Rio Grande Valley Attractions

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=105 BGCOLOR="#000099" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="3303f36d0.gif" border=0 width="755" height="109" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="28583600.gif" border=0 width="131" height="96" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=85 BGCOLOR="#CC0000" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="28a28280.gif" border=0 width="40" height="40" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=375 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div>  <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script>  </div> <bR> <div> <I>Rio Grande Valley Attractions</I></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bahiamar.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bahiamar.com"><U><IMG SRC="928cc400.gif" border=0 width="460" height="64" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="6" CELLSPACING="4" WIDTH="595" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="HSIDES" RULES="ROWS" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 3516 WIDTH="283"><div> <A HREF="sanjuanshrine.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Virgen de San Juan del Valle Shrine"><U><B>Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle National Shrine</B></U></A><B> </B></div> <div> The original incarnation of this now-famous shrine was a small wooden sanctuary that was moved to Lopezville, between Pharr and Edinburg. The second shrine, built in 1954, was destroyed by fire in 1970 when a suicidal pilot crashed into the tower, radioing ahead for children to get out. Church officials say that the only thing to survive the flames was a statue of the Virgin then kept in the cafeteria. The current 2,000-seat shrine was dedicated in 1980 with Vatican officials on hand. It draws thousands of pilgrims each year from across Latin America. Open daily 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 400 N. Nebraska Street and Expressway 83, San Juan. (956) 787-0033.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>Brownsville Battlefields </B></div> <div> The final battle of the Civil War, fought at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville, occurred several weeks after the Confederacy's surrender. Brownsville was also caught in the crossfire of the Mexican-American War at the Battle of Palo Alto. Both battlefields have been designated as National Historic Sites.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>Historic Brownsville Museum </B></div> <div> This museum chronicles Brownsville's history through photo exhibits and other permanent and rotating exhibits. It is housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad passenger depot. The Brownsville Heritage Education Center within the museum also presents slide shows, lectures and other special events. Group tours are available with advance notice. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 641 E. Madison St., Brownsville. (956) 548-1313. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Coastal Studies Lab </B></div> <div> A satellite of the University of Texas-Pan American, this lab studies and exhibits marine life such as crustaceans and marine vertebrates as well as plant life. Open Sunday through Friday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Group tours by appointment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 100 Marine Land Drive, Isla Blanca County Park, South Padre Island. $4 per car to enter park. (956) 761-2644. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Confederate Air Force-Rio Grande Valley Wing </B></div> <div> This facility currently houses 15 vintage airplanes in flying condition. Other exhibits include antique military vehicles, weapons and uniforms. An air show is held in March. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission. Adjacent to the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport at Highway 511 and Kellers Corner east of Brownsville. (956) 541-8585. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Edinburg Roadrunners </B></div> <div> The Texas Louisiana Professional Baseball League has added the Edinburg Roadrunners to the League's roster of seven baseball teams. The city began construction of a new $7 million stadium in mid-October 2000. The League plays a total of 96 games per season. Tickets are $6 - $8 and season tickets are $245 - $325. (956) 289-8800. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Gladys Porter Zoo </B></div> <div> With more than 1,500 animal specimens, the Gladys Porter Zoo ranks as one of the premier zoos in the world. The zoo specializes in collecting and breeding endangered species. The 31-acre park, opened in 1971, has such zoo favorites as gorillas, giraffes, lions and rhinos as well as many other exotic animals. Virtually all animals live in open exhibits where visitors can view them in their natural surroundings. Open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended weekend and summer hours. Admission is $6.50 for adults ages 14 and up, $3.25 for children ages 2-13 and $5 for senior citizens ages 65 and older (prices subject to change). Ask about discounts for groups of 10 or more. 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. (956) 546-7187. </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.MOSTHistory.