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.
Photo: NPS
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto.
- LocationBrownsville, TX
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now94°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Artillery
- Battlefields
- Birds
- Cavalry
- Colonization and Settlement
- Endangered
29 more topics
- Forts
- Grasslands
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Immigration
- Infantry and Militia
- Latino American Heritage
- Maritime
- Maritime - Military
- Mexican War
- Migrations
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Natural Sounds
- Prairies
- Presidents
- Rare
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Science, Technology and Innovation
- Thickets and Shrublands
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Trails
- Unique Species
- US Army
- US Marines
- US Navy
- Wars and Conflicts
- Westward Expansion
- Wetlands
Alerts (1)
InformationHike and Bike Closure
The historic battlefield trail hike and bike trail gate closes daily at sunset and reopens the next morning.
Things to Do
18 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Palo Alto Visitor Center
Facility
The visitor center features an exhibit area features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and Mexican War era military uniforms. The center also offers a 15-minute…
7200 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville, TX (956) 541-2785 Directions
Details
The visitor center features an exhibit area features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and Mexican War era military uniforms. The center also offers a 15-minute video—"War on the Rio Grande.” The video gives an overview of the war and is available in English and Spanish. The visitor center includes a small book store with over 100 book titles and specialty items. Don’t forget to get your national parks passport book stamped!
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM · Palo Alto Battlefield
Hours by area (2)
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Palo Alto BattlefieldDaily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Park grounds are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Visitor center hours of operation differ from park hours of operation and are dependent upon staffing. The visitor center may be closed when the grounds are open. Park trails close to new traffic at 4:30 pm. All gates are locked at 5 pm. All vehicles must clear the park by 5 pm.
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 8:00AM - 5:00PM -
Resaca de la Palma Battlefield UnitToday: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
The site officially closes at dusk and is closed on all federal holidays.
Monday Closed Tuesday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 3:00PM Sunday Closed
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
94°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 107°
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Today
94° 83°
Patchy rain nearby61% rain
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Tomorrow
92° 81°
Overcast79% rain -
Saturday
88° 77°
Overcast76% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
8 coming up-
Living History Program
About
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).
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Living History Program
About
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).
-
Living History Program
About
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).
-
Living History Program
About
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).
Show 4 more events
-
Living History Program
About
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).
-
Living History Program
About
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).
-
Living History Program
About
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).
-
Living History Program
About
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).
Photos
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The park's living history programs offer a unique learning experience. — NPS Photo -
Getting There
Brownsville, TX 78526
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.
Mailing address: 600 E. Harrison Street, Brownsville, TX 78520
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