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National Historic Site · Texas

Blackwell School National Historic Site

National Historic Site in Texas. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Site
StateTexas
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkBig Bend (86 mi)
Closest airportCNM (141 mi)
cream colored building with two windows and a wooden doorway with steps leading up to it.
Blackwell School National Historic Site at sunrise. Photo: NPS Photo / David Larson

Blackwell School National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Texas.

In the park service’s words

Written by prejudice rather than law, the story of the Blackwell School is one of “separate but equal” education for Mexican and Mexican American citizens of Marfa, Texas. Built in 1909, the school serves as a significant example of how racism and cultural disparity dominated education and social systems in the United States during this period of de facto segregation from 1889-1965.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu Closed; Fri Closed; Sat 12:00PM - 4:00PM; Sun 12:00PM - 4:00PM. The unit is designated but not yet established and has very limited services. Open every Saturday and Sunday 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Getting there

The Blackwell School is located in west Texas in the community of Marfa at the junction of US 90 and US 67 highways.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM) Carlsbad, NM No road route 141 Regional
Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) Midland, TX No road route 156 Regional
Lea County Regional Airport (HOB) Hobbs, NM No road route 171 Regional
El Paso International Airport (ELP) El Paso, TX No road route 174 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Marfa experiences long and hot summers from May, September. The winters are cold and windy with occasional light snow due to its elevation from November, February. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and light rainfall.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Big Bend, about 86 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Blackwell School National Historic Site?

No entrance fee.

Where is Blackwell School National Historic Site?

In Texas. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Cavern City Air Terminal, about 141 miles away.

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