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Welcome
 At the geographic center of the World Birding Center network, Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco attracts a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife with its varied landscape of shallow lake, woodlands and thorn forest. Even beginning birders and nature lovers will enjoy exploring this 176-acre refuge, which is convenient to all the Rio Grande Valley has to offer.
 The Land
Water is the magic ingredient for attracting wildlife, and Estero Llano Grande State Park offers something special as the largest wetlands environment in the World Birding Center network. A shallow lake, fringed with marsh cane, is actually part of the Arroyo Colorado. Classic Rio Grande woodlands add variety to a park that already boasts a well-deserved birding reputation. As part of extensive restoration plans, a former agricultural field has been transformed into wetlands, with an island just right for a secure nesting site.
 The Birds
Estero Llano Grande has a well-deserved reputation as a can’t-miss birding destination. In late summer, when water is at a premium, hundreds of waders and shorebirds flock here, including the endangered Wood Stork, along with colorful coastal species like the Roseate Spoonbill and Ibis. Migrating waterfowl also make a beeline for the park’s narrow, shallow lake. Elsewhere, woodland and thorn scrub harbor all the must-see Valley specialties such as the Groove-billed Ani and Altamira Oriole. Adding spice to this mix, visitors may even spot rare Red-crowned Parrots and Green Parakeets.
Learn & Discover
Check with the Visitor Center for guided tours of the park.
What’s Here
- Visitor Center
- Texas State Parks Store "Humedales Alegres"
- Viewing Deck
- Classroom/Meeting room
- Boardwalks
- Observation Deck
- Pavilion
- Water Features
- Over 3 miles of trails
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Visit Us
Address
Estero Llano Grande State Park
3301 S. International Blvd. (FM 1015)
Weslaco, Texas
Mailing Address:
Estero Llano Grande State Park
154A Lakeview Drive
Weslaco, Texas 78596
Phone: 956-565-3919
Fax: 956-565-2864
Rare Bird Alert
(956) 584-2731
Staff
Hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily
Admission
Adults $4.00
Children 12 and under Free
Estero Llano Grande State Park is currently offering:
- School Programs – Contact Jennifer Owen-White for more information.
Information about School Group Programs ( PDF 758.9 KB)
Information about joint field trip opportunities with the Valley Nature Center ( PDF 1.5 MB)
- Guided Bird Walks – 8:30-10:30 a.m., every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Fee: Program is free with park entrance.
- Butterfly Walks – 1:30 p.m. every Friday. Join a park naturalist and observe the vast amounts of colorful butterflies that are attracted to the gardens in the park. Fee: Program is free with park entrance.
- Nature Walks – 10 a.m.-noon every Monday. Do you like butterflies, dragonflies, plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and more? Come see all that Estero Llano Grande State Park has to offer on our Monday morning nature walks.
- Coffee with a Naturalist – 9:30–11 a.m. every Thursday. Join us on our beautiful deck overlooking the wetlands and enjoy a great cup of coffee with one of the naturalists who work at Estero Llano Grande State Park. Bring your questions about birds, bats, cats, snakes, butterflies, dragonflies, observing nature in the park, attracting wildlife to your yard, or the naturalist as a career path. Topics vary by week. You will be enjoying free cups of our exclusive “Estero Roast” coffee which is certified “Triple Organic” by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and available for sale in our gift shop.
- Deck Art – Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Come explore your inner artist and get in touch with nature. Get out of your shell and join us. You say, “I have no talent.” We say, “just let us show you what you have!”
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Publications/Volunteering
Bird Checklist
Estero Llano Grande Bird Checklist
( PDF 186.2 KB)
Find Your Way
Estero Llano Grande Location Map
Join Us
Volunteer Opportunities
More About Our Facility
Facility Rentals:
Looking for somewhere new and exciting to have your next meeting or get together? Your friends, family and coworkers will be amazed when you have your next event at Estero Llano Grande State Park. Please call for more information on facility rentals.
Upcoming Events:
- July 2009 — Amazing Alligators — Details
- July 2009 — Bird Walk — Details
- July 2009 — Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk — Details
- July 2009 — Why Go Birding? — Details
- July 4, 2009 — 4th of July Fest — Details
- July 7, 2009 — Full Moon Party — Details
- July 10–11, 2009 — Family Camp-Out — Details
- July 11, 2009 — Creative Twist Photography Workshop — Details
- August 2009 — Amazing Alligators — Details
- August 2009 — Bird Walk — Details
- August 2009 — Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk — Details
- August 2009 — Why Go Birding? — Details
- August 5, 2009 — Full Moon Party — Details
- August 7–8, 2009 — Family Camp-Out — Details
- September 2009 — Bird Walk — Details
- September 2009 — Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk — Details
- September 2009 — Why Go Birding? — Details
- September 4, 2009 — Full Moon Party — Details
- September 12, 2009 — Teacher's Appreciation Day — Details
- October 2009 — Bird Walk — Details
- October 2009 — Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk — Details
- October 2009 — Why Go Birding? — Details
- October 17, 2009 — Breakfast With the Birds — Details
- October 24, 2009 — 4th Annual Halloween Spooky Science Fest — Details
- November 2009 — Bird Walk — Details
- November 2009 — Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk — Details
- November 21, 2009 — Breakfast With the Birds — Details
- December 5–6, 2009 — Texas Outdoor Family Workshop — Details
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