Planning a trip filled with outdoor activities and historical and cultural immersion might be worth considering visiting Ozona, Texas. The little town offers a taste and close look at what the wildlands of Texas offer.
Home to a few internationally recognized historical sites, museums, vast lands, and geographical landmarks, Ozona is a proud representation of Western Texas. A trip to Ozona can give visitors a much-needed breather from the busy life in an ever-progressing world of technological advancements.
About Ozona, Texas
Ozona, also known as “The Biggest Little Town in the World,” is the only town within the boundaries of Crockett County. Ozona was founded in 1891 and used to be called “Powell Well,” named after land surveyor E.M. Powell. The name was changed to Ozona in 1897 because of the town’s amount of open air or ozone.
Ozona is rich in cultural heritage that stems from old Western Texan influences. The town is surrounded by vast land areas that are historical and abundant in wildlife, plant life, and incredible geological structures.
Facts About Ozona, Texas
- Location: Interstate 10, Highway 163
- County: Crockett County
- Towns: Crockett Heights, Sheffield
- Land Area: 4.69 square miles (12.17 km²)
- Zip code: 76943
- Population: 2,731 as of 2020
- Crime rate: 37.80 per 1,000 residents
- Schools: Crockett County Consolidated Common School District
- Airports: Ozona Municipal Airport
- Best hotels: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ozona, Hampton Inn Ozona, Americas Best Value Inn Ozona
- Best restaurants: Hitchin’ Post Steakhouse, Wagon Wheel BBQ, El Chato’s Restaurant
What’s Ozona, Texas Known For?
Ozona is known for its ranches and leases, which are ideal spots for off-roading and hunting enthusiasts. If you’re more into the town’s heritage, there are a lot of historical sites, natural parks, and museums you can check out.
People From Ozona, Texas
Ozona houses a diverse ethnicity and racial background in its population. The racial composition of Ozona as of 2020 is:
- Other (Hispanic) – 65.9%
- White (Non-Hispanic) – 24.5%
- White (Hispanic) – 6.59%
- Multiracial (Hispanic) – 1.61%
- Black or African-American – 1.35%
Where Is Ozona, Texas?
Ozona can be found on Interstate 10 and Highway 163, around 320 km west of San Antonio and 132 km southwest of San Angelo. It’s the county seat of Crockett County, sitting in the east-central part of the county.
Nearby Locations
- San Angelo, TX
- Del Rio, TX
- Ciudad Acuna, México
- Midland, TX
- Odessa, TX
- Big Spring, TX
- Sonora, TX
- Eldorado, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Big Lake, TX
- Comstock, TX
- Barnhart, TX
These are major cities, towns, suburbs/localities, and places closest to Ozona, reachable within less than 150 miles.
Getting About Ozona, Texas
Getting to and around Ozona is more convenient with a private car. As the town doesn’t offer any public transportation means, it’s best to travel via private car or pickup truck.
Driving
Visitors can drive to Ozona using Interstate 10 through the following options:
West Bound travelers exit:
- Exit 372 – Taylor Box exit 7 mi to the east of Ozona
- Exit 368 – 2 mi to the east of Ozona to business loop 466
- Exit 365 – From downtown Ozona to business loop 466 and Ave. E
East Bound travelers exit:
- Exit 362 – Pandale Road exit 3 mi west of Ozona
- Exit 363 – From the west side of Ozona to business loop 466
- Exit 365 – From downtown Ozona to business loop 466
Visitors can also reach Ozona via Texas Highways 163 & 137.
What to Do in Ozona, Texas?
From historical sites to recreational parks, you’ll find yourself engaged in various activities in Ozona. If you’re looking to make the most out of your visit, a day might not be enough. Check out these fun activities to help you plan your Ozona trip itinerary.
- Caverns of Sonora
- Eaton Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
- Fort McKavett State Historic Site
- Texas Pecos Trail
- Old Ice House Ranch Museum
- Pandale River Crossing
- Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center
- Ozona Museum (Crockett County Museum)
Caverns of Sonora
The Caverns of Sonora is known to be one of the most beautiful show caves in the world and was featured in National Geographic. The cavern holds a breathtaking sight with its incredible formations and famous “Crystalline Butterflies.”
The Caverns of Sonora offers guided tours, RV hookups, and performances in The Covered Wagon Dinner Theater.
