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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
- Breakfast With the Birds – April 19, 2008, 7:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.; May 10, 2008, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – Come have breakfast on our magnificent covered deck situated right on one of our lakes. We will guarantee that you will see water birds as you sit and sip your morning coffee. The breakfast will be light so you will be comfortable walking afterwards. Following the breakfast, join a walking tour with one of our knowledgeable guides. Never been birding? This will be a wonderful way to start. Fee: $7/person. Call for more information and for reseervations.
- Guided Bird Walks – 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fee: Program is free with park entrance.
- Butterfly Walks – 1:30 p.m., Every Friday starting in January. 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.
- Junior Ranger Club – Every Saturday through May 31, 2008, 11:00 a.m.-Noon. Looking for something fun and exciting to do with your young ones? Join us as we explore the wonderful world of wildlife. For kids ages 5-14, topics vary each week. $1 Texas State Parks Pass members, $4 non-members, $3 senior citizens and $1 children 12 and under.
- Information about School Group Programs (
 PDF 154.5 KB)
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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, coming this Summer! 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 and build a fire and much more. Get to know the great outdoors as a family!
- "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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