Page 1 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By: 2026-2027 Edition
Page 2 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 At South Texas Health System, the health of you and your family is our top priority. It drives everything we do and inspires us to be among the nation’s leaders in healthcare. Your Health. OUR PURPOSE. Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 21560101-559264 12/21 With locations throughout the Valley, we are where you are: FACILITIES: South Texas Heath System Behavioral South Texas Health System Children’s South Texas Health System Edinburg South Texas Health System Heart South Texas Health System McAllen FREESTANDING ERS: Alamo • McColl • Mission • Monte Cristo Pharr • Ware Road • Weslaco NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED YEAR AFTER YEAR Accreditations and awards for excellence in patient safety, heart, stroke, women’s healthcare, robotic surgery, and more A LEGACY OF INVESTING IN VALLEY ‘FIRSTS’ Including our dedicated children’s and heart care facilities, innovative procedures and programs, and hybrid operating rooms AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF CARE Providing comprehensive and advanced services at our four acute care facilities, seven freestanding emergency departments, and behavioral health facility Visit southtexashealthsystem.com/RGVpriority to learn more about South Texas Health System. M Y Y Y
Page 3 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide Vol. 29, No. 1 2026-2027 Edition Published by Nexus Publishing, LLC 1217 N. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2026 by Nexus Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. WELCOME ABOUT THE COVER Top Photo: Camp McAllen features a kayak dock where visitors can enjoy some kayaking during their visit to the park. (McAllen Parks and Recreation photo) Bottom Photos: Visitors to the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands enjoy a guided trail tour. (Courtesy photo) Quinta Mazatlan celebrates the Monarch butterfly with their Monarch Fest where people are invited to dress like the Monarch for a special parade during the event. (Courtesy photo) Inset: A heron is just one of the many birds that can be seen while visiting the South Padre Island Bird Center. (Carina A. Brunson) Inside this guide World Class Birding & Nature Sites...........4-8 Valley Birding & Nature Events.....................9 Points of Interest...........................................10 Valley Chamber Offices................................ 46 To The Rio Grande Valley Rio Grande Valley Regional Maps San Ygnacio to Los Ebanos Pages 10-13 La Joya to Mission Pages 15-17 McAllen to Hidalgo Pages 18-22 Edinburg to Alamo Pages 27-29 Donna to Mercedes Pages 31-33 Harlingen to San Benito Pages 34-37 Los Fresnos to Brownsville Pages 39-41 Port Isabel to SPI Pages 42-45 69C 69E 2 Rio Grande City Zapata Roma San Ygnacio McAllen Hidalgo Edinburg Pharr Donna Weslaco Harlingen San Benito Rancho Viejo Brownsville Los Fresnos Port Isabel Boca Chica South Padre Island Mercedes Raymondville Edcouch Alamo Mission Alton Palmview La Joya Los Ebanos San Juan Palmhurst
Page 4 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 Anzalduas Park Anzalduas Park, located on 96 acres of land fronting the Rio Grande River, is a favorite spot for picnickers. A boat-loading ramp and pier make water sports and fishing easily accessible. This is a good place for bird watchers, as there is a gray hawk that nests there all year round and lots of other species of birds. There is also a huge pavilion for special events and playgrounds for kids. The park is located on the Anzalduas Dam four miles south of Expressway 83 on FM 1016 and one mile west on FM 494, 6400 Anzalduas Dam Rd. The park is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. There is no charge for admission to the park on weekdays, and $4 per vehicle on Saturdays and Sundays. For more info, please call (956) 585-5311. Brownsville Landfill One of the most exclusive locations in the United States to observe the Tamaulipas Crow is the Brownsville Sanitary Landfill, located at 9000 Ruben M Torres. Drive in and let the scale attendant know you are looking for the crow. The best chance of seeing the Tamaulipas Crow is during the Winter Season. Also look for the Ring-billed Herring and Laughing Gulls. The landfill is open Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Camp McAllen Camp McAllen is a beautiful 20+ acre park designed to offer visitors immersive outdoor experiences. The site includes fishing docks, kayak launches, an archery range, walking and biking trails, and group camping spaces. Other features are screened shelters, fire pits, solar-powered lighting, and family restrooms. Explore scenic trails that offer something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk or an active outdoor experience. Camp McAllen is open year-round and is designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Camp McAllen is located at 8701 N. 23rd St. For more information, visit www.mcallenparks.net or call (956) 681-3333. Falcon Lake Falcon International Reservoir, commonly called Falcon Lake, is located on the Rio Grande northwest of Roma. The 84,000 surface-acre reservoir is found in Starr and Zapata Counties and is known as a fisherman’s delight. It is an excellent fishing spot for multiple species such as bass, catfish, and alligator gar, and is regarded as being one of the state’s top bass fishing lakes nationwide. The water level can fluctuate during drought and wet conditions. There are multiple boat ramps including one at Falcon State Park. The lake is accessible from FM 2098 northwest of Roma at Falcon State Park. Falcon State Park Falcon State Park is a 572-acre park located northwest of Roma. This is a favorite destination to local and nonlocal fishermen, birdwatchers and butterfliers. The park is blanketed with native plants including mesquite, huisache, ebony, wild olive, cactus, and native grasses. The park offers overnight camping opportunities for Recreational Vehicles, primitive areas, A/C cabins, and shelters. There is a day use area with picnic tables, plus a three-mile nature hike trail that encircles the park, all within the scenic view of Falcon Lake. The park offers a butterfly garden that stays in bloom during the spring and fall and is host to a variety of butterflies and birds, perfect for butterfly and birdwatching. Park entrance fees are $3 per adult, $5 per adult during holidays, and free for 12 and under. The park is located at 146 Park Rd. 46, Falcon Heights and FM 2098 off Hwy 83. It is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year. For more information call (956) 848-5327 or visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ falcon. Frontera Audubon Society Frontera Audubon Society (FAS) is an urban nature preserve on 15 acres in Weslaco that features bio-diverse thicket trails, wetlands, butterfly gardens, and a visitors’ center and gift shop. Also featured is the Texas Historic Landmark, the Skaggs House, a multi-purpose facility for cultural events and exhibitions. Over 170 kinds of butterflies and over 250 species of birds have been spotted here. FAS is home to species such as the Clay-colored Thrush, Great Kiskadee, Plain Chachalaca, Green Kingfisher, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Green Jay, and more. Located at 1101 S. Texas Blvd., the hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Mondays. Regular admission is $5,
