Davis Mountains State Park will reopen for all activities on Friday, Dec. 20, well ahead of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s original projected opening date.

All campgrounds, trails and amenities will be available for use, now that much-needed repairs and improvements to the 2,700-acre park have been made, says Tommy Cude, park superintendent.

The most significant improvements include upgrades to park plumbing and utilities. Improvement included the creation of a new bird-viewing area near the main park campgrounds and the construction of trails in the state park’s Limpia Canyon Primitive Area, which is ongoing.

“This is a wonderful time to come out and visit the park,” Cude says. “The weather is great for hiking and enjoying one of the most beautiful regions of Texas with family, friends and leashed pets.”

Indian Lodge and the Black Bear Restaurant have remained open during the park closure, but will be closed for maintenance from noon, Monday, Jan. 27 through 8 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 6. The Indian Lodge office is open 24 hours a day and can be reached at (432) 426-3254. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday. It remains open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It is closed on Mondays.

The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the state park between 1933 and 1935 as one of its earliest Texas projects. The park’s CCC legacy includes the construction of Indian Lodge and portions of scenic Skyline Drive, which provides visitors with impressive mountains vistas.

The original 16-room Indian Lodge, which was built of adobe in the Southwestern pueblo architectural style, has been expanded to 39 rooms that retain the inn’s original flavor. Reservations for rooms and campsites can be made online or by calling (512) 389-8900.

Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge are located four miles north of Fort Davis on Highway 118 North. For more information, contact the state park office at (432) 426-3337.