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A region that begins with
a park (Falcon State Park) and ends with a park (Boca Chica Beach) has
got to be a winner for outdoor types. From lakes to rivers, beaches to
deer blinds, any direction you move, you’ll experience the great South
Texas outdoors. The Valley is world-famous as a rich birding area
because it sits at the confluence of the two main migratory flyways
between North and South America. You hardly have to get in the car and
drive to experience the outdoors. All you really have to do is go
outside to experience spectacular sunsets, cool breezes, and interesting
flora and fauna year-round. For example, the Valley climate supports a
parrot population sprung over the years from escaped pets. It’s not
unusual to hear the green beauties flying through the cities with their
distinctive squawk and bat-like flight.
But if urban wildlife won’t satisfy you, we know what will . . .
Anzalduas County Park
Enjoy a large picnic area. Because of the curvy
river, visitors actually look north into Mexico from a pavilion and
large boat ramp. One mile west of Highway 494 south of Mission. Open
daily until dark. (956) 585-5311.
Arroyo Colorado
Fishing the brackish waters (half-saltwater, half-freshwater)
of the Valley’s "other" river can be very rewarding. The
Arroyo Colorado is a short river that originates southwest of Harlingen
as a last-minute offshoot of the Rio Grande. Arroyo City is the jumping
off point for anglers and boaters. Wildlife of the Laguna Madre ventures
up well into the river’s mouth. Adolph Thomae County Park on FM 2925
has boating, fishing, hiking, picnic facilities, and RV and tent sites.
To Arroyo City, from Harlingen, take Highway 106 through Rio Hondo, then
FM 2925 north. (956) 748-2044. Hugh Ramsey Nature Park near the river
lets nature lovers enjoy walking the trails and observing wildlife.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
South of Mission on the Rio Grande, the 588-acre Bentsen-Rio
Grande Valley State Park is a lush and more densely wooded area than
much of the Valley, reminiscent of South Texas’ wildlife refuges.
Camping facilities, picnic areas and full hookups are available as well
as tours. Open to day-time visitors 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, year-round.
West of Mission on Expressway 83, take Inspiration Road exit, then go
south on FM 2062. (956) 585-1107.
Boca Chica Wetlands and Beach
South across the ship channel from South Padre Island lies
Brownsville’s Boca Chica beach at the mouth of the Rio Grande. Sit
atop the tall white dunes
and watch migratory birds like falcons and pelicans that frequent trees
on the "lomas" or elevated islands. From Brownsville, take
Highway 4 east.
Chimney Park
This privately owned and operated park marked by a historic
chimney that once powered irrigation pumps on the Rio Grande is
primarily a boat ramp facility and is close to restaurants and bars on
the river where you can dock and dance. 2.5 miles south on Conway in
Mission.
Delta Lake
A man-made lake formed as a reservoir to supply northern
mid-Valley farms with irrigation, one can almost always find fishermen
wetting a line along its banks. A park offers a pavilion and large
picnic areas. Swimming is not allowed. North of Elsa eight miles on
Highway 88.
Diving
There are currently two sites in the Valley that make for
excellent scuba diving. One is an artificial reef built by Texas
Department of Parks and Wildlife seven miles off South Padre Island from
Port Isabel. The other is Port Mansfield Liberty Ship Reef, located 15
miles off Port Mansfield. These artificial reefs have become encrusted
with invertebrates, such as barnacles, corals, and sponges, which are
the beginning of the marine food chain. They attract grouper, snapper,
amberjack, triggerfish, tarpon and shark, making them ideal sites for
scuba diving.
Falcon Dam, Lake and State Park
Low rolling hills and the rustic beauty of western Starr County
surrounds this huge 115,600-acre reservoir on the Rio Grande. The
international boundary between the United States and Mexico meanders
through the middle of the lake. Camp in hogans, screened in cabins, a
short walk from the water. Bath houses are available to wash off some of
the great outdoors. You’ll also find RV hook-ups, boat ramps and
picnic areas. Skiing and freshwater fishing is great. Open to daytime
visitors daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. From Exp. 83 take FM 2098 between Roma and Zapata, two miles from Falcon Dam. (956) 848-5327.
Golf
Courses
The Valley has more holes in
it than Swiss cheese. Most every town big enough to have a charter has
at least one golf course. The
page on golf courses that I know about will be found at the following
link. If you operate a golf course that is not listed: email the
webmaster glen@rgvtexas.com.
Click
here
Hunting
The first two weeks of September brings an influx of migratory,
billed and greenjacketed creatures - white wing hunters. The Valley is
the only region in the United States where whitewing dove can be taken.
Hunting leases are also available for white-tailed deer, wild turkey,
javelina and wild pig.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
East of Rio Hondo and bordering the Laguna Madre, this
45,000-acre tract is the Valley’s biggest wildlife refuge and sports
hundreds of bird species plus ocelots, deer, javelina, squirrels,
long-tailed weasels, alligators and mountain lions that are admittedly
very rare but have been spotted. After checking in at the Visitors’
Center, see the Laguna Madre’s harsh but beautiful ecosystem by
driving or walking on the mapped roads. Open year-round, daily sunrise
to sunset. Visitors’ Center open Oct.-April, daily 10-4; May-July,
weekends 10-4. Closed July 5-Sept. 30 and holidays. Entrance fee: $2
vehicle. From Rio Hondo go 18 miles east on Highway 106, then three
miles north on Buena Vista Road. (956) 748-3607.
