South Texas is heavily dotted with treasures large and small. So whatever your speed, you'll be sure to find something while you're here. Don't miss other attractions listed in the Outdoors and Mexico articles.

Brownsville Battlefields
The last battle of the Civil War was fought at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville several weeks after the Confederacy's surrender. Brownsville also got caught in the crossfire of the Mexican-American War, that time at Palo Alto. Both battlefields have been preserved as National Historical Sites.

Historic Brownsville Museum

Housed in the historic Southern Pacific railroad passenger depot, this museum chronicles Brownsville's history with photo exhibits and other permanent and rotating exhibits. The Brownsville Heritage Education Center within the museum also presents slide shows, lectures and other special events. Group tours are available with advance notice. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4:30 and Sat. 10-1. 641 E. Madison St. Brownsville. (956) 548-1313.

Coastal Studies Lab

This satellite of The University of Texas-Pan American studies and exhibits marine life like mollusks, crustaceans and marine vertebrates along with plant life. Open Sun.-Fri. 1:30-4:30, group tours by appointment Sun.-Fri. 1:30-4:30. 100 Marine Land Dr., Isla Blanca County Park, South Padre Island. $4 per car to enter park. (956) 761-2644.

Confederate Air Force-Rio Grande Valley Wing

This local wing of the CAF currently houses 15 airplanes in flying condition. Other exhibits are antique military vehicles, wea-pons and uniforms. An air show is hosted in March. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-4. Admission. Adjacent to the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport at Highway 511 and Kellers Corner east of Brownsville. (956) 541-8585.

Gladys Porter Zoo

Opened in 1971, Gladys Porter Zoo continues to be one of the premier zoos of the world. With more than 1,700 animal specimen, the zoo specializes in collecting and breeding endangered species. This 31-acre park has all zoo favorites like gorillas, giraffes, lions and rhinos, as well as other exotic animals. Virtually all animals live in open exhibits where visitors are able to view them in their natural surroundings. Open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended weekend and summer hours. Adults $6.50 age 14+; $3.25 children ages 2 -13; and $5.00 for senior citizens age 65+ (prices subject to change). Ask about discounts for groups of 10 or more. 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. (956) 546-7187.

Hildago County Historical Museum

Visit the "Valley's Time Machine" and learn all about colorful South Texas and Northern Mexico...the land of unique heritage and history that spans centuries and cultures alike. Housed in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail Building and adjacent structures,with over 7,000 square feet of professionally-curated exhi-bits, HCHM makes history come alive. Tours available by appointment. Open to the public Tues.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-5 & Sun. 1-5. Admission. Free to families on Saturdays. 121 East McIntyre, Edinburg, (956) 383-6911.

Hidalgo Pumphouse Heritage and Discovery Center

This first class museum shows how the Valley was turned from brushland to lush farmland by irrigation. Its modern Visitors' Center has a model steam engine among its exhibits, and a protected walkway allows visitors to tour the plant. Guided tours are available. Open Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sun. 2-6 p.m. 902S. 2nd St., Hidalgo, (956) 843-8686.

Iwo Jima Memorial

This memorial on the campus of Harlingen's Marine Military Academy, fashioned from a photo of U.S. Marines planting the flag on Iwo Jima, was the original statue used to cast the more famous monument in Arlington, Va. A Visitor's Center includes a museum focusing on the battle with a 30-minute film, a gift shop and a scrapbook of all Iwo Jima veterans who have visited the monument. Open Mon.-Sat. 10-4, Sun 1-4. 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen. (956) 412-2207.

La Lomita Mission

The little adobe chapel built by the Oblate Fathers in 1865 still stands next to the Rio Grande, south of the city of Mission that was named for it. FM 1016 (Conway) three miles south of Mission.

La Lomita Plaza

Located in downtown Mission, this town square features cascading waters and a sunken amphitheater in which visitors can catch plays, arts and crafts, shows and musicals. Conway St. and Business 83, Mission. (956) 585-2727.