Page 5 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 Explore the Birds & Butterflies of the Americas with us at our new site BirdersOnTheRoad.com Stay with us among friends Alamo, Texas 956-782-9912 www.thealamoinnbnb.com Seniors are $4, students 13 and up are $3, and children 12 and under are free. For more information, call (956) 968-3275, like Facebook.com/frontera.audubon, or visit the website at www.fronteraaudubon.org. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge With the refuge’s primary mission of providing habitat for wildlife, the approximately 120,000 acres provides for a wide diversity of species. Visitors can enjoy many birds, including Green Jays, Plain Chachalacas, Harris’ Hawks, White-tailed Hawks, Olive Sparrows, Altamira Orioles, and Aplomado Falcons. Fall and spring bring migratory songbirds and Peregrine Falcons, and winter is the time to see Sandhill Cranes, White-fronted Geese, Redhead Ducks, and many other waterfowl. Visitors can connect with nature through various activities, including fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, photography, bicycling, and hiking. A visitor center with exhibits and restrooms is available. The refuge is located at 22688 Buena Vista Blvd. in Los Fresnos. For more information, including hours of operation and tour schedules, please visit the website www. fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa or call the visitor center at (956) 748-3607. McAllen Nature Center Originally opened in 1960 as McAllen Botanical Gardens, the site reopened to the public as the McAllen Nature Center in 2013. Enjoy two miles of trails, including one mile that’s ADA accessible, winding through 33 acres of native thornscrub forest. The site is home to over 300 species of animals, including various birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You can also find over 200 species of plants within the center. Amenities include picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains, and restrooms. The McAllen Nature Center is located at 4101 W. Business 83, in McAllen. Check out the Facebook page, www. facebook.com/McAllenNatureCenter/, for news about events and updates at the center. Hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www.mcallenparks.net/mcallen-nature-center/ or call (956) 681-3333. National Butterfly Center (NABA) The premier location in the United States to experience the beauty of wild butterflies, the center is the reason USA Today calls Mission, Texas, “the butterfly capitol of the USA.” Hundreds of species have been documented here, where cultivated gardens and trails showcase the nation’s largest botanical collection of native plants that provide breeding and feeding habitat for butterflies, caterpillars, and birds. A perennial favorite among butterfliers, birders, and nature photographers in general, the NBC is the easiest place to get great shots of many South Texas specialty birds, including year ‘round residents like the Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Olive Sparrow, and Altamira Oriole. The National Butterfly Center is located in the NABA Section of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Conservation Corridor, just one mile east of Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, at 3333 Butterfly Park Dr. GPS coordinates are 26.180243, -98.364973. For hours, rates, and special events, visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org. For updates on recent bird, butterfly, and wildlife sightings, like the National Butterfly Center on Facebook. For additional information such as scheduling group tours and activities call (956) 583-5400. Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center The Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center encompasses eight acres of land that features a walking trail through the local native habitat. Other park amenities include an amphitheater, pergola, pavilion with picnic tables, bird feeding station, and interpretative signage along the trail. Located at 1025 S. Richmond Dr. in Pharr, the park is open from sunrise to sunset. Sabal Palm Sanctuary & Historic Rabb Plantation House The Sanctuary is home to many native species of plants and animals that reach the northernmost limit of their Mexican range here and do not occur elsewhere in the U.S. Cradled in a bend of the Rio Grande along the U.S./Mexico border, the Sanctuary harbors one of the most beautiful
Page 6 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 and critical ecosystems of South Texas and Northern Mexico. Sabal Palms once grew profusely along the edge of the Rio Grande in small stands or groves extending about 80 miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. Today, only a small portion of that forest remains, protected on 557 acres of this Sanctuary. Many Mexican species live in the forest including Green Jays, Plain Chachalacas, Great Kiskadees, Least Grebes, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds. Sabal Palm Sanctuary offers over three miles of nature trails leading through the old-growth palm grove and even down to the Rio Grande River. There is also a long wetlands boardwalk and six observation areas. The Historical Rabb Plantation House, which now serves as the headquarters and visitor center for the sanctuary, was built in 1892. The Rabb House is one of the few remaining examples of the Rio Grande’s plantation legacy. The Sanctuary is open daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Wednesdays and some holidays. Daily admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children (12 and under). There are also 12-month memberships available, $50 for family and $30 for individual. From U.S. 77/83 turn left on International Blvd., then turn right onto Southmost Rd. (FM 1419). Continue for six miles and look for Sabal Palm Grove Rd. on the right, the Sanctuary is located at the very end of the paved road at 8435 Sabal Palm Grove Rd., Brownsville. For information call (956) 541-8034, email gsfinc@gmail.com, or go online to www.sabalpalmsanctuary.org. