Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The site of the first battle in the Mexican-American war in 1846.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
40 within 3 miles
Attractions
38 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
181 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
60
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
greenhats00
Texas2 contributions
We live very close by and when we have a chance we go and walk around and read some great historical information that we might have missed, just being out there you imagine, picture all the soldiers, it just amazing.
Written October 28, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian B
2 contributions
Sep 2014
Typically forgotten by most people today, this historic US National Park is a real treat with wide open walking trails paved nicely. A historic place from the 1846 Mexican-American war, this battlefield is interesting and noteworthy. Great for visitors coming down to South Padre Island, TX.
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retphcs
Donna, TX642 contributions
Mar 2020
Just imagine it is May 1846 and you are a soldier in the Union Army. It is around 85° and you are dressed in a wool uniform. You are on a field that is flat for miles and everything around you either wants to prick you with their thorns, bite you with their fangs, or shoot you with their muskets. War has not been declared on Mexico but you can feel it in the air. You are outnumbered and outgunned, and all hell is about ready to let loose. I stand on the observation mound in the middle of the Palo Alto Battleground, which is probably 5-feet above sea level, and look out over the field and think glad I am that I wasn't here on May 8th 1846. This was one of the first battles that cannon was used almost entirely and the devastation was horrid. When the smoke cleared the Mexican Army suffered over 250 causalities and they started moving south back to Matamoros across the Rio Grande.
This is a great place to visit if you are a history fan. There is little to no shade, and your kids would probably be bored to death. The walkway through the battlefield is handicap accessible with either walker or scooter. The cost is "FREE" so you can't complain about the price.
This is a great place to visit if you are a history fan. There is little to no shade, and your kids would probably be bored to death. The walkway through the battlefield is handicap accessible with either walker or scooter. The cost is "FREE" so you can't complain about the price.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theodore T
Minneapolis, MN155 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
This was a very interesting historical sight about the war with Mexico. It is best to go to the visitor center first to see the displays and watch the film about the battle. We enjoyed it very much. The information was layed out nicely was informative but not overwhelming. It was easy to read and follow.
Written November 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJ M
Napanee, Canada251 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
We have been visiting South Padre Island / Brownsville Texas for several years and have noticed the signs for the Palo Alto Battlefield but have never stopped at or inquired about the significance of this site. Yesterday we were on a guided tour of Brownsville / Matamoros and this was one of the sites that we visited. Being from Canada my U,S, history is limited but we do take every opportunity when able, to acquire more knowledge about our "friendly next door Neighbour". My wife and I were totally amazed at what was at stake in this battle. It reshaped 2 countries radically and altered history at the same time. Our visit was short but we will be returning now that we know this is a real hidden treasure close to our winter holiday site. There a 15 - 20 minute film that is very informative and well worth watching. There is no admission charge but donations are accepted.
Written February 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClevelandBeach
Pittsfield, MA25 contributions
Feb 2012
Being a history buff I travel to a good number of battlefields from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. The Mexican-American War was crucial for America’s expansionist goals and Manifest Destiny although most Americans know little about this 1846-47 conflict. The Palo Alto Battlefield tells the history of the war and the events building up to the war very well and the grounds are expansive and well marked. The visitor’s center is small so it does not take a long time to examine the displays and artifacts. A short 20 minute movie gives a nice overview of the battle and the cause and effects of the war. The interpretation was sensitive to the contrasting view of the Mexican people who view the war as an act of American aggression. There is no admission fee and it is well worth a visit - it is easy to reach from Brownsville or South Padre Island and is convenient to Route 77/83. Wear comfortable shoes and carry along water bottles if you are going in hot or sunny weather.
Written March 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James W
23 contributions
Feb 2020
Most of our group of 4 adults are not into museums that much. What I really liked about this site were 2 things that really stood out. Along the trail we walked were historic sign boards that gave you a brief overview of the battle that took place along with the positioning of both armies. As well it had quotes from men involved on both sides of the conflict, which added a tremendous human element. One of the guides at the center was incredibly helpful and humorous. Awesome historic site! On top of this there is no charge to visit the site.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libby T
Keller, TX192 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We are Texas History buffs so this was very interesting. Most people, even in Texas, don’t know much about how the boundaries with Mexico were settled. This gives a very historic account of the politic and ensuing battle that created the Rio Grande as the final border of Texas, plus added lots of other territory to the US. You can visualize the battle field by looking at the battle lines, Mexican and US.
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigTex2019
Cedar Park, TX89 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Expect 1 to 2 hrs of exploring. The visitor was clean and very informational. This a movie they show every 15 minutes. Interesting to see how it all started and the results. The park ranger was very helpful and handed us scavenger hunt sheets. The kids enjoyed it. I recommend if you are in the area.
Written July 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuckyNumba13
McAllen, TX18 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
For a short visit, I would highly recommend visiting Palo Alto Battlefield. It is very interesting, the customer service is excellent, and the facility is very well kept. To make things even better, visiting here is free.
Only con I see, is that while this place is very beautiful and surrounded by nature, the nearby highway leads this place to not be as quiet or serene as it could be. This cannot really be controlled though, and visiting here is free, therefore I did not remove any stars.
Only con I see, is that while this place is very beautiful and surrounded by nature, the nearby highway leads this place to not be as quiet or serene as it could be. This cannot really be controlled though, and visiting here is free, therefore I did not remove any stars.
Written March 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm not sure I understand the question, but there is no RV parking. However, the towns nearby do have RV parks.
Written January 31, 2020
The Park Service has this on its website and we did see dogs on the trails
Can I bring my dog along?
Dogs are allowed in parking lots and on park trails as long as they are on a leash. Only service dogs are allowed inside the visitor center and must be accompanied by a handler. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Written April 10, 2016
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