Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Texas
📘 Park Overview
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Although the two countries have developed strong bonds and friendly ties since the war ended in 1848, these neighbors continue to contend with the legacy of the war.
🌤 Weather Information
Summers are hot and humid. Tropical weather systems generally affect the area from August to October. Winters are usually mild but cold fronts can drop temperatures by up to 30 degrees in about an hour.
🚗 Directions
The park is located on Brownsville's north side, near the city of Los Fresnos. It is just north of the intersection of FM 1847 (Paredes Line Rd.) and FM 511/FM 550.
Images
The overlook gives you a great view of the battlefield
Credit: NPS
Get here when the park opens and enjoy views like this.
Credit: NPS
Early sunsets during winter are a sight to behold.
Credit: NPS
A Mexican 8-pound field gun surveys the battlefield.
Credit: NPS
Stop by the Visitor Center before heading out on the trail.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Aug 12
Sunny
High: 100.2°F | Low: 81°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 21.3 mph
Rain Chance: 4%
UV Index: 11.3
Sunrise: 07:01 AM
Sunset: 08:08 PM
Moon: New Moon (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 81.8°F
Cloud Cover: 4%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Aug 13
Sunny
High: 96.3°F | Low: 81.9°F
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 21.7 mph
Rain Chance: 6%
UV Index: 11.1
Sunrise: 07:01 AM
Sunset: 08:07 PM
Moon: New Moon (2%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 80.6°F
Cloud Cover: 6%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Aug 14
Sunny
High: 96.8°F | Low: 82.1°F
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 20.6 mph
Rain Chance: 6%
UV Index: 10.6
Sunrise: 07:01 AM
Sunset: 08:06 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (5%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 80.9°F
Cloud Cover: 6%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Ranger Talks
Palo Alto Battlefield offers a variety of Ranger talks to encourage visitors of all ages to learn more about the park and its stories.
Programs typically last approximately 30-45 minutes and are held at or near the Visitor Center. Program topics are posted on Visitor Center bulletin board. Check in the front desk when you arrive for details.
Programs may be cancelled or moved to alternate locations in the event of inclement weather.
Date: Feb 7, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talks
Palo Alto Battlefield offers a variety of Ranger talks to encourage visitors of all ages to learn more about the park and its stories.
Programs typically last approximately 30-45 minutes and are held at or near the Visitor Center. Program topics are posted on Visitor Center bulletin board. Check in the front desk when you arrive for details.
Programs may be cancelled or moved to alternate locations in the event of inclement weather.
Date: Feb 7, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talks
Palo Alto Battlefield offers a variety of Ranger talks to encourage visitors of all ages to learn more about the park and its stories.
Programs typically last approximately 30-45 minutes and are held at or near the Visitor Center. Program topics are posted on Visitor Center bulletin board. Check in the front desk when you arrive for details.
Programs may be cancelled or moved to alternate locations in the event of inclement weather.
Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
180th Anniversary of the Battle of Palo Alto
Join us as we commemorate the 180th Anniversary of the Battle of Palo Alto. The event will feature living history programs, information tables hosted by local partners, hands-on art activities, and engaging Ranger talks on the battlefield. Come out for a morning of fun and connect with the community.
Date: May 9, 2026 12:00am to May 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
National Trails Day®
Join us at the Palo Alto Battlefield for a celebration of National Trails Day. The Palo Alto Battlefield has partnered with Caracara Trails to highlight the historical and recreational opportunities in Brownsville. Enjoy our trails, connect with the community, and explore informational tables. Experience a morning of learning, celebration, and the great outdoors.
Location: Enter the Palo Alto Visitor Center for information. The event will be hosted on the field by the picnic area.
Date: Jun 6, 2026 12:00am to Jun 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talks
Palo Alto Battlefield’s Ranger Talks are a great way to learn more about the park and the historical significance of the site. Talks are held at the Visitor Center and cover a variety of rotating topics.
Date: Jun 17, 2026 12:00am to Aug 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Palo Alto Battlefield Book Club
Join us at the Palo Alto Visitor Center on June 25th at 6:00 pm for a discussion on Lamont Wood’s Thorton’s Luck. Wood tells the story of the event that started it all. On the night of April 24th, 1846, Captain Seth B. Thornton and two companies of the 2nd Dragoons headed towards Las Rusias to see if rumors of the Mexican army crossing the Rio Grande were true. The disaster that ensued in the early hours of the following morning sparked the initial fighting on the Rio Grande and prompted the US declaration of war on Mexico.
Date: Jun 25, 2026 12:00am to Jun 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Palo Alto Battlefield Book Club
Join us on July 30th at 6:00 pm for a discussion on Alice Baumgartner’s South to Freedom. Baumgartner explores the relationship between the United States and Mexico in the 19th century through the lens of the institution of slavery. She lays out the history from Mexico’s independence up until the American Civil War to demonstrate how slavery helped define the relationship between the two nations and how the issue of Texas annexation and the US-Mexican War led to the American Civil War.
Location: The Palo Alto Visitor Center
Date: Jul 30, 2026 12:00am to Jul 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Living History Program
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
Date: Sep 12, 2026 12:00am to Sep 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Living History Program
Enjoy a unique learning experience. Chat with living historians and listen to stories about the Battle of Palo Alto and the U.S.-Mexican War. Programs feature weapons demonstrations (dependent upon weather).
Date: Oct 10, 2026 12:00am to Oct 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
7200 Paredes Line Road
Brownsville, TX 78526
🏤 Mailing Address:
600 E. Harrison Street
Room 1006
Brownsville, TX 78520
📞 Voice Phone: 9565412785
✉️ Email: paal_visitor_center@nps.gov