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Weslaco, Texas · Est. 1984

Valley
Nature Center

A Secret Garden in the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley

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Admission
$3–$6 · Members Free
Hours
Tue–Fri 9am–4pm
Location
301 S. Border Ave, Weslaco TX
Phone
About the Center

The LRGV’s oldest nature center

The Valley Nature Center’s 6-acre park is home to a wide variety of the Rio Grande Valley’s native plants and animals. Many plants were transplanted over the past 40 years from sites slated for development, preserving species that might otherwise be lost.

We are the only non-profit center fully dedicated to environmental education south of San Antonio and east of Eagle Pass. Our state-of-the-art green facility, completed in October 2014, features interactive displays fun for the whole family.

Stroll our 1-mile trail through plant communities native to the Sabal Palm Grove, Arroyo Colorado Brush, the Barretal, Coastal Lomas, and the Chihuahuan Thorn Forest.

Learn More About Us
VNC Photo
40
Years serving the Rio Grande Valley · 1984–2024
What You’ll See

The LRGV is one of the top birding & butterfly destinations in the US

Wander our trails and you may encounter an extraordinary cast of wildlife — many found nowhere else in the United States.

🦘
Plain Chachalaca
The Rio Grande Valley’s signature bird — noisy, social, and unmistakable in the brush.
🦆
Great Kiskadee
A bold, colorful flycatcher with a loud “kis-ka-dee!” call heard throughout the park.
🌸
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
A year-round resident of South Texas, drawn to native flowering plants along our trails.
🦋
Malachite Butterfly
One of the most striking tropical butterflies in North America, seen along our woodland paths.
🐢
Texas Tortoise
A slow-moving icon of the South Texas brush country, often spotted near sunny trail edges.
🐇
Eastern Cottontail
Common in the park’s brushy edges, alongside several lizard and amphibian species.
Plan Your Visit

Hours & Admission

Park Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday – Friday9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Major HolidaysClosed
Special hotel rates available at Best Western and Holiday Inn Express in Weslaco.

Admission

Children (12 & under)$3.00
Adults (13 & over)$6.00
Seniors (55 & over)$4.00
VNC MembersFree!
Become a Member — Visit Free
What Visitors Say
“I couldn’t believe the wonderful sights and sounds I found at the Valley Nature Center. It was like stepping into nature in the middle of the city, so convenient to get to… I will be back a lot more.”

— N. Wright, Visitor

VNC Sponsors — Thank You
⭐ Law Office of Tony Torres
Jones Galligan Key & Lozano
Frost Bank
Weslaco Rotary Club
Sobersense Breathalyzer
Weslaco EDC
City of Weslaco
Penny Investments
Dang & Zapata Law
Southern Stone
Hope 2 Others
Weslaco Lions Club
View All Sponsors & Become a Sponsor →

Support Our Mission

Valley Nature Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3). We rely on memberships, donations, programs, and grants to protect the LRGV’s native plants and wildlife for future generations.

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