Each year the Texas Parks and Wildlife have a Texas State Park Ornament. This year, that ornament features the Valley’s own Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.

Etched from solid brass and finished in 24kt gold, the 2025 ornament features colorful artwork with three-dimensional elements. The 24th Annual Texas State Parks ornament showcases Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park which serves as the headquarters for the World Birding Center in South Texas. The ornament fittingly features a green jay, plain chachalaca and Gulf fritillary butterfly on a Mexican olive branch in front of the park’s two-story Hawk Observation Tower. Ornaments arrive in a keepsake box and measure roughly 2.5 by 3 inches.

Bentsen State Park is a birder’s paradise. About 360 species of birds have been reported at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, along with butterflies, javelinas, bobcats, turkeys, and more.

The main attractions are wildlife and birds, but you can also get some exercise, participate in programs and see the Rio Grande Valley in it near natural state. Stop by the exhibit hall to enjoy the bilingual exhibits. The park store sells field guides, hats, gifts, snacks and more. You can also walk to the dock and see the river separating Texas from Mexico.

To protect the natural environment, the park does not allow cars in the park but has a parking area at the headquarters. You can travel through the park on foot, by bike, or take a tram tour.

You can also reserve one of the primitive campsites (restrooms with showers in the park). There is also a 60-person group hall for gatherings.

For more information about the park and their activities, you can find them on Facebook or look in our Events Calendar. The park will be hosting the First Day Hike on January 1. The park is located at 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr., in Mission. Call (956) 584-9156 for more information.

The Texas State Park ornament program began in 2002 to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the Texas State Park System. Each ornament features the natural, cultural and historical resources that the Texas Park and Wildlife Department protects. You’ll find images of buildings, wildlife, plants and outdoor activities that you can enjoy at the nearly 90 state parks and historic sites across Texas. Visit the Ornament Collection Page to see every state park ornament and its availability, https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/holidays/holidays-at-parks/park-ornament/OrnamentCollection.