FORT DAVIS — The Indian Lodge and Blackbear Restaurant at the Davis Mountains State Park have reopened after a two-year-plus closure for renovations. Facilities shut down in January 2023 to undergo $3.5 million worth of upgrades made possible by a legislative appropriation from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department capital repair program.
Work included beautification of the historic lodge, from new landscaping to repainted furniture, in addition to new doors and windows throughout the property. A new central air conditioner, courtyard irrigation system and resurfaced pool were also included in the upgrades. The restaurant received new kitchen equipment and lighting. The original lodge structure was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), with the pool, meeting room and additional guest rooms being established in the 1960s. While the Indian Lodge gift shop and restaurant have officially reopened, overnight stays will not begin until June 1 due to a scheduled water system update in mid-May. The Blackbear Restaurant is now serving buffet style breakfast and lunch Thursday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a brief closure between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Weekly menus will be posted on the park’s Facebook page. For more information, contact the Indian Lodge front office at 432-426-3254.