It calls itself “the best of the border,” and with a quick look around Del Rio it’s easy to see why. Whether your idea of a getaway means shopping or swimming, hiking or hunting, Del Rio’s got something to offer. Del Rio stands apart from other border cities because of its abundance of water. The town is literally an oasis in the semiarid climate at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. Tall palm trees, lush lawns, and a golf course dotted with water hazards are all part of Del Rio. The San Felipe Springs pump ninety million gallons of water daily; the crystal-clear water has drawn inhabitants here for 10,000 years. Del Rio lies 15 miles from the Amistad Dam and Lake Amistad, the result of a cooperative effort between Mexico and the United States.
Northwest of Del Rio, past the town of Comstock, lies a must-see attraction: Seminole Canyon. Archaeologists believe the early residents of Seminole Canyon were hunter-gatherers, living on plants and small animals. The culture that made its home in this canyon produced the artwork now seen on guided tours. This park has some quiet sites located high above the canyon with spectacular views of the Chihuahuan Desert, dotted with cactus and populated with numerous bird species.
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Attractions
Amistad National Recreation Area. Fifteen miles north of Del Rio, this 57,292-acre park along the Rio Grande is also bordered by Lake Amistad which straddles the border with Mexico. Lake Amistad, derived from the Spanish word for friendship, was a joint project between Mexico and the US. The lake offers 1000 miles of shoreline and plenty of watersports fun; anglers can test their skills and try to land bass, crappie, catfish, and striper. The park is also notable for its excellent pre-historic Native American rock pictographs. Activities here include birding, camping, hiking, and fishing. Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas of the park, but not in any park buildings. Info: Off US 90.
Kickapoo Cavern State Park. Located northeast of Del Rio, this park is home to numerous caves including Stuart Bat Cave, a protected (closed) habitat. The caves are home to populations of Mexican free-tailed bats during warm weather months seen exiting at sunset. Year around, you and your dog can camp, hike, picnic, or enjoy the peace and quiet of this serene park. RR 674 22 miles north of Brackettville.
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site. (pictured above) Seminole Canyon was first occupied by early humans about 8,500 years ago. Little is known of that culture, but archaeologists believe these people were hunter-gatherers, living on plants and small animals. The early residents left paintings on the caves and canyon walls that represent animals, humans, and supernatural shamans, but their meaning is still unknown. These pictographs in ochre, black and white are some of the oldest rock art in North America. In the park campground, both tent and trailer sites are available, along with electrical and water hookups. You and Fido are invited to explore 10 miles of hiking trails, but dogs cannot go on the guided tours to the pictograph areas. During the warmer months, be sure to make this an early morning trip because the canyon can be very hot during the afternoon. West about 45 miles from Del Rio on US 90, 9 miles past the town of Comstock.
Val Verde Winery. Italian immigrant Frank Qualia established this winery in 1883, drawn to the area by its flowing springs and fertile land. The oldest winery in Texas, this enterprise is now operated by third-generation vintner Thomas Qualia. Val Verde produces many wines, including award-winning Don Luis Tawny Port. Tours and tastings are available on a drop-in basis. You and your dog are welcome to stroll along the winery’s public outdoor areas. 100 Qualia Drive.
Whitehead Memorial Museum. You (and your dog) are welcome to explore this museum—both indoor and outside areas—best known for its replica of the Jersey Lilly, Judge Roy Bean’s saloon and courtroom. (The original Jersey Lilly remains in Langtry, about 60 miles northwest of Del Rio.) Judge Bean and his son Sam are buried behind the replica of the saloon, their graves marked with simple headstones. The museum boasts more than twenty exhibit sites, including an 1870s store, a windmill, a log cabin, a caboose, and the Cadena Nativity, a cultural folk art exhibit. 1308 South Main St.
Festivals
MAY:
Cinco De Mayo. Del Rio honors this Mexican holiday with food booths, arts and crafts and fun activities. Brown Plaza, Cantu St.
JULY:
4th on the Creek. Del Rio hosts one of the biggest 4th of July celebrations in the state. Events include a fun run, a parade through downtown, live entertainment, food booths and a fireworks show. At San Felipe Creek and the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez, Jr. Amphitheatre, 301 W. De La Rosa St.
OCTOBER:
Fiesta De Amistad (Day of Friendship). Each year, Del Rio celebrates its ties to sister city Ciudad Acuña across the border with an international parade between the two cities. Other events include the Miss Del Rio Pageant, arts and crafts and the abrazo, a ceremonial hug between the cities’ mayors.
DECEMBER:
Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This holiday parade winds through city streets and concludes at Greenwood Park where the municipal Christmas tree is lit. Greenwood Park, 501 Griner St.