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If you’re looking for an authentic West Texas town, Big Lake, TX is the perfect place. Founded in 1911 with the arrival of the railroad, Big Lake catapulted to fame in 1923 when the Santa Rita #1 struck oil, triggering the West Texas “Black Gold” Rush. Though that original well stopped producing oil long ago, you’ll still find pumpjacks dotting the horizon, working day and night to pump “Texas Tea.”
Explore the Ruins
About 18 miles north of Big Lake, you’ll discover the former town of Stiles. Most of the buildings are long gone, but ruins of the 1911 courthouse and 1903 cemetery remain in this lonely ghost town.
Go 10 miles to the west of Big Lake, and you’ll find another abandoned town. The oil town of Texon sprung up around the Santa Rita #1 gusher in 1923. At the height of the oil boom, it had a population of more than 1,000. Now deer, jackrabbits, and roadrunners graze the empty streets.
About 60 miles south of Big Lake near the town of Sheffield, the 19th-century Fort Lancaster lies in ruin. Most of the wooden structures were dismantled long ago and used for building materials in the local town. Others were destroyed by fire. Little remains of the 30 original buildings except for a few stone and adobe walls.
Journey Deep Underground
The Caverns of Sonora are about 75 miles from Big Lake near the town of Sonora. This world-class cave system is a designated Natural Landmark. Seven miles have been mapped of these stunning caverns, formed more than a million years ago. Explore the awe-inspiring Crystal Place at 155 feet below the surface in the walking tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for the more-challenging 4-hour caver tour, where you rappel 50 feet into the Devil’s Pit.
Experience a Real Ranch
The X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat is a working Texas ranch located 70 miles southeast of Big Lake in Eldorado. The same family has owned the ranch since its beginning in 1915. Accommodations include a luxurious home, private cabin, and RV and tent camping. While there, swim in the pool, gaze at the stars, hike the three miles of trails, and enjoy the livestock, birds, and other wildlife in this beautiful and serene 5,400-acre retreat.
Make a Big Splash
With a name like “Big Lake,” you might expect a big lake to be nearby. Unfortunately, the lake is now dry, but there’s still plenty of water to be found in this desert country. When you’re ready to cool off, go for a swim in the pool at Reagan County Park. While you’re there, check out the original Stiles jailhouse, original Santa Fe Depot, and a replica of the Santa Rita #1 oil derrick.
If you prefer a natural swimming hole, you can head 70 miles east to San Angelo State Park, Lake Nasworth, or Twin Buttes Reservoir. In addition to swimming, all three lakes offer boating and fishing. The State Park staff will even loan you fishing gear.
Take a Hike
San Angelo State Park also boasts 50 miles of multiuse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Lodging options include rustic cabins, a bunkhouse, and RV, primitive tent, and equestrian camping.
The 37-acre Eaton Hill Nature Center and Preserve in Sonora offers more than two miles of hiking trails, featuring wildlife, a recreation of a Native American campsite, and several water features.
Before you leave Big Lake, be sure to stop by and visit us at Glassock Chevrolet. Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle or have a service need on your existing vehicle, we can take care of it!
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