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.MOSTHistory.org"><U><B>Museum of South Texas History</B></U></A></div> <div> 121 E. McIntyre St., Edinburg, Texas </div> <div> (956) 383-6911<B> </B></div> <div> The "Valley's Time Machine" makes the colorful history of South Texas and Northern Mexico come alive. Discover this land of unique heritage and history that spans centuries and cultures alike. Housed in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail building and adjacent structures the museum is now undergoing a major expansion. Tours available by appointment. Admission. Open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Free to families on Saturdays. 121 E. McIntyre, Edinburg. (956) 383-6911. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Hidalgo Pumphouse Heritage and Discovery Center </B></div> <div> Irrigation transformed the Valley from brushland to lush farmland. This first class museum shows how the change occurred. Its modern Visitors Center has the original machinery (pumps and steam engines) among its exhibits. A protected walkway allows visitors to tour the plant. Guided tours are available. Open Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. 902 S. 2nd Street, Hidalgo. (956) 843-8686.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Iwo Jima Memorial </B></div> <div> Fashioned from a photo of U.S. Marines planting the flag on Iwo Jima, this was the original statue used to cast the more famous monument in Arlington, VA. It is located on the campus of Harlingen's Marine Military Academy. A Visitors Center includes a museum focusing on the battle with a 30-minute film, a gift shop and a scrapbook of all Iwo Jima veterans who have visited the monument. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. 320 Iwo Jima Boulevard, Harlingen near the airport. (956) 412-2207. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>La Lomita Mission </B></div> <div> Built in 1865 by the Oblate Fathers, the little adobe chapel still stands next to the Rio Grande, south of the city of Mission that was named for it. FM 1016 (Conway) three miles south of Mission. </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>La Lomita Plaza </B></div> <div> Located in downtown Mission, this town square features cascading waters and a sunken amphitheater in which visitors can enjoy plays, arts and crafts, shows and musicals. Conway Street and Business 83, Mission. (956) 585-2727. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Los Ebanos Ferry </B></div> <div> The sole remaining hand drawn ferry in the U.S. across the Rio Grande connects the U.S. with Diaz Ordaz, Mexico, which lies a short drive from the river. The ferry will hold three cars and several people. Visitors may park on the U.S. side and ride across and back for a small fee. The ferry runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Los Ebanos is 14 miles west of Mission on U.S. 83, then three miles south of FM 886.</div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="276"><div> <B>Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center </B></div> <div> This Latino cultural arts center is named for the renowned Mexican accordion player known as the Father of Conjunto-a popular form of Tex-Mex music. The center promotes Latino heritage through art, music, theater, film, dance and literary programs. It also serves as a community resource center and offers accordion lessons. Open Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 225 E. Stenger St., San Benito. (956) 361-0110. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Old Clock Museum </B></div> <div> It's high time you visited the incredible private collection of more than 1,000 clocks owned by the Jim Shawn family, including many rare antiques. Open Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. 929 E. Preston, Pharr. (956) 787-1923.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>Performing Arts</B></div> <div> Because people are just as much attractions as places, we give you <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >a listing of performing arts groups and venues</FONT>. Call them for information on hundreds of Valley performances a year that will have you cheering, "Bravo!" </div> <bR> <div> <B>Port Isabel Historical Museums </B></div> <div> The museums include the Port Isabel Historical Museum that opened in 1997 and the new Treasures of the Gulf Museum. The historical museum is housed in the historic Champion Building, built in 1899 by the pioneer Champion family to house their various business enterprises. It features numerous hands-on exhibits, videos and audio presentations commemorating the colorful history of the Valley and the Port Isabel area. The museum has two exhibit levels, a theater, a gift shop and one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War. On the facade of the building is the famous "fish mural," painted by a local fisherman. </div> <bR> <div> The Treasures of the Gulf Museum tell the story of three ill-fated Spanish ships that were shipwrecked off the northern end of South Padre Island near present-day Port Mansfield. The exhibits include murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. The Children's Discovery Lab teaches visitors about marine archeology and includes a small-scale ship for kids to board as they imagine themselves sailing the Gulf waters. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. One block south of Highway 100, corner of Railroad and Tarnava, across from the Port Isabel Lighthouse and one block west of the Queen Isabella Causeway. (956) 943-7602. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Port Isabel Lighthouse </B></div> <div> One of the oldest lighthouses in the state, the Port Isabel Lighthouse was built in 1853 to guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier islands. Renovated in 1880, officially closed in 1905 and reopened as a state park in 1952, it was recently restored to its 1880s appearance. It is the only lighthouse on the Texas coast open to the public. