One adult and two kids (ages 8 and 12) stayed at the Indian Lodge on Feb. 7-8, 2005. The Lodge is run by the Texas State Parks and Wildlife Department. It is a historical buidling (portions of which were built by the CCC), that is in the process of being fully renovated. Unlike most hotel renovation horror stories, they do not put anyone in the portion under renovation, and keep guests well away from the construction and noise. We stayed in one of the newly renovated sections. The room was fantastic -- the feeling of a modern mountain cabin. The hotel has a simple restaurant ("nice" diner); the food and service were very good. Ft. Davis is a must stop on any trip to Big Bend NP. Nearby activities include Ft. Davis National Historic Site -- a great restoration of a frontier fort, the world-class McDonald Astronomical Observatory, Overland Trail Museum, and close proximity to Balmorhea State Park, the Marfa lights, and Alpine, TX. The hotel has fantasic views (see submitted photos), and is actually located in Ft. Davis State Park. A great five day trip is two days in the Ft. Davis area, and three at Big Bend National Park.

My husband and I went to Davis Mtns. State Park the last week in Sept.. We spent 3 nights at the lodge. We were very satisfied with the accomodations. We had a room in the section that was added on in the late 1960's. The original historical section of 15 rooms was closed due to renovation going on. The room was large with wood floors, Texas style wood furniture, two double beds, a wood chest with lid at the foot of each bed, a desk with chair, two sitting chairs, a dresser and mirror built into a side wall and I was surprised to find in a state run lodge...cable TV. The bathroom was small but modern with tub/shower, big sink basin and enough room to do your business. We had a nice view of the valley outside the door with a metal rocking chair for two. The rate was 75.00 at the time. The hotel clerks were very friendly and helpful. There is a nice hiking trail starting at the back of the property that is about 2.5 miles that takes you up the hill for views of the mountains and we saw some goats and deer on the trail. We had breakfast at the Black Bear Restaurant which is part of the lodge. Breakfast was good but we did not care for the meal we had at dinner. Prices in restaurant were fairly cheap and no tipping as the employees are paid a full wage by Tx St. Parks. I would stay here again.

Even though we live in the same state, Fort Davis is an 8-hour haul from the the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. So the fact that we choose to return to Fort Davis and Indian Lodge every year says something about the soothing effects of visiting. If you're fond of vast skies, empty roads, cool summer temperatures (the elevation is 5000 feet) and rugged mountains, I highly recommend Trans-Pecos Texas. And even though the Hotel Limpia is a nice place, I don't think the Fort Davis experience is complete without staying at least one night at Indian Lodge, which was constructed by the young men of FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps in the the 1930s using materials indigenous to the region. It's run by the state, so don't expect luxury. But it's clean and generally well managed. There's a small swimming pool with a big view and the Black Bear restaurant serves up decent family fare at low prices. You won't be inspired but you won't go hungry, either. I recommend asking for one of the "original" rooms (there is a 1960s addition), most of which contain furniture hand-carved by the CCC. The lodge gives you immediate access to Skyline Drive. There is no better place for watching dusk settle in and the sun set. I also recommend a trip to the nearby McDonald Observatory and a drive of the almost empty 70-mile scenic loop. If you're a fan of frenetic activity, solicitous service and pampering luxury, you should probably skip this place. But if you're satisfied with natural beauty and authenticity, you shouldn't miss it.