The iconic Mission Espiritu Santo is a highlight of Goliad State Park and Historic Site.
KICKAPOO LUCKY EAGLE CASINO—Owned and oper- ated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and locat- ed on the Rio Grande, the facility features more than 2,500 electronic gaming machines, a hotel, restaurants, private poker room, high-limit gaming area and live bingo. 794 Lucky Eagle Drive, off F.M. 1021 (El Indio Hwy.). 888/255-8259.
www.luckyeagletexas.com.
EDINBURG POP. 79,742
ALT. 91 MAP Y-16/CC-17
EDINBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 602 W. University. 956/383-4972.
www.edinburg.com.
First named Chapin for a town site promoter, it was renamed Edinburg in 1911. It is the western gateway to the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and a center of the vast vegetable and citrus culture. Home of University of Texas–Pan American.
EDINBURG SCENIC WETLANDS AND WORLD BIRD- ING CENTER—The center features scenic trails and a birding park set on wetlands. The site includes bird obser- vation platforms. It is part of the Lower Coastal Birding Trail. 714 Raul Longoria Road. 956/381-9922.
www.edinburgwbc.org.
LAKE—Lake El Sal del Rey—Translates as “the King’s salt.” This is a wet season salt lake. Salt from the mines was transported to Spain and Mexico. Accessed by foot only. About 22 miles north of Edinburg off Texas 186. 956/784-7500.
MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS HISTORY—Exhibits feature a sea dinosaur, a 14-foot skeleton of an Ice-Age mammoth, and depictions of the Coahuiltecan people, Spanish explo- ration and colonization, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the steamboat era and more. Admission charge. 200 N. Closner Blvd. 956/383-6911.
www.MOSTHistory.org.
SHERIFF’S POSSE RODEO—Rodeo cowboys demon- strate calf roping, bull riding and quarter horse racing. Ad- mission charge. Two miles south of Edinburg via U.S. 281; half a mile west on Wisconsin Road.
www.rioroundup.com.
SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD DEPOT—Tour the his- toric depot, which was built in 1927. View the “Espee” in the Rio Grande Valley exhibit featuring Southern Pacific memorabilia such as a conductor’s cap, playing cards and
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lanterns, as well as the original “golden spike” driven on Jan. 1, 1927. Free. 602 W. University. 956/383-4974.
TEJANO WALK OF FAME—The Tejano Walk of Fame attracts hundreds of visitors who come to see Edinburg’s tribute to Tejano music stars. The centerpiece of the walk- way is a Richard Hyslin sculpture, which honors Edinburg native Jose Roberto Pulido, a pioneer in Tejano music. 415 W. McIntyre St. 800/800-7214.
UTPA ART GALLERIES—Art galleries offer changing exhibits by contemporary artists from the U.S. and Mexico, as well as student shows. University of Texas- Pan American is home to an extensive art collection. The galleries also offer visiting artist lectures and workshops. 1201 W. University. 956/665-3480.
WINERY—Jaber Estate Winery. See WINERIES listing.
FALFURRIAS POP. 5,038
ALT. 109 MAP W-16 CITY OF FALFURRIAS:
www.falfurrias-tx.com.
Falfurrias is Spanish for “Heart’s Delight,” the name of a local wildflower. Dairying began in the early 1900s and the Falfurrias Creamery became famous for its “sweet cream butter.” The Christmas House offers a holiday experience from
mid-September through March. Each room is decorated according to a theme, with the decorations changing year- ly. Santa’s Texas Workshop is a year-round store. Reserva- tions required. 361/325-2068 or 800/276-4339.
DON PEDRITO SHRINE—According to legend, Don Pedrito was cured through faith and given the gift of healing. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, he came to Los Olmos Ranch in 1881, and for about 25 years, thousands came to him to be cured. Thousands visit the shrine annually. Texas historical marker at site. From Falfurrias, take Texas 281 north to 1936 F.M. 1418.
HERITAGE MUSEUM—Features pictures, weapons and mementos of early frontier heritage and pioneer days in Brooks County. 415 N. St. Mary’s St. (U.S. 281). 361/325-2907.
www.heritagemuseum-falfurrias.com.
THE SHRINE OF THE THREE CHAPELS—Each chapel is dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, and offers an oppor- tunity to reflect on the theme of respect for life. One of
the chapels is a replica of one in Schoenstatt, Germany. 304 S. Caldwell. At Sacred Heart Church. 361/325-3455.
FLORESVILLE POP. 6,880
ALT. 389 MAP S-16
FLORESVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 910 10th St. 830/393-0074.
www.floresvillecoc.com.
This town is named for early rancher, Don Francisco Flores de Abrego, who established his ranch about six miles northwest. The present town was founded on land donated by the Flores family. The Dewees Remschel House depicts the history of a ranch that played a significant role in Wilson County. It includes period furnishings. Call 830/393-3385 to schedule a tour. Annual events include the Peanut Festival in October and Market Days in May.
CANARY ISLANDERS CEMETERY—The cemetery was established before 1732 by islanders who formed the first organized civil settlement in Texas at San Fernando de Bexar, now San Antonio. Off U.S. 181 about two blocks north at the intersection of Plum and 10th streets.
CYCLE RANCH MOTOCROSS PARK—This park draws bikers from all over the world for racing competitions. They have four different tracks. Camping available. Admission charge. 2066 C.R. 405. 855/571-6686.
www.cycleranchmx.com.
RANCHO DE LAS CABRAS—In 1731, Mission San Franscisco de la Espada, originally in East Texas, was re-established on the San Antonio River. Espada’s grazing lands became known as Rancho de las Cabras (“the Goat Ranch”). It is administered as part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Parks. Ruins of the ranch compound are located at the junction of Picoas Creek and the San Antonio River. 210/932-1001.
WILSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE—The historic downtown is situated around this stately courthouse, designed by famed architect Alfred Giles and built in 1884. 830/393-7303.
WILSON COUNTY JAILHOUSE MUSEUM— Built in 1887, the jail housed prisoners, the sheriff and his family until the mid-1970s. On courthouse square. 830/216-2225.
PHOTO: STAN A. WILLIAMS/TXDOT
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