, Sonora is rich with history and opportunities to explore. From downtown shopping, the historical district and museum to a 37-acre nature center and park, to the legendary Caverns of Sonora, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. With lodging available at local hotels, area ranches and even RV parks, plus more than a dozen delicious restaurants, accommodations are plentiful. At the crossroads of Interstate 10 and Highway 277, Sonora offers the best of both Hill Country and West Texas. Plan your visit today, and come experience the “Gateway to West Texas.”
The Caverns of Sonora is located off Interstate10 (exit 392), eight miles west of Sonora. Open daily, the caverns are called the most beautiful caves in the world. The caverns take you on an unrivaled journey through color, space and time, with miles of underground trails.
After seeing the Caverns of Sonora for the first time, National Speleological Society Co-founder Bill Stephenson said, “Its beauty cannot be exaggerated, even by Texans.”
The Caverns of Sonora has a beautiful visitor center, built in 1961. It is a ranch-barn design with a vaulted ceiling and exposed oak beams. Come in and taste the many varieties of authentic homemade fudge. The wonderful gift shop features many geological interests, including gemstones and fossils. The RV park and campground are nestled in the heart of a working ranch with 48 sites complete with drinkable water and electricity. Enjoy panning for gemstones, large and small.
While the caverns draw most visitors, Downtown Sonora has plenty to offer. Learn about one of Sonora’s first families, and take a step back in time at the Miers Home Museum, an authentic “Texas frontier homestead.” Take a tour of the historic jail built in 1891. The recently restored Sutton County Jail played home to local lawbreakers and outlaws alike. Don’t forget about the Old Sonora Ice House Ranch Museum, where you can learn about Sonora’s heritage with ranching exhibits, artifact displays and the gun that brought down the famous outlaw, Will Carver.
For those who love spending time outdoors, take a walk on the wild side and learn about the natural history of the region at Eaton Hill Nature Center and Preserve. Enjoy 37 acres, complete with diverse hiking trails and habitat. Interpretive exhibits can be found within the walls of the Nature Center, a fully renovated centurion home. Learn about area wildlife, fossils, geology and more — and enjoy picnic-perfect views.
While in Sonora, take in a round of golf with wide-open spaces and challenging play at the Sonora Golf Club. A wonderful nine-hole golf course, Sonora Golf Club has been awarded the Best Nine-Hole Golf Course in Texas. An oasis set in beautiful, rugged West Texas, the course challenges the most seasoned golfer, while making rookies feel at ease. With so many adventures in this small town, plan on spending days where Hill Country meets West Texas.
By Donna Garrett
Executive Director Sonora Chamber of Commerce
Editor’s Note: For more information, visit www.sonoratexas.org.
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