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Alamo, has over 2,000 acres of land dedicated to the preservation of native plants and animals of the Rio Grande Valley. Known worldwide as a “birder’s paradise,” many rare birds have been spotted at the refuge including some tropical species that come no farther north in the U.S. Bird watchers have documented over 400 species of birds - the second highest total of any National Wildlife Refuge. Located within the refuge are over 12 miles of walking trails with observation decks and photo blinds for wildlife watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The refuge hosts lush subtropical vegetation that provides habitat for 300 American butterfly species, an equally exciting number of species of dragonflies, and such rarities as the threatened Texas Tortoise and Texas Indigo Snake. The resacas and wetland of the refuge attract a variety of water birds and other wildlife. The visitor’s center is staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and inquire about the various programs that are offered at the center. The many walking trails are open from dawn until dusk. Be sure and check out the rope bridge that takes visitors through the canopy. There are special events throughout the year as well, check the events calendar on www.fws.gov/refuge/santa_ana for more info. Admission is $5 per vehicle. The refuge is located seven miles south of Alamo and one-fourth mile east of the junction of Highway 281 and FM 907 at 3325 Green Jay Rd. For information call (956) 784-7500. Valley Nature Center Our Secret Garden, set in the midst of an urban community, the VNC has an exciting interactive visitor’s center leading into an impressive six-acre nature park. The park has a mile of interpretive trails through a recreated Tamaulipan thorn scrub forest, with an extensive collection of South Texas native plants. Their Mission is to provide educational opportunities, and foster understanding and appreciation of the Lower Rio Grande Valley’s unique natural flora and fauna. The Valley Nature Center offers a variety of fun and educational programs throughout the year for adults and children. The Valley Nature Center is located at 301 S. Border Ave. behind Gibson City Park in Weslaco. Open Tuesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed for major holidays. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for Seniors (55 and older), $3 for children (12 and under), and free for all VNC members. For additional details call (956) 969-2475, visit www.valleynaturecenter.org, or email info@valleynaturecenter.org. World Birding Center Not just one, but nine unique locations in the Rio Grande Valley. Each site of the World Birding Center has its own attractions for both the first-time visitor and expert birder. Not one season, but all seasons - as more than 500 bird species make the Birding Centers not-to-be-missed nature destinations. Desert terrain, riverside woodlands, palm-fringed resacas, barrier islands and crashing surf. Together, the nine different sites that make up the World Birding Center paint a colorful backdrop for birdwatching in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. From scenic bluffs high above the Rio Grande to teeming wetlands and coastal prairie, the World Birding Center network offers visitors a dazzling array of birding adventures. Visitors will be treated to nature tours, environmental education programs and state-of-the-art exhibits, all under the umbrella of a world class birding experience: The World Birding Center, where you will truly find “A Whole New Nature Adventure!” The World Birding Center at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park boasts a bilingual exhibit hall, park store, and meeting room surrounded by butterfly gardens. Visitors can discover Bentsen by taking a tram tour, renting bikes, or hiking through the park. Primitive tent camping and fishing are a popular option as well. A two-story observation tower gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the canopy and there are over seven miles of trails with bird feeding stations, two enclosed bird blinds, and water features offering a variety of opportunities to encounter birds
Page 7 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 and other wildlife. Fun informative programs for all ages are scheduled weekly and are free with park admission. Check the online calendar of events for a full program list and join in the fun! Some programs require pre-registration. Tram tours are also offered at the park. The tram runs daily October through April, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May through September, it runs Thursdays through Sundays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The park is located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr. in Mission and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, groups of 10+ people are $3 each, and children ages 12 and under are free. For more info call (956) 584-9156 or visit the Texas State parks website, www.tpwd.texas.gov. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd., is a 40-acre oasis in the midst of an urban area that offers observable wildlife year-round. Here you can experience a butterfly habitat that attracts millions of butterflies during their migrations, walking trails, and viewing docks. You can also enjoy picnic areas, a gift shop, and interpretive exhibits. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands is known for water birds such as the Kingfisher and a variety of ducks. There are plenty of opportunities to catch sightings of these birds and more at various water features throughout the Wetlands. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors 55 and over and students, and free for children ages five and under. The Center opens at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sundays. Closing hours change seasonally and can be found online by visiting www.edinburgwbc.org or by calling the park at (956) 381-9922. Water is the magic ingredient for attracting wildlife, and Estero Llano Grande State Park, located at 3301 S. International Blvd. (FM 1015) in Weslaco, has the largest wetland environment of the World Birding Center network in the Rio Grande Valley. This 235-acre refuge attracts an array of South Texas specialty birds and butterflies. 345 species of birds, 182 species of butterflies, and 61 of the 110 Valley species of dragonflies have been recorded at Estero Llano Grande since its opening in June 2006. This park is a great place to find Least Grebes, roosting Common Pauraque, and three species of Kingfishers as well as the Mexican Bluewing butterfly. Other notable rare bird highlights of the park have been the Northern Jacana, Rose-throated Becard, Grey-crowned Yellowthroat, and the first U.S. record for the Red-legged Honeycreeper. For butterfly watchers, the park has the first U.S. records for the White-spotted Satyr, the Bromeliad Scrub-Hairstreak, and the Perching Saliana. Exploring the park’s many trails, boardwalks, pavilions, and observation decks you might also find Coyotes, Bobcats, and the American Alligator. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars. The park also offers Camp Thicket, a camp and conference facility for group rentals. The park is open daily, and admission is $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Many special programs and events are planned throughout the year. Check the park’s website, www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/estero-llano-grande, follow on Facebook, or call (956) 5653919 for more information. The Harlingen Arroyo Colorado at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park is located near the Valley International Airport on Loop 499, 3/10 of a mile south of Hwy. 106. The 55-acre park is a welcome center for birders who fly into Harlingen. A former landfill, the park has been reforested with native trees, plants, grasses, and cactus and returned to Texas Ebony Woodland. It is a home for Valley specialty birds such as the Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Chachalaca, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole and both the Long-billed and the Curve-billed Thrasher. The ponds on the north end of the park are host to Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Least Grebes, and various Herons. If you wish to have a guided tour of this park, please contact the Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society through its Facebook page. Someone will be happy to meet you and your group to identify native plants along with birds and wildlife on the tour. There is no entry fee for the park.
