Built in 1916 as the Gilmer Hotel and constructed entirely from wood, the Historic Rocksprings Hotel underwent an extensive expansion soon after opening. Although the new, fourteen-room, two-story concrete addition would survive the 1927 Rocksprings tornado, a destructive twister that tore through the community surrounding Rocksprings, most of the original wooden Gilmer ended up “gone with the wind”. In 1929, a Mission-style verandah was added to the surviving addition, creating much of the hotel’s architectural character seen today. Still in operation, the hotel is a favorite of weekend guests, many who arrive for the unusual bat flight observation that takes place at nearby Devils Sinkhole State Natural Area. The hotel is located on the corner of Rocksprings’ town square, just a block from the Friends of the Devils Sinkhole office and gift shop. The latest hotel renovations, including all the modern conveniences, are a delightful mix of upscale creature comforts and west Texas safari décor.