A panel recognizing the Franklin Mountain Wilderness Coalition and others involved in creating the Franklin Mountains State Park in the late 1970s is now on display in the Visitor Center. It acknowledges an effort that began in 1978 to establish the state park. The park, which opened in 1987, totals more than 26,000 acres, is home to various wildlife, plants and ancient pictographs, offers camping, rock climbing and more than 100 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The recognition panel was donated by the El Paso Community Foundation.