Page 8 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 The Magic Valley’s early 20th Century transition into an agricultural powerhouse is retold at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, which also embraces nature conservation as a wing of the World Birding Center with hike and bike trails. Visitors to the museum on the Rio Grande can learn about the steam driven irrigation pumps that transformed the Valley into a year-round farming phenomenon. Visitors can wander the museum’s grounds for free, where hummingbird and butterfly gardens are filled with native plants, and where many of the Valley’s amazing bird, butterfly, and dragonfly species are regular visitors as well. The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center is located at 902 S. 2nd St. in Hidalgo. It is open Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission for the museum tour is $3. You can also schedule a historical trolley tour; the trolley fee is $5 per person. Bike rentals are available for $6 per day. For $40, you can obtain a photography permit and use the luscious green landscaping as a unique setting for picture taking. For more information call (956) 843-8686, visit www.cityofhidalgo.net, or check out the Facebook page. Quinta Mazatlan on 804 Bales Road is located a couple blocks south of La Plaza Mall off 10th Street in McAllen. A historic adobe mansion built in the 1930s anchors this 25-acre urban sanctuary, now expanded with the Center for Urban Ecology featuring a Children’s Adventure Garden, Rio Walk, Sensory Garden, Sky Walk, and immersive nature experiences. Native Thornforest habitat, water features, and bird feeding stations attract Valley wildlife throughout the grounds. Visitors can enjoy birding trails, sculptures and art exhibits, nature programs, tours, workshops, a gift shop, and special events. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays until dark. Follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media @QuintaMazatlan or call (956) 681-3370. Brownville’s Resaca de la Palma State Park has about 1,200 semi-tropical acres of land along an ancient resaca of the Rio Grande River, the park provides a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city of Brownsville just a few miles away. The park features 11 miles of trails, and four observation decks overlooking the resaca (Oxbow Lake). Private vehicles are not allowed on the park’s trail system, but the trails may be accessed by hiking, biking, or the park’s nature tram. The nature tram provides a guided tour of a 3-mile paved loop through the park during Visitor Center hours. Bird watchers may spot colorful South Texas specialty species, like the Altamira Oriole, Green Jay, and Great Kiskadee. Freshwater habitat throughout the park provides the perfect environment for a variety of waterbirds, including species like the Green Kingfisher, Least Grebe, and Mottled Duck. During migration many Warbler, Oriole, Flycatcher, and Hawk species pass through this area. In summer, Groove-billed Ani and Yellow-billed Cuckoo join the resident species nesting throughout the park. For the butterfly enthusiasts, the park is one of the best places in the Rio Grande Valley to find Blue Metalmarks. Bright, showy Mexican Bluewing and Band-celled Sister butterflies may be spotted along the tram road and trails. Admission is $4 for adults, children under 12 years old are free. Texas Park Passes are available for purchase at the visitor’s center. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays. The park gates are open daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the park grounds are open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can access the park by using the self-pay station when the Visitor Center is closed. The park is located four miles west of Brownsville off FM 1732 (Olmito) at 1000 New Carmen Ave. For more information, please call (956) 350-2920 or visit the website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma. You can also visit the social media pages at https:// www.facebook.com/resacadelapalma/ or on Instagram @ resacadelapalmastatepark for regular updates. History and nature meet on the scenic bluffs above the Rio Grande where the World Birding Center in Roma can be found on the old plaza of a once-thriving steamboat port. The Roma Bluffs are located in the renovated historic Francisco Margo home, at 610 N. Portscheller St., in Roma’s National Historic District. The home features a traditional Spanish Courtyard with many bird feeders. During winter months many birds come in to feed, making it possible to view them up close. An observation deck located in the old Customs House on the river overlooks the river for viewing of birds. It offers scenic views of the City of Miguel Aleman, in Mexico. Open Mondays through Fridays year-round, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seasonally, October to March seven days a week, but may vary depending upon volunteer coverage. Call (956) 849-4930 for information on seasonal weekend hours of operation. The South Padre Island Birding Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary is located at 6801 Padre Blvd. Nearly 400 species of birds have been seen on South Padre Island and many of them, including the colorful Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, Tricolored Herons, and Clapper Rails, make their homes in the marshes along the center’s 3/4-mile-long boardwalk, sharing space with alligators, a wide diversity of fish, crabs, and freshwater turtles. The center features a five-story tower that overlooks the Laguna Madre, a museum style exhibit hall depicting the natural environments and wildlife of the island, and a documentary about the island’s bird life. Educational “Gator Talks” take place daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., and guided birding tours occur almost daily through online registration. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call (956) 7616801 or visit www.spibirding.org for more information.