Los Caminos del Rio

Los Caminos del Rio (the Roads of the River) is a compilation of more than 45 sites along both sides of the Rio Grande that have contributed to the area's heritage. The corridor stretches from Laredo to the Gulf of Mexico, along both U.S. Highways 83 and 281 and Mexico's Highway 2. Pick up the Los Caminos del Rio brochure, which includes site descriptions and a detailed map, at your closest Chamber of Commerce and explore Indian trails, Spanish colonial villages, and vast ranching empires - a three dimensional history of the past 250 years.

Los Ebanos Ferry

The only remaining hand-drawn ferry across the Rio Grande connects the U.S. with Diaz Ordaz, Mexico, a short drive down a dirt road from the river. The ferry will hold three cars and several people. Visitors may park on the U.S. side and ride across and back for a small fee. Los Ebanos is 14 miles west of Mission on U.S. 83, then three miles south on FM 886. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

McAllen International Museum

Three large galleries keep visitors busy. The North Gallery features a collection of Mexican folk art. The Main Gallery shows changing exhibits and can feature anything from modern art to a popular Christmas tree decoration contest. The Earth Science Gallery is a winner with the kids. Dinosaur tracks, fossils, minerals and other science exhibits are attractively displayed. You won't miss the huge fragments of a woolly mammoth's tusks unearthed in nearby Sullivan City. MIM also has frequent educational programs in its roomy lecture hall and has a popular gift shop. Open Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 1-5. 1900 Nolana, McAllen. (956) 682-1564.

Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center

This is the only Latino cultural arts center in the Rio Grande Valley. Named for the renowned Mexican accordion player known as the Father of Conjunto - a popular form of Tex-Mex music, the center promotes Latino heritage through art, music, theater, film, dance, and literary programs. It also serves as a community resource center and offers accordion lessons. 225 E. Stenger St., San Benito. Open Tue.-Fri. 1-5; Sat. 9-1. Closed Sun. and Mon. (956) 361-0110.

Old Clock Museum

It's high time you visited this incredible private collection of more than 1,000 clocks owned by the Jim Shawn family, including many rare antiques. Open Mon. -Fri. 1-5. 929 E. Preston, Pharr. (956) 787-1923.

Port Isabel Historical Museum

The Port Isabel Historical Museum opened in May 1997 in the historic Champion Building, built in 1899 by the pioneer Champion family to house their various business enterprises. It retains the original paintings of fish on its exterior, which have made it an area attraction through several uses of the building. Inside are momentos of the area's early days, along with lost and recovered treasures from the high seas and artifacts from shipwrecks. Downtown on Railroad St. Open Wed.-Sat. 10-4; Sun. 1-4. Closed Mon. and Tues. (956) 943-7602.

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Built in 1853, it is among the oldest lighthouses in the state. It was restored in 1951 and opened to the public. Visitors who have their "land legs" under them can spiral to the top for a panoramic view of Laguna Madre and South Padre Island. Near the foot of the Queen Isabella Causeway, Port Isabel. Open 10-4 Wed.-Sun.; closed Mon. and Tues. following completion of major renovation. Port Isabel Chamber, 1-800-527-6102.

Raymondville Historical and Community Center

See dioramas of early ranch life in the Valley along with old ranching equipment and furnishings from Spanish land grant days up to the turn of the century. The Farm and Ranch Museum, adjacent to the center, has collections from pioneer ranching families. Open Wed. 2-4, Fri. 9-11 and by appointment. Harris and Seventh St., Raymondville. (956) 689-6604.

Rio Grande Valley Museum Complex

This five-building complex in Harlingen has permanent and changing exhibits that show off the heritage of the Valley. Visit the New Museum; the Historical Museum; the Lon C. Hill Home - the restored 1905 residence of Harlingen's founder; the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn; and Harlingen's Hospital Museum. Open Wed.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. Group tours by appointment. Boxwood at Raintree St., Harlingen (near the airport). (956) 430-8500.

Rio Grande Valley Whitewings

The Valley's own professional, minor league, baseball team plays at Harlingen Field. The Rio Grande Valley Whitewings season runs 44 home games from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Tickets are $4-$6 and season tickets are only $150-$210. Call (956) 412-WING.