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (956) 943-7602. </div> <bR> <div> A replica of the Keeper's Cottage houses the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce, historic displays and tourist information. (956) 943-2262. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Raymondville Historical and Community Center </B></div> <div> Dioramas portraying early ranch life in the Valley are displayed along with old ranching equipment and furnishings from Spanish land grant days up to the turn of the century. </div> <bR> <div> The Farm and Ranch Museum adjacent to the center has collections from pioneer ranching families. Open Wednesday, 2 to 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., and by appointment. Harris and Seventh St., Raymondville. (956) 689-6604. </div> <div> <B>Rio Grande Valley Museum Complex </B></div> <div> Permanent and changing exhibits show off the heritage of the Valley in this Harlingen five-building complex. Visit the New Museum, the Historical Museum, the Lon C. Hill Home (restored 1905 residence of Harlingen's founder), the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn and Harlingen's Hospital Museum. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Group tours by appointment. Boxwood at Raintree St., Harlingen (near the airport). (956) 430-8500. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Rio Grande Valley Whitewings</B> </div> <div> The Valley's professional minor league baseball team plays at Harlingen Field. The team plays 48 home games from May 15 through Labor Day. Tickets are $4 - $6 and season tickets are $200 - $250. (956) 412-WING. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="287e1a40.jpg" border=0 width="225" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark </B></div> <div> With a variety of water attractions for every member of the family from toddlers to grandparents, this 26-acre park is the first Schlitterbahn venture outside of New Braunfels, TX. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Texas Air Museum </B></div> <div> More than 50 historic aircraft from both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam are on display at this museum. View restoration work underway on German fighters, Russian transport planes and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. There are special "fly-ins" featuring demonstration flights on the second Saturday of each month from October through March and on the Fourth of July, weather permitting. Admission. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.</div> <bR> <div> <B>McAllen International Museum</B></div> <div> From dinosaur tracks to Christmas tree decorations to Mexican folk art, the McAllen International Museum is a feast for the mind and the senses. The North Gallery features a collection of Mexican folk art. The Main Gallery features changing exhibits, including anything from modern art to the popular Christmas tree decoration contest. The Earth Science Gallery, with its dinosaur tracks, fossils, minerals and other science exhibits is always a big hit with the kids. Don't miss the huge fragments of a woolly mammoth's tusks that were unearthed in nearby Sullivan City. </div> <bR> <div> The museum also has frequent educational programs in its roomy lecture hall, a popular gift shop and Rioscape, an interactive learning park focusing on the history of the Rio Grande Valley. Its new Discovery Pavilion is nearing completion. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 1900 Nolana, McAllen. (956) 682-1564.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 134 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.destinationsouthpadre.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.destinationsouthpadre.com/"><U><IMG SRC="288f4390.gif" border=0 width="244" height="57" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.lostplanetmedia.com/MAGIC%20VALLEY%2030.wmv " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.lostplanetmedia.com/MAGIC%20V"><U><IMG SRC="380286320.gif" border=0 width="390" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div>  <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome to Winter Texans Online Magazine"><U>Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="valleycommunities.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rio Grande Valley Communities"><U>Rio Grande Valley Communities</U></A>   |   <A HREF="valleyparks.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Featured Valley Rv Parks Resorts"><U>Featured Valley Rv Parks & Resorts</U></A>   |   <A HREF="valleyweather.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rio Grande Valley Weather"><U>Rio Grande Valley Weather</U></A>   |   <A HREF="statistics.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rio Grande Valley Past and Present"><U>Rio Grande Valley Past and Present</U></A>   |   <A HREF="birding.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Birding in the Rio Grande Valley"><U>Birding in the Rio Grande Valley</U></A>   |   <A HREF="valleyevents.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Valley Calendar of Events"><U>Valley Calendar of Events</U></A>   |   <A HREF="rgvresources.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rio Grande Valley Area Information"><U>Rio Grande Valley Area Information</U></A>   |   <B>Rio Grande Valley Attractions</B>   |   <A HREF="valleyoutdoors.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RGV Outdoors"><U>RGV Outdoors</U></A>   |   <A HREF="texmex.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Texs Mexico"><U>Tex's Mexico</U></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>