Page 9 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 Audubon Christmas Bird Count The Christmas Bird Count is sponsored by the National Audubon Society and is held throughout the Americas. The counts are done from December 14th to January 5th every year. For more information visit https://www.audubon.org/ conservation/science/christmas-bird-count or call your local state park for more information: in Weslaco - Estero Llano Grande State Park, (956) 565-3919; in Mission - Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, (956) 584-9156. Fourth of July Butterfly Count The North American Butterfly Association holds annual Fourth of July butterfly counts all over the nation. The Mission-area count is coordinated by the National Butterfly Center. The NABA Butterfly Count Program also includes a Spring Seasonal Count and a Fall Seasonal Count. For more information, visit https://naba.org/butterfly-counts/. Monarch Fest Monarch Fest is an annual celebration hosted by Quinta Mazatlán that highlights the migration of monarch butterflies through South Texas in April. The festival offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Guests are encouraged to wear orange and their wings for the Mayor’s Bug Parade and enjoy a variety of activities, including butterfly stilt walkers, scout badge activities, a caterpillar tot corner, pollinator art installations, special speakers, garden tours, arts and crafts, live music, dance performances, native plants for sale, and great food. More than 30 community partners participate in the event each year, creating an engaging learning environment centered around pollinators and nature conservation. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at Quinta Mazatlán Ticket Page or at the gate on the day of the event. For updates and additional information, visit Quinta Mazatlán Official Website or follow Quinta Mazatlán on Facebook. Ocelot Festival The Ocelot Conservation Day and Ocelot Run return to South Texas every year in early March. The event is held to share information about ongoing conservation efforts and to educate about ocelots in a family-friendly environment that includes games, activities, and presentations. Visitors can expect to learn more about ocelots, the work underway to conserve them, and how they can help. For more information about the event, visit the website at www.flanwr.org Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Birders will flock to the Valley in search of the specialty birds of the Rio Grande Valley for the 33rd annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival held at the Harlingen Convention Center. The festival runs from November 11th to the 15th, 2026, with field trips, keynote speakers, afternoon and evening presentations, a rousing trade show, an exciting silent auction, a souvenir store, local art and photography, a live bird show, and a weekend program for children. For additional information or to register, visit www.rgvbf.org. The Great Texas Birding Classic The Great Texas Birding Classic, coordinated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, takes place every year from April 15th through May 15th, with a registration deadline of April 1st. With more than 40 tournament categories based on age, region of the state, length of time birding, and more, there is truly something for everyone. It is the biggest, longest, wildest bird watching tournament in the United States! For information and dates, visit www.birdingclassic.org or call 512-389-4500. Texas Butterfly Festival The 30th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival will be held from November 7th to the 10th, 2026 in Mission. The festival includes educational workshops and field trips across the Rio Grande Valley for anyone interested in learning more about butterflies, dragonflies, and birds. Whether you are a curious nature enthusiast or an experienced naturalist, you are sure to find something thrilling in this 4-day festival that features expert guides, speakers, and instructors. For more information or to register, visit www.texasbutterflyfestival.com or call the National Butterfly Center at (956) 583-5400. Texas International Fishing Tournament The 86th annual Texas International Fishing Tournament will be held from July 29th to August 2nd, 2026, in the Port Isabel-South Padre Island area. For information, go to www.tift.org or call (956) 9438438.
