Top Ten Tips for Visiting Palo Alto Battlefield

Summers are warm at Palo Alto. Wear appropriate clothing and bring the sunscreen.

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Planning a visit to Palo Alto Battlefield?

We think these tips will help you have a fun, memorable, and safe visit to the only unit in the NPS that intreprets the U.S.-Mexican War. And remember to #PlanLikeAParkRanger

1. No Fee!

There is no fee to enter Palo Alto Battlefield or attend park programs and events. Enjoy your visit!

2. Plan For The Weather

Summer weather at Palo Alto can be hot, hot, hot. Make sure to stay hydrated while visiting the park, wear sun protection, and visit early in the day to avoid heat.

Our battlefield trail leads you to the heart of Palo Alto Battlefield.

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3. Stretch Your Legs

The park features a half-mile walk to the battlefield overlook where you will see a landscape very much like the one experienced by soldiers in 1846. Two additional trails lead you out to the U.S. and Mexican battle lines and put you in the heart of the action.

4. For the kids - Or Kids At Heart

We offer our Jr. Ranger program to enhance your visit to the park and make for fond memories as well. For your little amateur naturalist in your family we offer our Jr. Birder program.

Palo Alto Battlefield is known as a birding hot spot in the local area.

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5. Put In Some Miles

The park is an access point to the almost 10-mile-long Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail. You can use the trail to get to our other unit — Resaca de la Palma Battlefield.

6. Battlefield Birding

Over the years, Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma battlefields have become known as much for their birding opportunities as their historical importance. The two sites feature species like the Botteri’s Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Aplomado Falcon, and Roseate Spoonbill.

Slow down and take a look around. The park may surprise you.

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7. Summer Programs

This year the park will be offering a Summer Speaker Series. The presentations will run from mid-June to mid-July and cover a variety of topics. Contact the park for more info.

8. Natural Wonders

Palo Alto is more than just a battlefield. The park contains an assortment of habitats and an abundance of animal life — including many species unique to the U.S-Mexico border region.

Texas tortoises are surprisingly quick.

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9. Share Your Pics!

Photo ops are plentiful. The park's defining feature, the broad coastal prairie, stretches to the east for miles toward the Gulf of Mexico. It is interrupted only by scattered trees, yuccas, and prickly-pear cactus. Remember to tag us.

10. Keep Your Eyes Peeled

The park has an active Texas tortoise monitoring program. Unfortunately, Texas tortoises are classified as a threatened species by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. The park's tortoise monitoring program provides valuable feedback on the park’s condition.

For more insider tips for making the most out of your national park adventures, visit the Plan Your Vacation Like a Park Ranger page.