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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
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 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.
- Guided Bird Walks – 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., every Wednesday. Fee: Program is free with park entrance.
- Butterfly Walks – 1:30 p.m., every Wednesday. 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.
- Why Go Birding? – 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., every Saturday. Come learn why so many of your friends and neighbors are interested in the birds of the Rio Grande Valley. Short talk and walking tour. Fee: Program is free with park entrance.
- Recipe for the Birds – 2:00 p.m . - 3:30 p.m., every Saturday. Want to know how to attract more birds to your yard? We'll make some home-made bird food and feeders so you can start right away! Fee: Regular park admission plus a $2.00 craft fee.
- Amazing Alligators – 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., every Sunday. Join our knowledgeable park naturalist as we visit Alligator Lake in search of resident American Alligators. Fee: free with park admission.
- Information about School Group Programs (
 PDF 758.9 KB)
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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:
- 9th Annual Dragonfly Days Festival – May 15-18, 2008. This event serves as an introduction to these fascinating insects; you need no background beyond an interest in natural history to attend. Information on the festival including a schedule of talks and a registration form may be obtained by visiting Dragonfly Days web site.
- Family Camp–Outs – August 1-2 from 6:00 p.m. - noon. Want to have fun with your whole family and learn about the outdoors? Come join our knowledgeable naturalists on our family camp-outs. We will supply the tents, lanterns, bug spray and food; all you need is your sleeping bag and personal items. We’ll go on nature walks, a night hike, learn how to set up a tent, build a fire and much more. Get to know the great outdoors as a family! Fee: $15.00 adults, $10.00 for children 12 and under.
- "Dia de los Arbolitos" – Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Bring lunch, water and snacks. Please RSVP. This function is our National Arbor Day event and is exclusively for Boy and Girl Scout troops. Scouts are invited to help us to plant several species of native plants we will provide to enhance our butterfly garden.
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