The Remote Town in Texas We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

Have you ever been on a long road trip and driven through a tiny, remote town that looked so interesting you decided to stop? Well, that's what happened to my friend and me when we were on a road trip through Texas many years ago. At the junction of the I-10 and U.S. Route 90 is the remote town of Van Horn, Texas, and it's one you won't be able to get enough of after you visit for the first time.

Where is Van Horn, Texas?

Located in West Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border, Van Horn is 74 miles northwest of the quirky town of Marfa and 121 miles southeast of El Paso. From El Paso, the I-10 is the best way to get to Van Horn as it runs through the center of town. You'll get off the I-10 at Exit 140. Coming from Marfa and other locations due south, take US-90 to this remote town. Van Horn is the county seat of Culberson County, TX, and is home to nearly 2,000 people.

Things to see and do in Van Horn, Texas

While this remote Texas town may seem like a blip on the map to some, it's a lovely place for slow travel, exploration, learning about the area's history, and enjoying the scenery. Set inside Van Horn's oldest building, an adobe structure built in 1901, the Clark Hotel Historical Museum is home to an antique bar, farm and ranch equipment, and other area relics. It's worth spending some time here for the history. If you'd like to spend time outside, City Park is a fantastic open space featuring a playground, picnic areas, and an original jailhouse built in 1914.

For dining options, I enjoyed the Hotel El Capitan Restaurant, which serves a selection of American cuisine, including pecan-crusted salmon, ribeye, and a homemade pecan pie. You may also want to try a steak with a side of Texas cheese fries at the Van Horn Cattle Company or a variety of Mexican dishes at Broadway Café.

If you're up for a scenic drive, head out onto the Texas Mountain Trail, which runs between Marathon and El Paso, passing through the town of Van Horn. It's a great alternative to the highways.

Where to stay in Van Horn, Texas

For a place to stay in Van Horn, there's no better place than the iconic and historic Hotel El Capitan. Built in 1930, this hotel has since been restored. It offers 50 well-appointed rooms and suites along with amenities such as on-site dining, complimentary breakfast during your stay, a gift shop, and a rooftop observatory. Although I have yet to stay here, my friend and I stopped by for a bite to eat while on our Texas road trip and were utterly impressed with its historic architecture. It was a step back in time!

Visiting Van Horn, Texas

I still think of my quick visit to Van Horn on the Texas road trip my friend and I took over a decade ago. While Hotel El Capitan was certainly a standout to us, we found that this town has a great deal to offer, whether you're passing through or spending a couple of days here.

Have you been to Van Horn, Texas, yet, or do you have another favorite remote town in the Lone Star State you'd like to share? Please tell us all about it by submitting a note through our nominations page.