Location: Mission
Top Things to do in Mission
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Things to do in Mission, Texas (TX): The Best Nature & Parks
Mission is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. The population was 77,058 at the 2010 census and an estimated 83,563 in 2016. Mission is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas.
Restaurants in Mission
1. Mission Hike & Bike Trails
2. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
This 588-acre subtropical woodland is home to lots of birds and several endangered species: great for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Reviewed By youngbudgetfamily
Super way to spend the day! Took the kids and the dog here at the State Park. Kids under 13 were free. Miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails. Can see housetop in Mexico from the Hawk Tower. This place is super clean and spacious, can rent bikes and ride tree tram every hour ending at 4 pm. Lots of events and free tours including a tour of wild edibles. Volunteer driver gave us great tour, and taught us about the ebony, mesquite and other trees and birds in the area. Park ranger Karen at Nature Center super with kids, very knowledgeable and approachable. Bring your water bottles, get your exercise, and eat afterwards at Tacos Monterrey just 3 minutes away in Palmview.
3. World Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
A network of nine spectacular birdwatching sites along 120 miles of scenic road.
Reviewed By KathyF220 - Sherman, United States
You don't have to be "a birder" to enjoy the nature and the birds at this great place. No cars are allowed inside, and that may be a turn-off for some people. When we got to the parking lot, we did not think signs were very good about directing people, but once we were on the right path, the center and the day were great. Trams run regularly. And the minute one is full, the staff calls for a second one, so we never found we had to wait more than a few minutes to get where we wanted to be. And the tram driver is excellent about telling you where to start to "see the most" if your time is short. Great Day!
4. National Butterfly Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
The National Butterfly Center is the pilot project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization committed to environmental conservation and education. It is located in Mission, Texas, because the Rio Grande Valley is home to the greatest volume and variety of butterflies species in the United States. Just 10 years ago, this 100-acre parcel of land along the banks of the Rio Grande River was a commercial onion field. Today, it is the largest botanical garden in the United States focused on propagating native plants for pollinators in formal gardens and wildscapes. This nature preserve contains a Hackberry Forest and several species of endangered plants and animals. Expect season variations and changes subject to rainfall, temperatures, etc. THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER IS NOT A BUTTERFLY HOUSE. All wildlife found in the NABA Section of the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Conservation Area, which includes a National Wildlife Refuge tract and Bentsen-RGV State Park, is free-roaming. The National Butterfly Center features walking trails and two birding areas, as well as a photography blind. Our butterfly and bird lists may be found on our website. PLEASE NOTE: Butterflies prefer sunny days, with temperatures above 70 degrees, so days like this are the best for enjoying the wild, free-flying butterflies. The peak of butterfly season normally occurs in late October/early November, and may continue until the first prolonged cold snap. To see what's happening now, check our Facebook page for photos, programs, and other announcements, or look under the tab 'IN THE NEWS' on our website. Handicapped parking available, with many accessible areas.
Reviewed By clucumber
What a fun day! Wanted to mix some exercise with some relaxation and scenery and decided to visit the Butterflies but instead we found ourselves wandering about some lovely trails and listening to birds singing. I took so many amazing photos that I ran out of battery! We really enjoyed watching them feed the birds at 1:30! There were so many BEAUTIFUL birds who showed up for their meal! We then enjoyed a drive to the Rio Grande River and again, another peaceful little spot to just reflect. Employees very helpful and courteous. I would highly recommend you take some water. They do have a few selections of soda, but I am a water person. Apparently they had problems with visitors littering and stopped the sell of water, what a huge shame and shame on those who can't dispose of their litter appropriately. Restrooms were available and were clean as well. We wandered about for about 2 hours and logged 3.5 miles on our pediometer so it was a win win for us! Great trails so the walk was nice and not strenuous.
