Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley SP

About the Area

The park’s woodlands and brushlands provide habitat for a wide variety of birds (and other wildlife). Look for them along our trails or at our viewing stations, water features and the two-story, wheelchair-accessible Hawk Observation Tower.

About 360 bird species have been recorded in the park. These include subtropical species common in eastern Mexico, such as the Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee and Altamira Oriole. The park is also a stopover for migratory birds, including Swainson’s and Broad-winged hawks.

Thousands of hawks stream overhead in spring and fall as they migrate. You’ll want to migrate to the Hawk Observation Tower for the best view - of the raptors, the tree canopy and Mexico.

Photography Assets


In Focus...

Easy Access Species:

  • Typical valley specialties such as Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee, Green jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Altamira Oriole and Olive Sparrow.

Site Specialties:

  • Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Access Information, Amenities and Accessibility

Please expand this section by clicking the arrow to the right.

ADDRESS: 2800 Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission, TX
Google Maps Directions Link

HOURS: Subject to change without notice

  • Sundays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Mondays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Tuesdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Wednesdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Thursdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Fridays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Saturdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

ADMISSION FEES: Subject to change without notice

    • Adult: $5 Daily

    • Group (10+ people): $3 Daily

    • Child 12 Years and Under : Free

PHONE: (956) 584-9156

TRAIL MAP LINKS: Park Map pdf

AMENITIES: Explore 7 miles of trail, including 3.5 miles of park road, on bike or foot. Bring your binoculars or rent a pair from the park store. You’ll need them to fully appreciate the wildlife you’ll see here.

ACCESSIBILITY: The 1.8-mile Rio Grande Trail is wheelchair-accessible. Bikes aren’t allowed on this trail. The park also offers Tram Tours.

WEBSITE LINK: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley

Dominant Habitats

  • Floodplain Deciduous Shrubland

  • Freshwater Marsh

  • Mixed Forest

  • Open Water: Fresh

  • Riparian Deciduous Forest

  • Riparian Evergreen Forest

eBird Hotspot Statistics

Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. SP WBC

Last Updated 4/14/21

Location and Scenery Images