The right values.  

The Valley has always revered its rich, bi-cultural heritage. That appreciation is brought to life in historial sites and museums dotted throughout the area.  

Historical Sites

Veteran’s War Memorial of Texas
8609 N. Ware Road, McAllen
(956) 631-2511
Website

Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
600 Sunset, McAllen
956-681-3370
Website

You can enjoy a guided tour of the 1930′as estate and explore the unique history of one of the largest remaining adobe homes in the state of Texas.  

Hidalgo Pumphouse
902 S. Second St., Hidalgo
956-843-8686
Website

The Pumphouse is part of the World Birding Center and the surrounding acreage is open for exploration.  

Iwo Jima Monument and Memorial
320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen
Website

The Iwo Jima Monument, now located on the grounds of Marine Military Academy, is the original full-sized creation of the renowned artist and sculptor, Dr. Felix de Weldon, and was used for the casting of the monument erected at Arlington Cemetery outside Washington, D.C.
   

La Borde House
601 E. Main St., Rio Grande City
Website

This historic inn was built in 1899 by a French trader as a residence and border store . Today it’s a charming hotel and restaurant.
   

Los Ebanos Ferry
Off U.S. 83 on FM 886, Los Ebanos
Website
 
This is the only remaining hand-drawn ferry across the Rio Grande. Three cars may cross one time, and you may join the crew to ride the ferry and help pull the rope. The unpaved road on the Mexican side leads to the town of Diaz Ordaz, about a mile distant. Ferry operates daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Shary-Shivers Estate
4915 North Shary Road, Mission
956-381-3361  

 
This is the original home John H. Shary, the renowned “Father of Valley Citrus.” Shary was the first commercial citrus grower in the Valley and credited with creating the thriving agricultural economy that’s still growing today. The estate is now owned by the University of Texas at Pan American.  

Museums

Children’s Museum of Brownsville
501 Ring Gold St. #15, Brownsville
956-548-9300
Website 
This museum is dedicated to introducing children to a World of Learning through hands-on, interactive and creative exhibits, programs and special events.  

Hidalgo County Historical Museum
121 E. McIntyre St., Edinburg
956-383-6911
Website
Northeastern Mexico and South Texas borderland heritage is well-preserved and presented here.  

International Museum of Art and Science
1900 Nolana, McAllen
956-682-1564
Website 
As a member of the Smithsonian Affiliation Program, IMAS is able to borrow and showcase important works. Among its permanent treasures are 16th Century European paintings and Picasso lithographs. The Earth Science Gallery focuses on geology and archeology and a working meteorological display. The separate KidsZone fascinates youngsters.  

McAllen Heritage Center
301 South Main St., McAllen
956-687-1904
Website 
This museum exhibits and preserves the historical, traditional and cultural treasures of McAllen. The impressive collection  includes works of art, documents, papers, pictures, records and writings of historical, traditional or cultural value.  

Museum of South Texas History
200 N. Closner Blvd., Edinburg
956-383-6911
Website 
Here you’ll see the largest collection of exhibits and artifacts covering South Texas’ fantastic-but-true history. The exhibits offer broad overview of the region – from prehistoric tribes through Spanish exploration and colonization, the Mexican War, Rio Grande steamboat era and Civil War.  

Ye Old Clock Museum
929 E. Preston Ave., Pharr
956-787-1923 
What began in 1965 as a private collection has grown to an impressive 2,000 time pieces. It’s one of only five such museums in the United States.  

Religious Sites

La Lomita Chapel Area
FM 1016, Mission
Website 
La Lomita Chapel is a religious shrine and a favorite historical site that provides a glimpse into an important part of the history of Mission and South Texas in general.  

San Juan Basilica and Shrine
400 North Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan
 956-787-0033
Website 
Our Lady of San Juan Basilica is a National Shrine that attracts more than one million visitors a year – pilgrims from far and wide who pay homage to the Mother of God. The beautiful grounds include an elaborate outdoor Stations of the Cross and one of the world’s largest mosaics.