Outdoor Places to Visit in the RGV
Story by Trucha
Edited by Abigail Vela
From sandy beaches to soft terrains, the Rio Grande Valley parks and trails offer a variety of different hiking experiences. The RGV comprises four counties: Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron, each one unique in the types of terrain you will find, like bluffs, wetlands, salt lakes, and beaches. Also throughout these nature parks and trails, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter our region’s wildlife species!
National Parks in Texas
If you’re looking to visit all the National Parks in the U.S., check off the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park in Brownsville, Texas, on your next trip!
This historic park is the location of the last battle of the Civil War, which took place on May 8, 1846. If you’re a history buff, you may have noticed that this battle happened after the war ended on April 9, 1865. Well, miscommunications happen!
State Parks in South Texas
If you are searching for the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, the RGV state parks are a great place to begin! With four state parks scattered across the Rio Grande Valley, you can view native plants and LOTS of birds!
Falcon Park is an 84,000-acre international reservoir where you can swim, waterski, and boat. This location also provides a campsite; birding and fishing are just some of the activities you can partake in. Beware! There are alligators on this property!
Bentsen Park in Mission, TX, is known as “Birders’ Paradise.” This park has 360 species of birds to find! It is also home to butterflies, javelinas, and bobcats.
Bentsen Park has seven miles of hiking trails and bikes you can rent for only $5!
However, visiting this state park means you’ll be close to the U.S./Mexico Border wall, often guarded by border patrol.
Estero Llano in Weslaco, Texas, is coined as “Nature’s Orchestra,” where you can hear bugs, frogs, and birds singing at all hours. These trails allow you to explore wetlands and woodlands and walk over decked ponds. You might even see an American alligator at Alligator Lake.
Perk! About two miles of the trail are accessible by wheelchair, and some bird blinds are ADA-accessible.
Resaca de la Palma in Brownsville, Texas, is a quaint semi-tropical refuge with 8 miles of trails. You’ll experience different scenery, like tall grass, canopied trees, and more. Bikes are available for rent!
Rio Grande Valley Birding
People worldwide travel to the Rio Grande Valley to bird watch. Some popular spots include Roma Bluffs, a 3-acre riverside nature spot and an overlook, and Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. This nature spot used to be a luxurious home converted into a hotspot for birds and other animals.
Other notable spots are the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and Harlingen Arroyo Colorado (which has a nice scenic view of an old bridge), the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center, and the Old Hidalgo Pump House, which doubles as a museum.
Nature Parks in the RGV
Another must-see location in the RGV is the National Butterfly Center next to Bentsen Park. This 100-acre property allows butterflies to fly freely in their natural habitat!
Sabal Palm Sanctuary is notable for its beauty and strong historical ties to the colonization of the region; it houses many endangered animals and plants.
Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuges
If you want to come across local wildlife species like coyotes, bobcats, or armadillos, hike at these wildlife refuges, which are protected by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Santa Ana is the “jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System.”’ It is a 2,800-acre park with a walkable suspended bridge, home to migratory species from Central and South America. Enjoy birding, hiking, and fishing.
Sal de Rey can be found in Edinburg in the Lower RGV. This wildlife refuge is a natural salt lake with historical ties to ancient salt mining trades!
Laguna Atascosa in Los Fresnos offers bird-watching galore, an overlooking 3,500-acre lake, and many trails to explore. If you look closely, you will also find a historical grave on this site!
Protect the Borderlands
Enjoy exploring South Texas and the beauty it has to offer! Many locals do not have the opportunity to explore these beautiful parks due to the militarization of our U.S/Mexico Border and space endeavors limiting access to nature. Protect the borderlands!
