Brownsville, Texas

Gladys Porter Zoo opened in 1971 as a zoological and botanical park. Earl C. Sams, who funded the zoo, named it after his daughter Gladys Porter. He had a passion for wildlife and wanted to bring a zoo to the town of Brownsville. Shortly after its opening, Mr. Sams gave the zoo to Brownsville. The zoo spreads over 31 acres, and maintains 400 animal species, including many endangered ones. At the zoo, there are more than 250 tropical and neo-tropical species. Year-round, the zoo offers study programs and classes for students in the first through twelfth grades.

500 E Ringgold St, Brownsville, TX 78520, Phone 956-546-7187

The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park marks the site of the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8, 1846. It was this battle that led to the Mexican-American War. On this historical site, the battle and war is depicted from both perspectives: the United States and Mexico. The piece of the battlefield that is preserved by the National Park Service comprises 300 acres of land, which is where the Mexican forces were stationed during the battle. Today, visitors can learn about the Battle of Palo Alto by reading the Park’s exhibits, and watching a video titled “War on the Rio Grande.”

7200 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526, Phone: 956-541-2785 x333

The Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a nature reserve that sits on 557-acres and grows many sabal palms, edible heart-bearing palms. It’s one of the only locations in the Rio Grande Valley that bears these palms. Not only is it a sabal palm sanctuary, but a bird sanctuary as well, making it an ideal location for birdwatching. Also, the location showcases the ecology of the region including neighboring states and northern Mexico. There are five miles of nature trails in the sanctuary that take visitors through the palm groves, past an oxbow lake and a butterfly garden.

8435 Sabal Palm Grove Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521, Phone: 956-541-8034

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Children's Museum of Brownsville provides a hands-on learning and creative space for children. At the museum, there are interactive exhibits, special events and participation workshops. The learning opportunities offered here can compliment the education provided in school classrooms. Goals of the museum include strengthening children's imaginations, fostering cooperative play and interaction, and promoting creativity. The atmosphere and environment of the museum encourages parents to engage with their children while exploring and learning about the exhibits. Many of the activities at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville are geared towards children between the ages of one to eight.

501 E. Ringgold Street #5 Dean Porter Park, Brownsville, TX 78520, Phone: 956-548-9300

The Stillman House Museum is dedicated to Charles Stillman, the man who selected the name for Brownsville. During the Mexican-American War, Stillman and some of his partners transported U.S. troops and supplies to Mexico's interior. After the war, Charles Stillman and his partners began to acquire land, which today is known as Brownsville. During the Civil War, Stillman sold cotton to the Union, the Confederacy and the U.S. Government. By 1865, he became one of the wealthiest men living in America. He invested a lot of his wealth into banks. After making his fortune, he moved to New York.

1325 E Washington St, Brownsville, TX 78520, Phone: 956-541-5560

Wing Barn opened for business in Brownsville during the spring of 2010. Family and friends, Bobby Saenz and Chef Daniel Pompa, teamed up to create this restaurant. The environment is casual, yet rustic, with a country style dining room and big screen TV’s, to watch sporting events. Besides wings, they serve appetizers such as, onion rings, barn fries, sweet potato chips, jalapeno poppers, and fried pickles. Some of their entrees include various types of burgers, salads, wheat and lettuce wraps, chicken sandwiches, and hotdogs. And lastly, some of their most popular dessert options are fried Oreos and fried twinkies.

3025 Boca Chica Blvd, Suite 1-l, Brownsville, TX, Phone: 956-541-2276

Palmito Ranch Battlefield is a National Historical Landmark and a Civil War Battleground in southeastern Cameron County, near Brownsville. Today the battlefield is in an undeveloped and remote area, similar to how it appeared in 1865. For interpretation of the events that took place during the Battle, drivers and tourists can tune into 1610 AM, a local station added in 2011. There is some signage and markers along Boca Chica Highway - State Highway 4 indicating the location of the Battlefield. Each year, there is an event called Park Day that brings volunteers to the battlefield to clean and repair the grounds for future visitors.

South of TX State Hwy 4, Brownsville, TX

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Camille Playhouse is a local theatre that’s been part of the Brownsville community since 1964. It was established to promote interest in musical theatre among the city’s citizens. Today, a variety of performances and plays take place at Camille Playhouse each year. The actors, musicians, singers, performers, producers and stage crew bring their talents to the stage during each performance. Many of these people are residents of Brownsville and the neighboring communities. Some of the plays presented at the Camille Playhouse theater include: A Chorus Line, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Othello, The Great Gatsby, and Grease.

1 Dean Porter Park, Brownsville, TX 78520, Phone: 956-542-8900

The Historic Battlefield Trail is a 9-mile path for walkers and bikers that runs south to north directly through the city. Those who visit the trail get to experience the richness of the city’s history and heritage. And anyone who bikes or walks the trail can see art exhibits inside and outside of the Brownsville Fine Arts Museum. Not far from there is the Gladys Porter Zoo and Dean Porter Park. A connecting point along the trail is the Brownsville Metro Northside Station and Brownsville Events Center. In addition to exploring local history, the trail also promotes a healthy lifestyle among residents and visitors.

1 Event Center, Brownsville, TX 78526, Phone: 956-546-3721

The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art began as the Brownsville Art League in 1935. During this time eight Brownsville women met in each other’s homes to talk about their love of art. Soon after, this group grew to include other members of the Brownsville community in what became the Brownsville Art League. In 2002 their name was changed to the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art. And with the help of hundreds of contributions, a 17,000 square foot museum was built. The museum is located in downtown and showcases many art exhibitions for its visitors.

660 E. Ringgold St. Brownsville, TX 78520, Phone: 956-542-0941