Rio Grande City/Roma

Rio Grande City and Roma are among the Valley's oldest communities and are rich in history.
At Rio Grande City, visit the beautifully restored La Borde House, the former Fort Ringgold, now home to the Rio Grande City Independent School District, the replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in France, and enjoy the past and present as they blend in this border city. Roma was a center for a thriving river trade in the 19th century. See how some of its historic buildings by the plaza have been restored as you explore its National Historic Landmark District. Walk across its 700-foot long pedestrian-only Roma-Cd. Miguel Aleman steel suspension bridge built in the late 1920s.

Sea Turtle, Inc.

Come see the sea turtles at the home of local resident and legend Ila Loetscher, also known as The Turtle Lady. Shows at the Sea Turtle Refuge and Museum are presented year-round on Tues. and Sat. at 10 a.m. 6617 Padre Blvd. (across from the Tiki), South Padre Island. Call (956) 761-1720.

Sharyland Plantation

Home of the late John Shary, the so-called Father of Valley Citrus, and wife. It is not open to the public. President Eisenhower stayed here when he was in South Texas for the dedication of Falcon Dam in the 1950s. From Expressway 83 between McAllen and Mission, take Shary Road exit and go north. The plantation is marked by a chapel, where the couple is buried.

Stillman House

The Brownsville Historical Society has preserved the house of Brownsville's founder, John Stillman, beautifully with the family's original furnishings. A popular annual attraction is the teddy bear display during the Christmas holidays. The brick house, built in 1850, is Greek Revival-style. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-noon and 2-5, Sun. 3-5. 1305 Washington St., Brownsville. (956) 542-3929.

Super Splash! Adventure

In Edinburg, plunge down the awesome 65-foot tall water slide at Mammoth River. Navigate the 1/3 mile long Lost Lagoon adventure river or ride a tube down one of four spectacular water slides. Rides for toddlers, the extreme thrill seekers, and lots of fun attractions for Mom and Dad. Open daily summers; weekends spring and fall. 1616 So. Longoria Rd., Edinburg. (956) 318-3286 or 1-800-667-1456.

Texas Air Museum

Explore the history of aviation and see more than 50 historic aircraft from both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. View restoration work underway on German fighters, Russian transport planes, and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. Enjoy special "fly-ins" with demonstration flights on the second Saturday of each month from October - March and on the 4th of July, weather permitting. Farm Road 106, Rio Hondo, 8 miles east of Harlingen, (956) 748-2112. Open daily 9-4. Admission.

Texas Travel Information Center

This is operated by the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Travel counselors offer free maps, calendars and literature as well as help chart routes. Free tourism audio/visual shows. Junction U.S. 77 and U.S. 83 in Harlingen. Call (956) 428-4477.

Virgen de San Juan Shrine

The first incarnation of this now-famous shrine to the Virgen de San Juan de Los Lagos was a small wooden sanctuary which was moved to Lopezville between Pharr and Edinburg. The second shrine, built in 1954, was destroyed by fire in 1970 when a suicidal pilot crashed into the tower, radioing ahead for the children to get out. Church officials say that the only thing to survive the flames was a statue of the Virgin that was then kept in the cafeteria. The current 2,000-seat shrine was dedicated in 1980 with Vatican officials on hand and still draws thousands of pilgrims each year from across Latin America. Open daily 6 a.m.-8 p.m. 400 N. Nebraska St. and Expressway 83, San Juan. (956) 787-0033.

Weslaco Bicultural Museum

Adjacent to the Weslaco Public Library, this museum highlights this mid-Valley town's bicultural heritage. Open Wed.-Fri. 10-12 and 1-4, Sat. 10-4. Closed in August. 515 S. Kansas Ave., Weslaco. (956) 968-9142.

Weslaco City Hall

This ornate 1928 building was designed in the Spanish Moorish style and is now a Texas Historical Site. Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5. 500 Kansas Ave., Weslaco. (956) 968-3181.