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,
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