Nature Parks
Address: 6400 Anzalduas Dam Rd, Mission, TX 78572
Phone: 956-585-5311
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This is a very pretty park with picnic and fishing areas and gorgeous views of the Rio Grande. Mexico is only a stones throw away and there is a Reynosa, Mexico park on the opposite side of the river. The park is a staging area for Border Patrol boats and personnel so there is always a very heavy law enforcement presence, making it one of the safest spots on the border.
Bentsen – RGV State Park
Address: 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572
Phone: 956-584-9156
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The World Birding Center is based on a joint partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Rio Grande Valley communities, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It consists of a network of nine distinctly different birding sites, set along a 120-mile historic river road–each sponsored by one of the Valley’s nine partner communities.
Fireman’s Park
Address: 201 N 1st St, McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: 956-681-3333
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A park complete with a barbecue pavilion capable of serving 250 people. The pavilion features a refrigerator, indoor grill, restrooms, and can be rented through the Parks & Recreation Department. The park also has a playground area and sand volleyball court.
Green Jay Disc Golf Course
Address: 3800 S Ware Rd, McAllen, TX 78503
Phone: 956-681-3333
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18 hole course open 7 days a week, 6 a.m. to dusk. It has both novice (shorter) and advanced tees for each hole. It also has several par 4 holes.
McAllen Dog Park
Address: 400 Tamarack Ave, McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: 956-681-3333
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The McAllen dog park has a fenced off area for big dogs and on the other side for little dogs. They have trees and benches. Water fountains for humans and dogs. And it’s fenced in so the dog can roam around off the leash.
McAllen Nature Center
Address: 4101 W. US-83 BUS, McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: 956-681-3333
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Admission: $1/person suggested donation. Programs are free of charge unless noted. Enjoy one mile of trails through native habitat.
National Butterfly Center
Address: 3333 Butterfly Park, Mission, TX 78572
Phone: 956-583-5400
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The National Butterfly Center is dedicated to education, conservation and scientific research on wild butterflies. Its mission is “Growing Connections”. The National Butterfly Center connects people to butterflies, which are intimately connected to native plants, which themselves are connected to the earth.
Quinta Mazatlan
Address: 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen, TX 78503
Phone: 956-681-3370
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The urban sanctuary works to enrich people’s lives by sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas.
Quinta Mazatlan is a premiere event setting in South Texas. It is first choice for weddings, receptions, family reunions, special meeting retreats and conferences.
Open to the public Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday nights until dark.
Riverside Dreamers River Cruise
Address: E, 214 Chimney Shades, Mission, TX 78572
Phone: 956-581-1033
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The family owned and operated Riverside Club Bar& Grill and Special Event center has been a popular gathering place for over 30 years for locals, tourists, bird watchers and nature lovers who bring their friends, their cameras and their zest for enjoying the food life along the Rio Grande.
Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge
Address: 3325 Green Jay, Alamo, TX 78516
Phone: 956-784-7500
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Find out what birds are being seen at the refuge, including the most recent sightings.
World Birding Center
Address: 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572
Phone: 956-584-9156
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The Rio Grande Valley has long been recognized as a world-class birding destination. And now with the creation of the World Birding Center, Texas Parks & Wildlife, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and 9 valley communities, plan to expand awareness about this ecological treasure along the state’s southern border. The WBC is a network of nine sites dotted along 120 miles of river road from South Padre Island west to Roma, with habitats ranging from dry chaparral brush and verdant riverside thickets to freshwater marshes and coastal wetlands.