Page 10 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 N Garza St N Corpus St Lee Cir E 3rd St 1 2 3 4 8 5 7 13 6 LOCATIONS Fort Trevino-San Ygnacio Zapata County Chamber of Commerce See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Falcon Lake & Falcon State Park Falcon Dam City of Roma See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Roma Blus See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 Roma National Historic Landmark District Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Rio Grande City Department of Tourism See Chamber O ces, p. 46 La Borde House Fort Ringgold Robert E. Lee Museum Los Ebanos Ferry Zapata Sullivan City Falcon Village Roma 9 10 12 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Rio Grande City
Page 11 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 Fort Treviño-San Ygnacio For a look into Spanish Colonialism on the north side of the Rio Grande, drive out to San Ignacio and look at Fort Treviño, located at the corner of Uribe St. and Treviño St., from the outside. Built in 1830 this former residence of Jesus Treviño is typical of the homes built during the 1750s to early 1800s. The fort has been called one of the outstanding examples of Spanish heritage and architecture in the Rio Grande Valley. San Ygnacio is the only place left that has this type of Spanish colonial dwellings. Others that existed in the area were destroyed when Falcon Dam and Lake were built. Over 100 buildings in San Ygnacio are listed on the National Register as part of a National Historic District featuring Spanish Colonial Homes. The home is built out of sandstone walls, and features troneras, small openings in the walls, where settlers fighting Indians could stick their guns through the walls and shoot without fear of being hit by a roving Indian. There is a stone sundial at the entrance to the fort. The courtyard has a well and room for a horse and carriage, a few goats, and chickens. Settlers under siege could set up in the fort for long periods of time without fear the Indians could storm the place. The fort is open for viewing the first Sunday of every month from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more info visit www.riverpierce.org or call (956) 7506115. Falcon Lake & Falcon State Park The park is located on the shores of Falcon Lake at 146 Park Rd. 46, Falcon Heights and FM 2098, off Hwy 83. It is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year. For more information call (956) 8485327 or visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ falcon. Falcon Dam The need for water and electrical power for the growing demands of the Rio Grande Valley and Texas border resulted in a Water Treaty of 1944 with Mexico to build three dams on the Rio Grande River. Construction of the $35 million Falcon Dam began in 1950 and was completed in 1954. The dam and reservoir cover 87,000 acres of land. In 1953, the dam was dedicated by President Dwight Eisenhower, marking the first presidential visit to the Rio Grande Valley in history. Falcon Dam is located about 14 miles northwest of Roma on FM 2098. Roma National Historic Landmark District The 19th-century town of Roma, located in Western Starr County, was once an important shipping point for steamboats along the Rio Grande. The site was first settled in 1765 and
Page 12 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 was named “Roma” in 1848 after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Because of its proximity to the river, Roma prospered during the years between the Mexican War and Reconstruction. The Roma National Historic Landmark District represents an outstanding example of the building techniques of the Lower Rio Grande. These techniques, derived from the 18th-century traditions of northern Mexico, are best exemplified by the finely detailed brick commercial and residential buildings designed and constructed by Heinrich Portscheller. Portscheller, a German immigrant, built in both Texas and Mexico and helped influence the distinctive architectural style of the Lower Rio Grande. Within the district, you’ll find the iconic 1928 Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge, a marvel of engineering now designated as a State Antiquities Landmark. Alongside this bridge, the preserved river wharfs and the venerable old custom house stitch together the rich tapestry of Roma’s history. The district also includes an observation deck overlooking the Rio Grande and Mexico. A series of restored buildings on the plaza serve as a visitor’s center, the Roma Historical Museum, part of the World Birding Center network, and other businesses and local attractions. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto In the early days of the 20th century, life was especially hard in the Rio Grande City area. Like many frontier towns, crime was rampant and diseases like leprosy and tuberculosis were rampant. The French Oblate Cavalry of Christ, circuit-riding priests, rode into the area to establish churches and give people hope for a better life. One of these priests was Father Gustave Gollenbach, who felt the creation of a grotto like Our Lady of Lourdes grotto in France would provide inspiration to the people. The location is a replica of the original shrine in France where the peasant girl had a vision of Our Lady of Lourdes. Construction was a community effort with help coming from a local Baptist minister. The grotto is located in Rio Grande City behind the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 101 E. 3rd St. It is open daily for public view. La Borde House Founded in 1899 and renovated in 1979, La Borde House was first a trading post where Indians and fur trappers brought their wares. It was located in Rio Grande City because it was the head of navigation for the Rio Grande River. Due to the difficult terrain around Rio Grande City, and the fact that traveling by ox cart was the only other method of travel to get to the city, almost all trade was done by shipping wares by steamboat up and down the river. In 1917, the trading post was converted into an elegant hotel. Eventually, the hotel fell into disrepair but a local philanthropist, Larry Sheerin, purchased the hotel and began restoration in 1979. When the restoration was finished, the eight hotel rooms restored were authentic examples of turn-of-the-century elegance furnished with authentic period antiques. The property is now maintained and managed by