Eaton Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
Eaton Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 37 acres worth of diverse plants and wildlife. Branded as a living classroom, its acreage welcomes travelers to admire its botany, fauna, and geology.
Eaton Hill Wildlife Sanctuary offers hiking trails, educational facilities, and bird watching that are suitable for those who want to study or just take in the sights.
Fort McKavett State Historic Site
The Fort McKavett State Historic Site is now an 82-acre park. It was originally given to Crockett County by the Meadows and Benckenstein families for preservation and public access in 1965.
Known as Camp Lancaster in 1855, the fort served as one of four posts to protect the strategic route of the military road between San Antonio and El Paso.
The historic site now offers amenities like picnicking trails, nature trails, and wildlife observation.
Texas Pecos Trail
If you’re a fan of the legendary Wild West, the Texas Pecos Trail will give you a real-life experience of that Western heritage. Its historic sites will immerse you in the stories of the outlaws depicted in old-west books and films.
The Texas Pecos Trail allows visitors to explore military forts, World War II bases and artifacts, museums, cowboys and ranching, and other outdoor recreations.
Old Ice House Ranch Museum
The Old Ice House Ranch Museum contains a collection of memorabilia about ranching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum doesn’t have an admission fee, but visitors are welcome to donate to the facility’s sustainability and preservation.
The museum also offers a special exhibit on the life of Will Carver, a former member of the Sonora gang “Wild Bunch.”
Pandale River Crossing
The town of Pandale used to be bustling with schools, businesses, and churches. The area now serves as a tourist spot for visitors who wish to enjoy the Pandale River Crossing on the Pecos River.
The shallow waters of the Pandale River Crossing offer a great spot for picnics, swimming, and relaxation. There’s also a popular launch point for those who want to try canoeing down the Pecos River.
Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center
Shumla is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the endangered murals of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands of Texas. The National Geographic Society recognizes the center and is a global leader in rock art research and education.
Shumla’s headquarters are accessible to visitors, and while most of the ancient murals are on private land, some sites are available to the public. They also offer scheduled tours in collaboration with their partners at The Witte Museum and Seminole Canyon State Park.
Ozona Museum (Crockett County Museum)
The Ozona Museum, also known as “The Biggest Little Museum in Texas,” focuses on telling Ozona’s history, development, and growth. An entrance ticket to the museum costs $3, all of which goes into the efforts of preserving their West Texas collection.
The museum offers three floors of historical journeys through the lives of early West Texas settlers, as well as fossils and artifacts that date back to the early 19th century.
Where to Eat in Ozona, Texas?
- El Chato’s Restaurant – 1201 15th Street, Phone (325) 392-5808
- Hitchin’ Post Steakhouse – 1301 Old Sheffield Road, Phone (325) 392-5280
- Mi Familia – 201 Ave E, Phone 325-392-4100
- Ozona Donuts – 1606 Del Rio Street, Phone (562) 332-5654 / (346) 818-8222
- Pepe’s Cafe – 1003 Old Sheffield Road, Phone (325) 392-2923
- RTG’s – 1607 Martinez Street, Phone (432) 349-7417
- Sonic Drive-In – 704 E. 14th Street, Phone (325) 392-9501
- Sutton County Steakhouse, Inc – 1306 N. Service Road, Phone (325) 387-3833
- Wagon Wheel BBQ – 1908 Avenue E, Phone (325) 226-1899
Where to Stay in Ozona, Texas?
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ozona – 1301 Avenue E, Phone (325) 392-9000
- Hampton Inn Ozona – 816 14th Street, Phone (325) 392-1449
- Americas Best Value Inn Ozona – 820 11th Street, Phone (325) 392-2631
- Quality Inn Ozona I-10 – 1307 Ave A, Building B, Phone (325) 392-3791
Ozona FAQs
Is Ozona, Texas a Good Place to Live?
Ozona is a good place to live, especially if you enjoy being within nature’s reach. As the town has no public transportation, it might be best to have your own car or bike to easily go around.
You can guarantee a peaceful and quiet life with its atmospheric surroundings filled with wildlife, plant life, and other natural wonders.
Is Ozona, Texas Worth Visiting?
Yes, Ozona is worth visiting. The biggest little town in the world offers a variety of sights to appreciate and activities to participate in. Whether you’re into research, history, or just generally want to have a good time, Ozona can give you a taste of just about anything.
References:
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
