Where is Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park,Brownsville, Texas?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is located in Texas, USA. It lies between Brownsville and Harlingen and is situated in the Rio Grande Valley. It is famous for being the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War in 1846.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Location Map,Brownsville, Texas

Top Attractions Inside Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park

  • Battlefield Site – Historic grounds where the first major battle of the Mexican-American War took place.
  • Visitor Center – Exhibits and information on the battle, military history, and local heritage.
  • Interpretive Trails – Walking paths with signs detailing troop movements and historical events.
  • Monuments & Markers – Commemorative structures honoring soldiers and key moments of the battle.
  • Picnic Areas – Designated spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the park setting.
  • Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to see native birds, small mammals, and prairie flora.
  • Educational Programs – Ranger-led talks and guided tours explaining historical and cultural significance.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Facts

Official NamePalo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
LocationBrownsville, Cameron County, Texas, USA — Rio Grande Valley, near Mexico–U.S. border
Latitude & Longitude25.9361° N, 97.5140° W
Total AreaApprox. 1,200 acres (≈4.9 km²)
Established / OpenedDesignated as a National Historical Park in 2009 (previously Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site in 1978)
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionRio Grande Valley / South Texas / Cameron County
AddressPalo Alto Battlefield NHP, 1 Palo Alto Drive, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA
Zip Code78521
Area Code956
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHistorical battlefield preservation, Mexican–American War site, education, memorial, outdoor recreation
Main Sections / AreasVisitor Center & Museum, Battlefield Grounds, Walking Trails, Memorial Markers, Interpretive Exhibits
Famous AttractionsBattlefield monument, interpretive trails, exhibits on the 1846 Battle of Palo Alto, educational programs, commemorative events
Annual VisitorsApprox. 30,000–50,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypeFree public access
Ticket Price RangeFree; donations accepted
Ticket OptionsSelf-guided tours, educational programs, ranger-led tours (seasonal), battlefield trails
Best Time to VisitFall–Spring for mild temperatures; avoid peak summer heat
Nearby AirportBrownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) – ~15 miles (24 km)
TransportationCar access via TX-48 and local roads, walking trails, limited public transport, parking available at visitor center
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/paal/index.htm

Distances from Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Brownsville, TX Downtown – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Resaca de la Palma Battlefield – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Gladys Porter Zoo – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Rio Grande Valley Museum – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • South Padre Island – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Port Isabel Lighthouse – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Harlingen, TX – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Valley International Airport – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Los Fresnos, TX – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • Palms Village Shopping Center – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Gladys Porter Zoo Botanical Gardens – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Brownsville Historic District – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Resaca Trail – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Old Port Isabel – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Southmost Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Charro Ranch – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Frontera Audubon Sanctuary – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge – 35 km (21.7 mi)