27 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO ON FORT BLISS

Introduction

Welcome to Fort Bliss! On the largest international border in the U.S., at the corner of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico, you will find a welcoming community. With such a long and diverse community history, there are plenty of things to do in Fort Bliss, Texas! Nearby El Paso’s Downtown Historic District is home to beautiful architecture and vibrant history. The city grew from a mountain pass trading center to Wild West boomtown to a sanctuary for those fleeing the Mexican Revolution. From a working cattle ranch and restaurant to some of the most authentic Mexican food at the “the old place by the graveyard” — an El Paso tradition since the ‘20s — you’ll want to venture off post for a taste of Texas. Local shops range from gift shops to a boot factory store ready to outfit you with handmade boots. Head to nearby White Sands National Monument for a scenic day trip or play tourist and take a local tour.

Suggested Read:

Fort Bliss Texas: In-Depth Welcome Center (2020 Edition)

COVID-19 2020

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic businesses, venues and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Beware as many of those listed here are likely to be affected; verify hours of operation before you go.

27 Things to Do on Fort Bliss

Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go: (1-4) Aquatics Program (5) Bowling (6-13) Gyms (14-15) Shopping (16-18) Museums (19) Golfing (20-21) Parks, Rivers, & Lakes (22-23) Shooting Ranges (24) Soldier Activity Center (25-26) Recreation and Leisure Events (27) Vineyards

Fort Bliss Aquatics Program

The Fort Bliss Aquatics program has both indoor and outdoor pools. Visit their website for locations and operating hours.

1. Aquatics Training Center

20733 Constitution Drive Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 741-5901

2. Community Outdoor Pool

253 Club Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-6925

3. Replica Indoor Pool

5035 Dickman Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-7431

4. Soldier Activity Center Outdoor Pool

20732 Constitution Drive Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 744-1532

Fort Bliss Bowling

5. Desert Strike Lanes Bowling Center

2949 Carter Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-6272 Desert Strike Lanes Bowling Center offers 52 lanes of fun, a pro shop, a snack bar and full-service lounge, arcade, special events, and more.

Fort Bliss Gyms

Find up-to-date information on fitness centers, programs, group classes, personal training, and more at the Fort Bliss MWR and Family’s website.

6. Biggs Physical Fitness Center

11251 Biggs Street Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 744-8730

7. Logan Physical Fitness Center

4797 Ellerthorpe Ave. Logan Heights, TX 1 (915) 568-5198

8. Milam Physical Fitness Center

2499 Cassidy Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-7318

9. Mission Essential Fitness at Iron Works Gyms

East

T2070 Anzio Way, Building T Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 744-5201

West

2996 Cassidy Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-2892

10. Soto Physical Fitness Center

20751 Constitution Drive Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 744-5788

11. Stout Physical Fitness Center

2930 Cassidy Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-3264

12. Tennis Club & Fitness Zone

262 Club Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 569-5448

13. Warrior Gym

Bldg. 21145 Quartermaster Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 741-5930

Fort Bliss Shopping

14. Fort Bliss MWR & Family’s Hobby Shop

820 Marshall Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-5563 Fort Bliss MWR & Family’s Hobby Shop pairs Soldiers, their families and DOD civilians with the El Paso Art Association for arts-and-crafts classes. Make an appointment or sign up for a class at the Hobby Shop.

15. A Little Bit of Bliss

801 Chaffee Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 562-5451 A Little Bit of Bliss offers a crafty solution to spouse employment at Fort Bliss. The gift shop, owned and operated by the Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association, buys handcrafted home décor, gifts, furniture, and more. Proceeds from the shop’s sales support college scholarships and grants.

Fort Bliss Museums

16. Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides Museum

Building 1735 Marshall Road Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-5412 This museum presents the history of Fort Bliss from 1849 and America's tank division, the 1st Armored Division — Old Ironsides. Exhibits and artifacts display division history through World War II, the Cold War, Vietnam, the Bosnia and Kosovo conflicts in the Balkan states, Operation Desert Storm, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The museum also presents more than 150 years of Fort Bliss history including the post’s six locations in and around El Paso, its contribution in the exploration and mapping of the western states, the Civil War in the Southwest, the various Native American conflicts, the Mexican Revolution, World Wars I and II, and the role of the post in Army air defense artillery during and after World War II.

