We might not get to go skiing or make snowmen in the winter here in Texas, but we like to look on the bright side and focus on what we CAN do – like maintain access to our favorite parks across the state. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park near Mission is a beautiful, ecologically diverse place where all the “snowbirds,” or Texans who love subtropical climates year-round, flock to in the colder months. You should add it to your winter bucket list, too, and here’s why:
The native brush in the park provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife - not to mention it looks like a tropical island.
Flickr/vsmithuk
There are over eight miles of trails that are all unique from one another, giving you the opportunity to encounter all kinds of different plants and animals.
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A two-story high Hawk Observation Tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the treetops…
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…and Mexico! That’s right, the park is close enough to the border that you can be standing in Texas and looking into our neighboring country.
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Rare animals like tortoises make their homes here…
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…but the real stars of the show are the 358+ species of birds that can be found in the park. Birdwatchers flock here to check off rare varieties that aren’t found anywhere else in the U.S.
Flickr/wildreturn
There are two enclosed bird blinds and a birding wall to watch the fascinating creatures up close in their natural environment. You can either take a tram shuttle, ride a bike, or walk through the park.
Flickr/vsmithuk
Isn’t the Rio Grande Valley simply breathtaking?
Flickr/matthigh
Have you ever been to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park? Did you see any interesting wildlife there?
Flickr/vsmithuk
Flickr/wildreturn
Flickr/matthigh
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