Lake Guerrero
Just a few
hours drive south into Mexico is Lake Guerrero that attracts bass
fishermen from all over America. Local travel agents will show you
pictures of sagging stringers that will make your mouth water. They can
set you up with hunting and fishing packages to Lake Guerrero. From
Reynosa, take Mexico Hwy 97 south.
McAllen Nature Center
McAllen’s city-operated Botanical Gardens have areas to
picnic in and hiking trails that show visitors some of the diverse plant
life of the region. Business 83 and Ware Rd.
Port Isabel
Hit the high seas for
daylong excursions aboard deep sea fishing boats or wade-fish in the
bay, known as Laguna Madre, off the banks of the mainland or the island.
The bay is nationally renowned for its red drum, speckled trout and
flounder populations that flourish in its seagrass meadows and shallow
water. The fish population has rebounded nicely from a severe freeze in
1989. Just north of the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel is a
long, lighted pier parallel to the causeway. A shop there sells food for
you and the fish. Shrimp is the live bait of choice for bay fishing, but
lures, especially "worms," produce great results too. From
U.S. 77/83 take exit marked "South Padre Island," between San
Benito and Brownsville, go east on Highway 100.
Port Mansfield
Once a small commercial fishing village and servicing port for
oil companies bordered by the King Ranch, Port Mansfield is now
primarily a sport fishing hot-spot. Wading and pier-fishing both produce
spectacular results. There is also an annual tournament in mid-July.
Lodging, restaurants, clubs, marinas, RV parks and hunting and fishing
guides all make Port Mansfield what hunters and fishermen are trying to
keep a secret. It also has a 3,200-foot lighted runway for those in
private aircrafts. From Raymondville, take 186 east.
Rio Grande Wildlife Corridor
A number of agencies are working together to create the Rio
Grande Wildlife Corridor. By buying adjacent tracts of land and
designating them wildlife sanctuaries, they hope to recreate a natural
corridor running the length of the Valley that will be much the same as
the Valley was before farmers cleared much of the natural habitat. When
animals are allowed to travel undisturbed from one ecosystem to another,
it is anticipated that their number and diversity will grow.
Sabal Palm Grove Wildlife Sanctuary
This 172-acre wildlife sanctuary near Brownsville, owned by the
National Audubon Society, is the largest and best-preserved Texas Sabal
Palm forest in the country. Though an excellent destination for walking,
photography, and observation of native plants and animals, the sanctuary
has no facilities for camping, hunting, fishing, or driving. Brochures
for both the Native and Forest trails are available in the visitor
center. Pets are allowed in the parking area and visitor center, but not
on the trails. A small picnic area lies outside the visitor center.
Large groups should call ahead for an appointment. Self-guided tours are
available. Admission $4, $2 students and children 6 or younger, $1.
Oct.1-May30, Tue.-Sun., 9-5. Closed Mon. & holidays. June 1-Sept. 30
Sat. & Sun. only, closed holidays. www.audubon. org/local/sanctuary/sabal.
Five miles southeast of Brownsville on FM 1419. (956) 541-8034.
Sal Del Rey and La Sal Vieja
Indians, conquistadors and Confederate Soldiers have traversed
the banks of these historic salt lakes. The rights to the lake minerals
were the subjects of the longest-running court case in Texas history.
Their white banks can be seen to the north from Highway 186 between Linn
and Raymondville where a historical marker chronicles their remarkable
past, but they are on private property and not open to the public.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
The final destination for
birders from all over the world, this 2,080-acre refuge boasts more
species of birds than any other spot in the United States. Its mascot is
the rare chachalaca, a sort of wild chicken found only in the Rio Grande
delta. Visitors can get within feet of these and other docile birds.
Walk on three trails of different lengths totaling 12 miles underneath
hanging moss. Stop at three man-made lakes and bird-watching blinds.
Open daily dawn to dusk. Tram tours are available on seasonal schedules.
Visitors’ Center open 9-4:30. South of Alamo at U.S. 281 and FM 907.
(956) 787-3079.
South Padre Island
Isla Blanca County Park is reached by turning south off the
causeway. It has two beachfront pavilions that often have live music
during busy seasons, a 1,000-foot sea walk, a marina, restaurants, gift
shops, volleyball nets and showers. Stroll or fish off the huge granite
jetties. RV camping also available. Open daily 8-7. Park entrance fee:
$4. 956) 761-5493.
Andy Bowie County Park north of the city limits on
South Padre Island Drive/Highway 100 has many recent improvements
including two beachfront pavilions, picnic tables, showers and
restrooms, plus a large parking area. Open daily 7:30-5; summer, 7:30-7.
Park en-trance fee: $4. Horseback riders take romantic trots through the
surf for a very affordable hourly rate. (956) 761-2639.
From the hotel area rent a wide array of unusual toys
to get around the surf in, from rafts to giant floating tricycles. South
Padre Island can bring out the teenager in everyone with parasailing,
sailboarding, jet skiing, and bungee jumping( for the strong of heart).
Of course beachcombing and sunset watching are equally popular
activities.
Valley Nature Center
A half-mile, self-guided nature trail brings visitors through a
six-acre urban forest where native plants are on view. Exhibits and
programs are offered during the winter and children’s workshops are
featured in the summer. Presentations can be arranged for community
groups. Open Tue.-Sat. 9-1. 301 S. Border Ave., Weslaco. (956) 969-2475.
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