17. Old Fort Bliss Replica

5054 Pershing Road West Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 588-8482 Step back in time to 1857 and life on the frontier at the Old Fort Bliss Replica. This reconstruction is a gift from the city of El Paso in 1948 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the post’s establishment.

El Paso

18. Border Patrol Museum

4315 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road El Paso, TX 79924-3753 1 (915) 759-6060 Exhibits include vehicles, weapons and uniforms highlighting the history of the U.S. Border Patrol from its beginning in the Old West through Prohibition, World War II, up to to today’s high-tech operations. The museum’s admission is free with donations welcome.

Fort Bliss Golf Course

19. Underwood Jr. Golf Course

3200 Coe Ave., Building 3193 Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-1059 The Underwood Jr. Golf Complex boasts a lighted driving range, two practice putting greens, golf carts, and a computerized handicapping service. Coupled with the climate, this Fort Bliss MWR & Family complex is a golfer’s delight for beginners to pro.

Parks, Rivers, & Lakes

20. Outdoor Recreation

20732 Constitution Drive Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 744-1532 Fort Bliss Outdoor Recreation provides opportunities for soldiers, veterans, friends, and family to explore, learn new skills, and relax. Visit the website for information about equipment rentals and sign-ups for adventure trips.

21. Fort Bliss RV Park

4130 Ellerthorpe Ave. Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-0106 The Fort Bliss RV Park office is open daily. Active-duty military and retirees can sign in immediate family members on a space available basis. PATHS Across America lists information to plan a weekend outing or cross-country vacation staying on military installations along the way.

Fort Bliss Shooting Range

22. Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club

3730 Roy Johnson Lane Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 568-5026 The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club’s trap and skeet ranges offer 10 diverse ranges, including trap and skeet, five-stand sporting clays, pistol, rifle, and black powder. The 3-D Archery Range is open Saturday and Sunday. The Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club offers a youth range safety course for children ages 6 to 17. The free class is held at 2 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday.

Canutillo

23. Winkey Doodles Paintball Adventures

401 Anthony Ave. Canutillo, TX 79835 1 (915) 877-2110 This outdoor facility includes five paintball fields, a pro shop, and a rugged laser tag space.

Soldier Activity Center

24. Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center

20732 Constitution Drive Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 744-1532 The Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center, the first of its kind in the Army, is on central Fort Bliss. The 25,000-square-foot facility features climbing, a library, an outdoor pool, a game room, and more. Open to Family and MWR all patrons age 18 and older.

Recreation and Leisure Events

25. BOSS: Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers

20732 Constitution Ave. Fort Bliss, TX 79916 1 (915) 892-5195 The Boss Program at Fort Bliss is soldier-led, coordinated recreation and leisure events that cater to single Soldiers’ interests and those who wish to get involved in the El Paso community. Check the online calendar for upcoming trips and events.

26. The University of Texas at El Paso Walking Tour

The University of Texas at El Paso Walking Tour will guide you through the school’s campus, in the foothills of the Franklin Mountains, known for its architecture inspired by Himalayan mountain-top fortresses. El Segundo Barrio’s dozens of murals connect to the historic Hispanic neighborhood’s culture and artists. Download the Official Visit El Paso App for a guided walking tour of the Segundo Barrio murals. Hit the road. Ranked among the top El Paso attractions, Scenic Drive is a 2-mile climb to an enchanting lookout 4,000 feet above sea level with beautiful views of the city lights across El Paso. Visible from I-10 is the iconic El Paso Star, the world’s largest manmade illuminated star, a beloved feature since 1940 when the star lit up the Christmas season as Soldiers returned home.

Vineyards

Canutillo

27. Zin Valle Vineyards

7315 Canutillo-La Union Road Canutillo, TX 79835 1 (915) 877-4544 El Paso’s only modern vineyard and winery was inspired by El Paso’s history as one of the country’s premier wine regions. Head to Zin Valle for tastings, to check out the barrel room, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the patio overlooking the Zinfandel vineyard and the Franklin Mountains.

Conclusion

Culture and history are plentiful in this border community and with the sun shining most days of the year, you’ll want to get out and explore. Visit Yelp’s El Paso Top Collection to see recommendations for “highbrow gastronomy to humble dive bars” from local experts. El Paso is also an extraordinary starting point for amazing day trips. TripAdvisor’s “El Paso 2020” includes “Things To Do” if you need more inspiration; a scenic trip to Franklin Mountains State Park is atop the list. Get out and find your bliss!  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DOD endorsement.