Page 13 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 the Starr County Historical Foundation, having returned this magnificent site to its original splendor after completing a renovation process. The hotel is listed in the national register of historic places. La Borde House is located at 601 E. Main St. in Rio Grande City. For more information call (956) 487-5101 or visit www.labordehouse.com. Fort Ringgold (Rio Grande City, Texas) Established in 1848 as a cavalry fort, today most of the old fort is part of the Rio Grande City Independent School District. Several of the old buildings such as the hospital, Officer Quarters, and barracks have been retained along with the parade grounds. The most prominent of its buildings is the old commander’s house where Colonel Robert E. Lee stayed when visiting the fort on several occasions before the days of the Civil War. The renovated building is now a museum containing a collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and historical data. Hop on Bessie III, a trolley bus named after a famed commercial riverboat, and explore the back streets, hidden places, and points of interest in Historic Downtown Rio Grande City which includes a stop at the historic fort. Contact Rio Grande City Main Street at (956) 488-0047 for tours and information. Robert E. Lee Museum Located on the grounds of the old Fort Ringgold, now the headquarters for the Rio Grande City Independent School District, the Robert E. Lee Museum is in an old house on the right side of the complex. Lee stayed there while assigned to the fort, sent there to preside over a court martial in 1856. He returned in 1860 when the Mexican bandit, Juan Cortina, was creating havoc along the border. One exhibit describes the activities of Colonel Robert E. Lee during the time he served at Fort Ringgold. Another display honors Major Samuel Ringgold, the first American officer to die in the U.S. war with Mexico in 1846. The fort is named in his honor. A third display honors the Buffalo soldier who served at the fort. Visitors are welcome to drive by and look at the house, but the museum is open by appointment only. Los Ebanos Ferry The Los Ebanos Ferry was first used in the 1740s by Spanish explorers and colonists under Jose de Escandon. This ancient ford was also used by Mexican war troops in 1846, by Texas Rangers chasing cattle rustlers and by smugglers in many eras, especially during the American Prohibition of the 1920s and 1930s. Named after the abundance of ebony trees that flourish around the site, the ferry is the only hand-pulled ferry across the US/Mexico Border. It can transport three cars and several pedestrians across the Rio Grande. You can even help them pull! Located 14 miles west of Mission on Expressway 83, then 3 miles south of the expressway on FM 886 in Los Ebanos, the ferry operates 7 days a week, weather permitting. For more information call (956) 485-1084.
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Page 15 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 8 LOCATIONS Palmview 6 3 7 4 15 La Joya Bryan Rd N Coyote Blvd Bus 1 2 Mile Line Rd Soloman Chapa St 5 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 N Conway Ave N Mayberry Rd E 9th St E 12th St 10 9 11 12 14 13 Bentsen Palm Dr Inspiration Rd Palmhurst Mission Shary Rd La Joya ISD Performing Arts Center Palmview Chamber of Commerce See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 National Butterfly Center See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery Riverside Dreamer River Cruises La Lomita Chapel Anzalduas Park See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Tom Landry Mural Mission Historical Museum Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Mission’s Butterfly Statues (UVAL) Historic Bryan House La Joya ISD Performing Arts Center La Joya ISD’s Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz Performing Arts Center is a 1,400-seat auditorium that hosts student performances throughout the academic school year. Audience members will be delighted by talented theatre, mariachi, folklórico, band, orchestra, classical guitar, choir, dance, and conjunto performing groups. Patrons can expect high quality performances by student talent, consistently earning top awards in their respective competitions. For more information about Performing Arts Center events call (956) 323-2787. Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery The Rio Grande Valley State Veteran Cemetery in Mission is a special resting place close to home, where friends, family, and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. The sacrifices laid upon the altar of freedom will never be diminished or forgotten. This 75-acre cemetery is located at 2520 S. Inspiration Rd. and is open seven days a week. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 1 through March 31, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 1 through September 30. Office hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 956-583-7227 or visit
Page 16 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 glo.texas.gov/veterans/veterans-cemeteries/ mission. Riverside Dreamer River Cruises Come get a close-up view of the Rio Grande River and the habitat that surrounds it. Take a Riverside Dreamer River Cruise and view the sights and birds that live along the river in Mexico and the U.S. The Riverside Dreamer is a 55-foot U.S. Coast Guard-certified sightseeing pontoon boat with covered, cushioned seating for 49 people. It offers one-hour or two-hour cruises departing from the Riverside Club, located at 214 E. Chimney Rd. in Mission. Call (956) 581-4477 or (956) 581-1033 for reservations. Reservations suggested but not required. Minimum requirements for departure are 15 passengers for one hour, and 25 passengers for two hours. Private or group cruises for 25 or more are available upon request. For more information visit the website at www.riversideclubmission.com. La Lomita Chapel La Lomita Chapel (La Lomita means “little hill” in Spanish), the namesake for the present city of Mission, offers an important glimpse into the history of Mission and South Texas. Constructed from adobe, the chapel was built in 1865 by Rene Guyard, a French merchant and devout Roman Catholic, on the Lomita Ranch he purchased in 1845. It continues as a religious shrine and popular site for historians. The small chapel is located three miles south of Expressway 83 on FM 1016. There is no admission fee, and it is open daily. