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Sunset over the battlefield
Destinations › … › United States › Texas

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

warningInformation1 warning calendar_monthNov–Marbest time schedule1 dayplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_numberFreeentry
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical ParkYour own route Plan a trip here →
Information Hike and Bike Closure

The historic battlefield trail hike and bike trail gate closes daily at sunset and reopens the next morning.

Straight from the US National Park Service, refreshed several times a day.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park commemorates the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War, which took place in 1846. Visitors come to learn about the conflict's impact on U.S. history and to reflect on the sacrifices made during this period.

Read more

The park offers a chance to explore the landscape where soldiers fought and to understand the broader implications of the war. Interpretive programs and exhibits provide context, making it a thoughtful stop for those interested in military history and cultural heritage.

In pictures

Mexican 8-pounder cannon on the battlefield.
Mexican 8-pounder cannon on the battlefield.

Things to do

Visit Resaca de la Palma Battlefield
30-120 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Resaca de la Palma Battlefield features a half-mile circular trail with interpretive waysides. Head out to the...

See Where it All Started - Rancho de Carricitos
10-20 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Visit the site of the first official combat between of the U.S. - Mexican War. On April 24, 1846 Captain Seth...

Visiting Fort Polk
30 Minutes · Winter/Spring

When the U.S. army arrived in the Rio Grande delta in March 1846, General Taylor’s first stop was to establish...

Stand on the Grounds of General Zachary Taylor's Fort on the Rio Grande
15-30 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Visit the site of the earthen fortification that became known as Fort Brown. While visiting this site you can...

Self-guided Field Trips at Palo Alto Battlefield
30 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Take your teaching to the next level and make Palo Alto Battlefield your classroom. Visiting the site of the f...

Explore the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
1-4 Hours · Winter/Spring

Palo Alto Battlefield serves as a gateway to the Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail. The trail provides us...

Discover Palo Alto Battlefield’s Visitor Center
30-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Palo Alto Battlefield's visitor center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits. A good place to start is with our 1...

Birding at Resaca de la Palma Battlefield
30 Minutes · Winter/Spring

With almost a mile of walking trails plus a deck over the water, Resca de la Palma Battlefield is a great plac...

Hiking the Battlefield Trail
45-90 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Walk in the footsteps of history! Along your half-mile walk you will see a landscape very much like the one ex...

Birding at Palo Alto Battlefield
30-60 Minutes · Winter/Spring

Grab a pair of binoculars, hit the trail, and see what makes Palo Alto Battlefield a birding hotspot.

Practical

At a glance

Established
1991
Open
Daily 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Accessibility
partially accessible
Address
7200 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville, TX 78526
Opening hours
Daily 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Phone
9565412785
Price
Free
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect limited parking during weekends and holidays.
Entry is free, but some programs may have fees.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
Check the park's website for seasonal hours and special events.

Photo: NPS