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San Antonio Missions National Historical ParkRanger-led education program at Mission San José
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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Guided Tours
Ranger-guided tour stopping in front of Mission San José's church

Ranger-guided tour stopping in front of Mission San José's church.

All guided tours are free.

Guided Tours of the Missions
Join a Park Ranger or Docent on a guided tour of one of the four missions. Learn more about the 18th-century Spanish Colonial period -- What was a mission? Who built it? Why was it built here? What happened to them? Discover the importance of this critical part of America's history, which is entrusted to the care of the National Park Service.

These tours last 45-60 minutes. Meet at the visitor center or information center of the mission you want to tour.

10:00 am Mission San José
             Mission Concepción

11:00 am Mission San José

1:30 pm Mission San Juan

2:00 pm Mission San José
             Mission Concepción
             Mission Espada

3:00 pm Mission San José
             Mission San Juan

3:30 pm Mission Espada

 

 
A mission's ranch was located 20-30 miles away to prevent livestock from getting into croplands.

A mission's ranch was located 20-30 miles away to prevent livestock from wandering into croplands.

Tour of Rancho de las Cabras

10:00 am, first Saturday of the month, weather permitting. Call 210.932.1001 for more information.

Much of the American cattle industry of the 1800s was built on the legacy of these mission ranches. Learn about the equipment, vocabulary, and folklore of the mission vaqueros, while exploring remnants of Espada's ranch, Rancho de las Cabras.

Located 30 miles south of San Antonio, meet at Floresville River Park on SH 97 in Floresville, Texas, to caravan to the site. From San Antonio, take I-37 south. Exit onto Hwy 181 south to Floresville. Turn right on Hwy 97 west to River Park.

Because the site is undeveloped, it contains brushy areas and fire ants; it is recommended that boots and appropriate clothing be worn.
Cochineal is an insect hidden under what looks like white spit on prickly pear cacti.  

Did You Know?
that the Spanish cornered the market on cochineal, a bug that produces a vivid red color, early in the Spanish colonial period? British officer coats, with which every American school child is familar, were dyed using cochineal.

Last Updated: July 09, 2008 at 14:41 EST