Next time you find yourself driving through the West Texas desert, make a pit stop in Lajitas. This dusty ghost town has, quite possibly, the most absurd claim to fame of all time: a late mayor who just so happened to be a goat with an affinity for beer. Although the original goat mayor is now deceased, one of his (alleged) descendants now rules the town, and you can visit him right outside of the general store. Lajitas just might be the quirkiest small town in Texas.

The highway leading to Lajitas is a lonely and desolate one, with the vast, unspoiled West Texas desert extending as far as the eye can see in all directions.
Flickr/Diann Bayes
Home to fewer than 100 people, Lajitas is located on the eastern side of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Its heyday was in the early 1900s when farming along the Rio Grande floodplain saw people flocking to the area, but the population began to plummet in the 1990s with the shuttering of the quicksilver mines in nearby Terlingua.
Mason/Google
Despite being little more than a blip on the map, Lajitas is world-famous (and for perhaps the quirkiest reason imaginable): its beer-drinking goat for mayor.
Flickr/Diann Bayes
Clay Henry the goat, who is now deceased, was elected mayor of Lajitas in 1986, beating out the town's former incumbent. He loved drinking beer, and tourists used to make their way to Lajitas from all over Texas to hold a bottle to his lips.
Google/Dave Adkins
Today, Clay Henry IV is the current mayor of Lajitas, and while you can't feed him beer, he is quite adorable to look at. The original Clay Henry is taxidermized inside the Starlight Theatre in Terlingua.
Google/Brian Kizer

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While you're in Lajitas, be sure to check out Big Bend Ranch State Park. It's the largest state park in Texas, and the scenery is incredible.
Flickr/CMy23
If you like exploring ghost town graveyards, the Lajitas Cemetery is a must-visit. While most of the names on the headstones are no longer legible, it is still a historically significant place that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Flickr/BFS Man
You can also take a thrilling zipline tour with Lajitas Zipline, located at the Lajitas Golf Resort. With eight different ziplines that take you soaring through beautiful canyons, it's tons of fun for all ages.
TripAdvisor management
Speaking of the Lajitas Golf Resort, the 27,000-acre, four-star hotel is definitely worth staying at while you're in the area.
TripAdvisor/Patty F
It offers a wide range of accommodations, from standard guest rooms and suites to condos and villas. There's even a room named after Clay Henry!
Lajitas Golf Resort
Resort activities include an acclaimed golf course, a spa, pristine swimming pools, guided horseback rides, incredible dining options, and more.
TripAdvisor management

Take a look at some of the fun things to do in Lajitas:

Have you ever visited Lajitas? If so, do you think it’s the quirkiest small town in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! If you want a truly unforgettable experience, take a road trip to some of the most beautiful and charming small towns in Texas.

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More to Explore

The Best Small Towns in Texas

Will Suphan | January 16, 2024

What are the most scenic towns in Texas?

The most scenic towns in Texas include:

  • Canyon. Home to the second-largest canyon in America, this is certainly one of the most scenic towns in the state.
  • Vanderpool. This lovely town is home to the Lost Maples State Natural Area, which is a picturesque nature preserve.
  • Fort Davis. The nearby Davis Mountains has several fantastic hiking trails and the whole town is resplendent with desert beauty. 
  • Dripping Springs. With fields of flowers and an utterly gorgeous swimming hole, this place is beyond beautiful.

Find out more about the most scenic towns in Texas. 

What are some amazing hidden gem towns in Texas?

Some amazing hidden gem towns in Texas include:

  • Chillicothe. With just over 700 people, this little town was built in the 1880s during the construction of the Fort Worth and Denver Railways.
  • Mentone. The only town in Loving County has only 19 people in it and may be the most hidden of gems in Texas.
  • Roaring Springs. This little town has less than 250 people and it was the main Comanche outpost and has some of the purest water in the state.
  • Miami. This town of about 600 people is one of the friendliest places in the state. Plus, it looks lovely.

Discover more about these and other amazing hidden gem towns in Texas.

What are the most charming small towns in Texas?

The most charming small towns in Texas include:

  • Fredericksburg. This historic German town is full of orchards and wildflowers and is utterly beautiful.
  • Poteet. This was where George Strait was born and is known for its annual Poteet Strawberry Festival.
  • Marfa. Said to be a hotbed of UFO activity, this charming town is also a haven for artists with tons of galleries.
  • Jefferson. This town is full of antique and specialty shops as well as over 70 historic landmarks.

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Texas. 

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Lajitas, TX 79852, USA