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Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive

Mission, TX 78572

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956-584-9156

Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.

Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.

The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used “solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.” The park did not open immediately. It wasn’t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.

Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.

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AARP Events for Mission

AARP Events for Mission

• The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

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• Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT

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• Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication

  Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
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												<span>78572</span>
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park</h1></header>

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-584-9156</div>
				
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park</h1></header>

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park</h1></header>

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-584-9156</div>
				
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
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View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
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Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
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	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-584-9156</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Bentsen-Rio+Grande+Valley+State+Park%2C+2800+S.+Bentsen+Palm+Drive%2C+Mission%2C+TX+78572" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html">
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<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
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			</a>
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2>
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	<div class="wrap">
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
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</div>
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<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Texas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
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<h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2>
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<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:TXAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">TXAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-584-9156</div>
				
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			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/mission-tx/report/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
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    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
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        clear: both;
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	href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
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<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park</h1></header>

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
											</div>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-584-9156</div>
				
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
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												<span>78572</span>
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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											<div>2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive</div>
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							<span>Mission</span>,
							<span>TX</span>
												<span>78572</span>
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										<a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley" target="_blank">Visit Website</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 956-584-9156</div>
				
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						<p>Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first settled by Spaniards in the 1740s. During the Spanish settlement, large tracts of land, called porciones, were granted to certain individuals in 1767. The area of this park was once part of Porcion 50 granted to Jose Antonio Zamora.</p>
<p>Over time, land grants were divided and small towns eventually formed along the Rio Grande. A small settlement known as Las Nuevas was abandoned in the late 1930s when the Bentsen family purchased over 3,000 acres of what used to be Porcion 50. The Bentsens developed over 2,000 acres north of the area where the park is today. The Bentsen family preserved the area that is now Bentsen&ndash;Rio Grande Valley State Park because of its beautiful ebony trees.</p>
<p>The Bentsens eventually signed over 586.9 acres of Porcion 50 to the Texas Parks Board for $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used &ldquo;solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.&rdquo; The park did not open immediately. It wasn&rsquo;t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.</p>
<p>Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.</p>		</div>
		

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<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="26.187"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-98.381897"/>
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$location = '<a href="/mission-tx/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Mission, TX</a>'
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$header_title = '<a href="/mission-tx/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
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$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
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		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
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				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
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$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
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)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118