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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park is located a few miles southwest of Mission, TX. 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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 $1 in 1944. The contract stipulated that the land be used “solely for Public Park Purposes and shall be maintained, operated, known and designated as Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park.” The park did not open immediately. It wasn’t until 1962 that the park was opened as a state park.
Since its opening, Bentsen has been known for the wide variety of birds and insects it attracts. Wildlife watchers from around the country flock to Bentsen every year to see some of the tropical birds, butterflies and dragonflies that inhabit the Rio Grande Valley.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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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"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/mission-tx/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Mission, TX</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/mission-tx/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" 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> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <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> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <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> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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 $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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. 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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"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/mission-tx/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Mission, TX</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/mission-tx/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" 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> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <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> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <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> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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 $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The area along the Rio Grande is rich with history as it was first" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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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"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/mission-tx/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Mission, TX</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/mission-tx/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" 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> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/mission-tx/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <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> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/mission-tx/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <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> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <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> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <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> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/mission-tx/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Mission</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-11252024-vfns4ghnpl5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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-pa-moving-with-milly-11252024-nxn278l9wf5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.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> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MISSION-TX">Join AARP</a> <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> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <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"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Texas</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <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> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Texas</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-texas/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MISSION-TX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park - Mission, TX"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta 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" name="description"/> <meta content="Bentsen, Rio, Grande, Valley, State, Park, Mission, TX" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/bentsenrio-grande-valley-state-park-mission-tx.html" /> <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"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <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–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–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 “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.</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> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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