Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, State park in Mission, Texas.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is a nature reserve along the Rio Grande with hiking trails, observation towers, and diverse habitats for native wildlife. The landscape features subtropical vegetation and open spaces that allow visitors to explore the varied natural world.

The park was established in 1944 when the Bentsen family donated the land for conservation purposes. This founding began an ongoing effort to protect the natural habitats of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

The visitor center displays exhibits about the bird species and wildlife that shape the local landscape. People come here to learn about the natural world that surrounds the valley.

Since the park became the World Birding Center headquarters in 2004, vehicles are banned from the interior, so visitors park at the entrance and walk or ride the tram along the roads. RV camping was discontinued at the same time; check current options before planning an overnight stay. The park lies at about 34 metres above sea level on flat land, with McAllen roughly 15.6 km to the west.

More than 325 bird species and over 250 butterfly species have been recorded here, and the park is especially popular with butterfly watchers. The North American Butterfly Association runs the National Butterfly Center next to the park.