Visitors

Recreational Activities, Historical Sites in Mission, Texas

Mission has a variety of recreational facilities available to its citizens including public parks, public and private golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools. For the avid outdoorsman, there are plenty world-class fishing and hunting opportunities. There are many boating facilities in the area, as well. Mission also provides one of the few spots in the Valley for water skiing on the Rio Grande River. There is so much to see and do in Mission. The following are just a taste of the recreational attractions Mission offers:

Interactive Map of Mission
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World Birding Center
Mission is the headquarters for the World Birding Center which has nine designated sites that will protect wildlife habitats throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

World Birding Center Headquarters
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr.
Mission, TX 78572
www.worldbirdingcenter.org

International Butterfly Park
Unlike various butterfly conservatories that have been built across the United States, NABA International Butterfly Park will provide intensive outdoor gardens of native nectar plants and specific caterpillar host plants as well as natural habitat to attract large numbers of wild butterflies and conserve rare native butterflies the 85 acre out-door park. Contact (956) 583-9009 or www.naba.org.

Hours : 8:30a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Closed on special holidays

Fees : No admission fees are charged. Donations are suggested and appreciated. Program fees are required for special programs.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park has over six hundred acres set aside to preserve native flora and fauna along the banks of the Rio Grande. Facilities include primitive camping sites, a boat ramp, an open group shelter, a playground, a picnicking area and a bird observation blinds.

Address
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Bentsen Palm Drive (FM 2062), Mission
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive
Mission, TX 78572

Events and Tours Reservations and Information:
(956) 585-1107

Rare Bird Alert
(956) 584-2731

Anzalduas County Park and Dam
Anzalduas County Park is located on the Rio Grande River in Mission. Its defining feature is the Anzalduas Dam yet it is also a beautiful spot for picnicking, barbequing and boating. This well maintained park also offers surprisingly excellent wildlife watching. Some birds to watch for are Grey Hawk, Tropical Parula, Clay-colored Robin, Rose-throated Becard, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet. There are more than 290 species of butterflies in the Valley. Keep an eye out for the Mexican Blue Wing, Malachite, Zebra Longwing and many other skippers.

A Golfer's Paradise
Mission is home to four fabulous golf courses. Set in deep South Texas, both novice and professional golfers alike can take advantage of the year-round outdoor climate. Our world-class golf courses have been uniquely designed to accent the tropical vegetation and climate that make the Rio Grande Valley a favorite among golf enthusiasts. Take a moment to find out why Mission is truly a golfer's paradise. Golf courses in Mission include: Cimarron Country Club, Martin Valley Ranches, Meadowcreek Country Club and Shary Municipal Golf Course

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

La Lomita Chapel
An important glimpse into the history of Mission and South Texas is La Lomita Chapel. Constructed from adobe, the chapel was built in 1865 by Rene Guyard, a French merchant and devout Roman Catholic, on the Lomita Ranch he purchased in 1845. It continues as a religious shrine and popular site for historians.

Los Ebanos Ferry
The last remaining hand-drawn ferry connecting the Rio Grande River in the U.S. with Diaz Ordaz, Mexico. It was at one time known as "Smugglers Crossing." The ferry's anchor cable has been tied to a tree near the river for 50 years; that ebony tree is estimated to be 250 years old.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is one of the oldest landmarks in mission dating back to 1899. This historic church is manned by the priests of the Oblate of Mary Immaculate Order and was nearly destroyed in a fire in 1925. It was rebuilt in 1926, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church offers daily mass services to date.

El Granjeno Cemetery
El Granjeno Cemetery was established in 1872 with the burial of Don Antonio Garza. His brother, Don Juan Garza Escheverria, donated the surrounding land for use by the communities of El Granjeno and nearby Madero. A native of Reynosa, Mexico, Don Juan (B. 1854) is buried here, along with many of his descendants. Also interred here are veterans of the Civil War, World War I and the Vietnam War. El Granjeno Cemetery has served families on both sides of the Rio Grande and is a reflection of the history of the area's small working villages. (1985)

The Border Theatre
The Border Theatre opened on April 3rd, 1942 and remains one of the last theatres with the "Art Pueblo Styling." It was named a Texas Historic Landmark in 1997 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Border Theatre is located at 905 Conway Ave. and has provided three generations of residents and visitors with the finest movies in a typical border setting for more than 50 years.

The Rio Theatre
The Rio Theatre was built in 1912 as Teatro La Paz, or the Peace Theatre and hosted a variety of events including films, lectures, concerts and festivals

Tom Landry Mural
The Tom Landry Mural honors Mission native and legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Born and raised in Mission, Tom Landry led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles and "America's Team" status. The mural depicts and spans his life, career and legend and his handprints and footprints are preserved in the sidewalk below. You can see it at the corner of N. Conway and 101 E. Tom Landry Ave in downtown Mission.

Shary Shivers Estate
The Shary Shivers estate was home to John H. Shary, the father of the Texas citrus industry. Later the home became the valley residence for Governor and Mrs. Allan Shivers. The grounds include the Shary home and Shary Memorial Chapel and park, maintained as memorial to Shary. No public tours, but grounds are quite beautiful to visit. It is located four miles north, on Shary Rd. (F.M. 494).

Texas Citrus Fiesta
The Texas Citrus Fiesta is an annual festival celebrating the more than 10 million pounds Texas produced each year. Each year the three-day festival includes carnival, live music, ethnic foods, the coronation of Queen and duchesses and the unique Parade of Oranges. The Fiesta also presents a Product Costume Style Show where costumes made of citrus and other local Valley products are exhibited. These costumes have been featured in National Geographic, Southern Living, Texas Monthly magazines, and at shows from Kansas City to Washington D.C.

Mission Historical Museum
Mission Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the history of the city of Mission. Opened in 2002 as a heritage center for Mission and the surrounding areas, the museum showcases exhibits, collections and many educational programs centered on images and artifacts reflecting the city's history. For a glimpse into Mission's past, visit the Museum at 900 Doherty Ave

For information on tours, educational programs and special events, call (956) 580-8646.

Mission Butterfly Gardens
Nowhere in the Rio Grande Valley is there more butterflies than in the city of Mission. You can enjoy the influx of these exotic little creatures in the beautiful butterfly gardens located throughout Mission.