Visitor & Relocation Information

Day Trips

Laredo, Texas -Laredo’s history and architecture is a reason for a visit. The atmosphere of old-time Laredo pervades side streets around Plaza San Augustin area where settlers first located in 1755 to form one of the first Spanish colonies on the north bank of the Rio Grande. Get your historic bearings straight at the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, 1003 Zaragoza St., (956) 727-3480.

Guerrero Viejo a thriving, city abandoned with the sudden filling of Falcon Reservoir in 1954 the city represents an archeological paradise to the history enthusiasts and those who enjoy elegant structures that still survive in the part of the towns that remains dry. The church is a striking image as it protrudes from the waters of Falcon Lake.
About 30 minutes from Zapata is a treat to history bluffs. This city represents an archeological paradise to the history enthusiasts who visit every year. One can still admire the Spanish culture architecture of the old city.

Roma, Texas – The World Birding Center can be found on the old plaza of a once-thriving steamboat port. Part of a national historic district it includes a riverside nature area of 3 acres. The gateway to unforgettable birding adventures. Diverse activities such as walking tours, to birding float trips along the RG are operated by Friends of the Valley Wildlife Corridor. For information call (956) 849-4930

Rio Grande City – In the City is located the Chachalaca Wildlife Refuge. Chachalacas are tropical birds indigenous to Central America, Mexico and the extreme reaches of South Texas. The Chachalaca Refuge is a lush and placid 94.2 acres reserve discretely nestled in the middle of the town. Birdwatchers travel to the RGV to spot Chachalacas as they perform their rancorous mating chorus from where they derive their name. Another place La Puerta Tract is the eastern entrance to the 11 sites in the Lower Rio Bravo section of Starr County. Within La Puerta’s large encampment can be found several rare species of plants and animals.

La Gloria – The area newest form of entertainment is bloodless bullfighting, featured October-March at the 900-seat Santa Maria Bullfighting Arena, one mile east of La Gloria. Matadors train here for matches in Mexico and Spain. Margo Ranch at La Gloria , provides a lodge, B&B accommodations, native plant, nature and historical tours,
(956) 487-3827.

King Ranch – a living legend King Ranch, the birth place of the American ranching industry and a National Historic Landmark. On guided tours, you can see the Santa Gertrude’s and King Ranch Santa Cruz breeds of beef cattle and the Quarter Horses that have garnered fame. The King Ranch offers public bus tours of the famous ranch, and in recent years nature trips have been offered as well. With the entrance of the King Ranch into the nature tourism business, trips solidly devoted to bird watching may be arranged.

McAllen, Texas- Quinta Mazatlan is the World Birding Center in McAllen set on 15 acres, , the site has nature programs, walking trails, speaker series, nature are gallery, native butterfly garden, gift shop and lots more. Located at Sunset Drive in McAllen. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. For information call (956) 688-3370 or click here.

Nuevo Progresso, Mexico – The Mexican border town of Nuevo Progresso also known as Las Flores has become the prime Mexico shopping destination. This quaint little town caters to tourist. Shopping and dining is made easy. You can cross the bridge either by walking or can drive your car across. The main street is full with shops of all kinds, pharmacies, dentists’ and doctors’ offices. Nuevo Progresso has large variety of food choices of restaurants.