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Established in 1899 as the first mission of the historic La Lomita Church by circuit-riding Oblate priests, the church was first known as Our Lady of Mission. In 1925 the church was destroyed in a fire; the statue of the Blessed Virgin was the only thing rescued from the incident. When the current Church was constructed in 1927, the name was changed to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. In 2012 and 2013, the 1927 Church was renovated and expanded in order to accommodate the growing congregation while also maintaining the same sanctuary as well as the interior and exterior style. Currently, the church can now seat up to 1,000 people. A new fiberglass dome replicating the original was also placed. The church is currently listed by the Institute of Texas Cultures as having one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most outstanding architectural designs. Constructed in a revival architecture style, the church features a four-story bell tower, capped by a domed belfry, mission parapets, arched windows, and decorative limestone detailing. Well known for their friendly parishioners, “animals around the manger”, warm welcome and down-home hospitality, the church is located at Magna (6th) St. (was named after Father Roy’s dog and loyal partner who was very much beloved and instrumental in a resurgence of enthusiasm, warmth, joy, and hospitality in the years leading up to the restoration and expanding of the Church) and Dunlap Ave. in Mission. For more information, call (956) 585-2623. Tom Landry Mural This mural honors Mission native and legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry. Born and raised in Mission, Tom Landry led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles. The mural depicts and spans his life and career. His handprints and footprints are also preserved in the sidewalk below. To honor Tom Landry’s legacy in 1993, Mission residents Bill and Gen Long commissioned Manuel Hinojosa to create the Tom Landry Mural. The mural measures 95x18 feet and was dedicated on September 18, 1995, by the legendary Coach Tom Landry himself. You can find the mural on the corner of N. Conway and Tom Landry Ave. (Business 83) in downtown Mission. Mission Historical Museum Founded in 2002, the Mission Historical Museum consists of two buildings located in the heart of Downtown Mission. The museum’s
Page 17 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 commitment to the preservation and promotion of the history of Mission and Western Hidalgo County are reflected in its permanent exhibits located in the historic Shary Building, previously owned by citrus industry pioneer, John H. Shary. The museum’s Annex Building, constructed initially as Mission’s Post Office in the 1930s, is home to a New Deal Post Office Mural. Visitors can enjoy the museum’s temporary exhibits in this building and visit the Mission Memories Gift Shop. In addition to the historical exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of programs for the public throughout the year, including the Dia de los Muertos Folklife Festival, Summer Craft Days, MHM Lecture Series, and the Mission Quilt show. Admission to the Mission Historical Museum is always free! The museum is located at 900 Doherty Ave in Mission, Texas. Hours are Tuesday – Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and the second Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Have a question? Drop by the museum or call at (956) 580-8646. Mission’s Butterfly Statues If you drive around the City of Mission you might notice something a little special. Every once in a while, you might just see a beautiful butterfly sculpture. Being home to the National Butterfly Center, it just seemed fitting for there to be butterflies of giant size around town to celebrate. These butterflies represent some of the 200 or more species that can be found in the area. What started as a small project in 2016 by then president of the Upper Valley Art League has now grown to over 40 sculptures throughout the City of Mission. When driving around downtown Mission, you are sure to see more than a handful of these butterfly sculptures. The butterfly is made of metal and rests on a detailed fiberglass leaf, while the antennae are made of a flexible wire to reduce breakage. A Queen Monarch at the city hall also features a chrysalis dangling underneath branches, suspended by a steel cable. Sculptures are paid for with donations from the businesses where they are located. Some locations include the Upper Valley Art League, Speer Memorial Library, Mission City Hall, and Lions Park. All sculptures include a leaf that gives just enough room to sit on for a picture. Although the Monarch is the most popular, you will also find sculptures of a Two Barrel Slasher, Malachite, Zebra Heliconian, Swallowtail, Tawny Emperor, and others. And they are not always painted the traditional butterfly colors; there is even one painted Dallas Cowboys colors at Tom Landry and Miller. Historic Bryan House The historic William Jennings Bryan House was built in 1909 as a winter farm home between Bryan’s three runs for presidency and becoming Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson. The Bryan House was purchased and restored by Frank and Ariel King. It now hosts boutique weddings, special events, community events, a seasonal farmer’s market, catered ladies’ luncheons, meetings, retreats, historic heritage tours, photography shoots, bird and butterfly watching, and it is also a bed & breakfast. The Bryan House is located in Mission at 1113 E. Mile 2 Rd. More information can be found on the website at www.thebryanhouse.com, the Facebook page at William Jennings Bryan House – “The Bryan House”, or you can call (956) 330-7497.
Page 18 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 13 12 LOCATIONS N 10th St S 29th St S 10th St N 23rd St N Bicentennial Blvd S Ware Rd Jackson Rd S 2nd St Erie Ave 69C 10 11 9 1 7 5 8 W Nolana Ave E Coma Ave Bus 2 4 Houston Ave Galveston Ave W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 3 McAllen Hidalgo 6 McAllen Nature Center See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 McAllen Convention Center McAllen Performing Arts Center Veterans War Memorial of Texas Camp McAllen See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 International Museum of Art & Science McAllen Heritage Center McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Payne Arena Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum World’s Largest Killer Bee Quinta Mazatlan See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 Statue of Father Hidalgo McAllen Convention Center Opened in 2007, the center offers 174,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. Throughout the years, the McAllen Convention Center has hosted many events including conventions, concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and other special events. The center is located near the intersection of Expressway 83 and Ware Rd. at 700 Convention Center Blvd. For more information call (956) 681-3800 or go online to www.experiencemcallen.com.
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