Explore Hidalgo County
Los Ebanos Ferry
Only existing hand-operated ferry of its kind. Carries three cars and limited number of passengers at a time, and you can help pull. In 1975 ferry was recognized with state historical marker. Crosses Rio Grande from area of ebony trees (los ebanos). Fourteen miles west on U.S. 83; 3
Mission, TX BoatingWorld Birding Center Headquarters
Located within Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, site meant to educate the public about the unique wildlife within the region and promote environmental conservation. It'
Mission, TX Wildlife AreasKiller Bee
The discovery of the first Africanized bee in the United States was found just outside Hidalgo in 1990. The fiberglass and steel insect, originally built as a float for Hidalgo's Borderfest Parade, now sits adjacent to city offices at 704 E. Texano.
Hidalgo, TX UniquesValley Nature Center
Is composed of a half-mile nature trail winding its way through five acres of native Valley vegetation and also includes butterfly gardens, ponds and cactus gardens. The indoor Exhibit Hall features interactive children's exhibits of native wildlife and habitat, as well as a Gift Shop. 301
Weslaco, TX Nature TrailsVintage Farm Equipment Museum
Outside display of vintage farm equipment is displayed third week in March and for special events. The museum is on the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds at 1000
Mercedes, TX MuseumsLa Lomita Chapel
Hidden away in Texas mesquite, La Lomita (Little Hill) Chapel was first built in 1865, an adobe overnight way station for Oblate padres who regularly traveled on horseback between Brownsville and Roma. Tiny (12 by 25 feet) structure, rebuilt of sandstone in 1889
Mission, TX Historic ChurchesSheriff's Posse Rodeo
Rodeo cowboys demonstrate calf roping, bull-riding, and Quarter Horse racing every Saturday evening at rodeo arena 2 miles south of Edinburg via U.S. 281; 0.5 mile west on Wisconsin Rd.;
Edinburg, TX RodeosReynosa, Mexico
Reynosa is a charming Mexican city just across the Rio Grande. Several fine restaurants long famed for elaborate wild-game dinners; occasional Sun. afternoon bullfights. Gift shops cater to U.S. visitors with wealth of handicraft items in the Zona Rosa (tourist area)
Hidalgo, TX Day TripsShary-Shivers Estate
Was home of John H. Shary, known as father of Texas citrus industry, first to grow fruit commercially. Later the home became the valley residence for Governor and Mrs. Allan Shivers. Across from house is Shary Memorial Chapel and park, maintained as memorial to Shary;
Mission, TX Historic Homes