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Mission is a city of about 85,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, just west of McAllen and close to the Mexican border. It takes its name from La Lomita, a small chapel built by Oblate missionaries on a hill near the river, and it grew in the early 20th century as a center of citrus farming. Mission calls itself the home of the Ruby Red grapefruit and celebrates each winter with the Texas Citrus Fiesta.
Mission is one of the best birding and butterfly destinations in the United States. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, headquarters of the World Birding Center, protects riverside forest where green jays, plain chachalacas and Altamira orioles are common, and the National Butterfly Center hosts more than 200 butterfly species.
Downtown has the restored Border Theatre and the Mission Historical Museum, while Anzalduas County Park offers picnics beside the Rio Grande. McAllen, the Santa Ana refuge and the beaches of South Padre Island are within easy reach.
Headquarters of the World Birding Center, a state park of riverside forest and resacas where green jays, chachalacas, kingfishers and hawks are easy to see. Cars are not allowed inside, so walk, bike or ride the tram. Arrive early in the morning for the best bird activity and bring water.
A large native plant garden and wildlife center run by the North American Butterfly Association, where more than 200 butterfly species have been recorded, along with many birds. Trails wind through gardens and brush. Visit on a warm, sunny morning in fall for the most butterflies.
A small, simple chapel built in 1899 by Oblate missionaries on a rise near the Rio Grande, the namesake of the city of Mission. It sits in a quiet park with shade trees and picnic areas. The chapel is still used for occasional services; visit quietly and respectfully.
A Hidalgo County park on the banks of the Rio Grande with picnic areas, a boat ramp, fishing and good birding under large shade trees. It is a popular spot for family gatherings on weekends. Expect to see Border Patrol activity nearby, and keep a valid ID with you.
A local history museum downtown with exhibits on Mission's founding, the citrus industry, ranching and daily life in the Rio Grande Valley, plus changing art shows. It is small and free or low cost. Check the opening hours before visiting and pair it with a walk downtown.
A restored 1940s movie theater in downtown Mission with a classic marquee, now used for concerts, plays, films and community events. It is a reminder of the town's golden age. Check the event listings online, as the theater opens mainly for scheduled shows.
A long-running festival held in Mission each winter to celebrate the valley's citrus harvest, with a big parade, a citrus queen and royal court, and a unique costume contest using local produce. Expect crowds and road closures on parade day, and try fresh Ruby Red grapefruit.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: On^ste82, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Onleal91 , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Mig Esc, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Onleal91, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Onleal91, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Onleal91, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Onleal91, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Andres Gonzalez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andres Gonzalez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ALAN SCHMIERER, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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Photo: Andres Gonzalez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Andres Gonzalez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
