Bentsen State Park
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive
Mission, TX 78572
Phone: (956) 584-9156
Fax: (956) 584-9126
The Lower Rio Grande Valley is among the most biologically diverse regions in the United States and is one of the best places for bird viewing in the world. Over 500 different species have been documented in the area. The area’s unique foliage and environment make it an ideal location for birds to nest and breed. Millions of birds use the flyway or stop to rest in the native habitat on their seasonal migratory paths.
The WBC promotes public awareness and the need for wildlife and environmental conservation through projects and programs that include state-of-the-art environmental education through ongoing seminars, conferences, classes, tours and exhibits. Birding serves as the centerpiece of the programming, as well as how birds and the entire ecosystem and its diverse flora and fauna interrelate are key to understanding the need for conservation in the Rio Grande Valley. The World Birding Center includes the entire Rio Grande Valley as a network on nine sites along a 120-mile historic river road, but its headquarters is located at Bentsen State Park in Mission. Two new state parks are now open: Llano Grande in Weslaco and Resaca de la Palma in Brownsville, along with several other sites from Roma to South Padre Island. Some sites will be opening soon, while others will be fully operational in a few years. The World Birding Center succeeds in attracting numerous local birding enthusiasts, as well as birding enthusiasts from around the world.
Operating Hours:
- Park open 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. seven days a week.
- Call for Tram schedule
- Gift Shop is open 8 a.m – 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the summer
- Cafe is open 8 a.m – 1 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the summer
Fees:
- General – Adults $5
- Seniors (TX residents age 65 on 9/1/95 or after) – $3
- Children (under 12) – Free
- Free for Parklands Pass Holders
- Free for Texas State Parks Pass Holders
Programs included in the entry fee.