Magoffin Home State Historic Site

Magoffin Home State Historic Site is a unique historical monument located in El Paso, USA. Built in 1875, it is the only house museum in the region fully open to the public. The building serves as a magnificent example of Territorial style architecture, where a traditional adobe foundation harmoniously blends with elegant Greek Revival elements.

One of the most remarkable features of the house is its massive walls, approximately one meter thick, providing natural thermal insulation in the hot Texas climate. Inside, across more than 450 square meters, 19 rooms are preserved, filled with authentic household items of the Magoffin family, including Victorian furniture with Mexican accents and an antique 1881 grand piano.

Today, the estate spans 1.5 acres of scenic grounds and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This site allows tourists to literally travel through time, learning about the lives of multicultural families and the history of trade on the famous trails of the Southwest.

To plan your visit to the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, you can use the contact details provided below. It is recommended to check in advance for any changes to the schedule or visiting conditions via the provided phone number or the official website.

The main reason to visit the Magoffin Home State Historic Site is the fascinating guided tours. During the hour-long tour, you will walk through living rooms where you can see unique Eastlake-style furniture, Asian scrolls, and the famous half-canopy bed from New Orleans. Almost all interior items are originals, allowing guests to truly feel the spirit of the past century.

Notice the architectural features: exposed wooden beams called "vigas" on the ceilings and massive walls that create special acoustics and a cozy feel. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic central courtyard and landscaped garden, which serve as a beautiful backdrop for photos and a place for quiet architectural contemplation.

After touring the house, be sure to stop by the gift shop, where you can find themed gifts and literature on the history of the region. The museum also regularly hosts special programs and events, allowing visitors to dive deeper into the cultural heritage of this border city.

Reaching this iconic landmark is easy, as it is located in the heart of El Paso, within the Magoffin Historic District. If you are staying in the downtown area, a leisurely walk will take about 15–20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic neighborhoods along the way.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses stop nearby, connecting the district with other parts of the city. For travelers by car, convenient parking is available directly on the complex grounds. If you are arriving from El Paso International Airport (ELP), a taxi or Uber ride will take approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

The house was founded in 1875 by Joseph Magoffin, a prominent figure who served as the mayor of El Paso and made a significant contribution to the development of infrastructure in Texas, USA. The Magoffin family was multicultural and played a key role in trade along the famous Santa Fe and Chihuahua trails, as well as in fostering American-Mexican relations. They owned the estate for over 100 years, carefully preserving their ancestors' legacy until the property was transferred to the state in 1976.

Interestingly, the building's architecture is considered one of the finest in the Southwest due to its unique combination of Adobe-Pueblo style with Victorian and Greek Revival elements. Until 1986, the founder's granddaughter continued to live in the house; she was famous for warmly welcoming tourists, offering them homemade cookies, and showing her collection of antique dolls, maintaining the hospitable spirit of the old estate.

Following a major restoration completed in 2012, the house restoration project received a prestigious award from Preservation Texas. Today, this house is not just a building but a symbol of resilience and the continuity of generations, having survived floods, economic crises, and changing eras while preserving 80% of its original furnishings.

To fully explore the exhibit and the grounds, an average visitor will need between 1 and 2 hours. The main part of the visit takes the form of a one-hour guided tour of the house's interior, where guides provide detailed accounts of the family's history and life during that era.

We recommend setting aside an additional 20–30 minutes for a self-guided stroll through the picturesque garden and central courtyard, as well as for a visit to the gift shop. This amount of time is quite enough to leisurely study the architectural details and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.

The museum normally operates Tuesday through Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00; however, the house is closed to visitors on Sundays and Mondays. It is important to note that the main building may be temporarily inaccessible due to scheduled restoration work, which is expected to be completed by 2027.

A modern visitor center has been open to tourists since January 22, 2026. Before planning your trip, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule and tour availability on the museum's official website to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

A visit to the Magoffin Home can easily be combined with exploring other interesting locations in the area. Exploring the surroundings will significantly enrich your experience, allowing you to see the contrasts between historic heritage and modern city entertainment.

Nearby you will find both quiet park areas and dynamic recreation centers suitable for the whole family. Below are some interesting sites located within a few kilometers: