HELENA POP. 35 (est.)
ALT. 305
MAP S-16
Helena is a ghost town—killed, so they say, by one gunfight too many. Helena was established in 1852. During a saloon shooting in 1884, 20-year-old Emmett Butler, son of the area’s wealthiest rancher, Col. William Butler, was killed. Unable to find who fired the fatal shot, Butler vowed to kill the town that killed his son. He persuaded the railroad to bypass Helena by offering free land miles away. Helena lost its role as the county seat and its citizens drifted away. Historic buildings include a farmhouse, the old post
office and one of the four original jail cells. All are open the same hours as the museum.
KARNES COUNTY MUSEUM—Helena’s abandoned courthouse is an area history museum with early trail, ranch and home artifacts and implements. Also includes an early courtroom and schoolroom setting. 8167 N. F.M. 81. 830/780-3210.
HIDALGO POP. 12,671
ALT. 95 MAP Z-16/DD-16
HIDALGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 611 E. Coma St. 956/843-2734.
Members of José de Escandón’s colony settled in the area as early as 1749. The course of the Rio Grande forced residents to move the town’s buildings inland. Today, the Hidalgo-McAllen-Reynosa International Bridge is one of the major ports of entry in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The Valley’s climate attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Golfers can choose from the area’s numerous courses. Nearby wildlife refuges attract birders from throughout the world.
HIDALGO PUMPHOUSE MUSEUM & WORLD BIRDING CENTER—This restored historic structure offers a hands-on experience and includes exhibits on the effects of irrigation on the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The pumps, built in 1909, changed the vast ranchland and are the only remaining steam pumps in the nation. Admission charge. 902 S. Second St. 956/843-8686.
KILLER BEE—The discovery of the first Africanized bee in the United States was made just outside Hidalgo in 1990. A fiberglass and steel insect was originally built as a float for Hidalgo’s Borderfest Parade. 704 E. Texano. 956/843-2734.
LAREDO POP. 254,190
ALT. 438 MAP V-14/MM-20
LAREDO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 800/361-3360.
www.visitlaredo.com.
Texas begins in Laredo—deep in the heart of South Texas at mile marker 1 of I-35. Laredo’s warm weather creates the perfect ambiance for fun and relaxation. San Bernardo Avenue offers south-of-the-border decorative accents and furniture. The Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course, designed
by Robert Trent Jones II, offers 18-holes of golf right up to the edge overlooking the Rio Grande. (956/726- 2000 or
www.themaxlaredo.com.) Washington’s Birthday Celebration in February is
one of the largest patriotic celebrations in the U.S. in honor of George Washington.
BORDER HERITAGE MUSEUM—Housed in the restored Gonzalez-Montemayor home, a series of changing exhibits and educational seminars showcase the region’s history, culture, industry and populations. Admission charge. 810 Zaragoza St. 956/718-2727.
FORT MCINTOSH—Established by the Army in 1848, the old guardhouse, chapel, warehouse, living quarters, infirmary, commander’s house and commissary are now Laredo Community College facilities. The original earthen fort is an educational institution. West End of Washington Street on the banks of the Rio Grande.
LAKE CASA BLANCA INTERNATIONAL STATE PARK— Enjoy a day at the lake with the family, have a picnic and
238
Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center in Laredo is a living science labratory.
spend some time fishing on the pier. 5102 Bob Bullock Loop (Loop 20). 956/725-3826 or 512/389-8900.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-casa-blanca.
LAKES—Casa Blanca Lake—Access from Lake Casa Blanca International State Park (956/725-3826). Offers boating and fishing; picnic and swimming areas. Five miles northeast of Laredo off of U.S. 59. 956/721-2560.
LAMAR BRUNI VERGARA ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CENTER—The center contains representations of the Rio Grande ecosystem and live plant and animal specimens to serve as a living science laboratory. Admission charge. On Laredo Community College Campus at West End Washington Street. 956/764-5701.
LAREDO CENTER FOR THE ARTS—Hosts a variety of artistic and cultural events, including international art exhibitions, dance performances, art history lectures, musical performances, and art education classes. 500 San Agustín. 956/725-1715.
REPUBLIC OF THE RIO GRANDE MUSEUM—The museum is housed in one of Laredo’s oldest structures located on San Agustin Plaza. According to tradition, in 1840, the building served as the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande. Admission charge. 1005 Zaragoza St. 956/727-3480.
http://webbheritage.org/museums/ republic-of-the-rio-grande-museum.
SAN AGUSTÍN CATHEDRAL—Originally built in 1767, the present structure—the third on this site—dates from 1872. It was elevated to the rank of cathedral on Aug. 9, 2001. On San Agustín Plaza in heart of the old Spanish section. 800/361-3360.
TAMIU LAMAR BRUNI VERGARA PLANETARIUM— Creates and presents enlightening experiences that inspire wonder in learning about space and science. Admission charge. 5201 University Blvd. At Texas A&M International University. 956/326-3663.
www.tamiu.edu/planetarium.
TEXAS TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER—This is one of the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers operated by the Texas Department of Transportation for the convenience of the traveling public. 15551 I-35 N. At U.S. 83 in South Texas at mile marker 18. 956/417-4728.
www.txdot.gov.
UNI-TRADE STADIUM/LAREDO LEMURS—This stadium, home to the Laredo Lemurs baseball club, includes a built-in concert stage, luxury suites, grass berms, and private picnic and party areas. Sinatra Parkway. 956/ 753-6877.
MCALLEN POP. 138,356
ALT. 122 MAP Y-16/CC-16
MCALLEN VISITORS’ INFORMATION CENTER: 1200 Ash Ave. 956/682-2871.
www.mcallencvb.com.
McAllen is in Texas’ lower Rio Grande Valley, noted for its subtropical climate and facilities catering to thousands of summer and winter visitors. Golf is very popular and numerous courses are available. It’s a great destination for birders and other nature enthusiasts. Several wildlife refuges and state parks offer excellent bird-watching activities. Several fruit and vegetable groves offer tours. The visitor center provides information. Shoppers will find five primary shopping districts. The small Town Lake at Firemen’s Park offers catch
and release fishing, kayaking, canoeing and camping. Second Street and Old 83 (956/681-3333).
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS—Renovated historic buildings house dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, and art galleries. The Entertainment District is downtown along 17th Street. Call 956/686- 4357 or visit
www.exploremcallen.com/entertainment. The Art District on Main Street is home to the popular First Friday Artwalk and free outdoor music concerts. 956/776-0100.
www.mcallenartwalk.com.
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART & SCIENCE—The museum features world-class art exhibits. Children can learn as they play in the Discovery Pavilion, Rioscape, Art Studio and Science Lab. Science On a Sphere
SHOP A LO T
THOSE WHO MISS CROSSING THE border to shop will delight in the number of import stores that have moved north of the river into Laredo. Most of the stores are located along San Bernardo Avenue. For a list of stores or more infor- mation, check out
www.visitlaredo.com.
★ PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT
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