Texas Travel.

Big Bend National Park Announces Temporary Closures for Wildlife Management Project

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Tex. – In early October, Big Bend National Park and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will initiate targeted wildlife management actions to protect native desert bighorn sheep. The project aims to reduce the population of non-native Barbary sheep, or aoudad, within the park, continuing the annual collaboration between the park and TPWD.

National Park Service to Commemorate President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 118th Birthday with Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

The National Park Service invites the public to honor the legacy of our 36th president at the annual wreath-laying ceremony marking the 118th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s birth. This commemorative event will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 27, at President Johnson’s gravesite on the LBJ Ranch. Mark K. Updegrove, noted author and presidential historian, will deliver the keynote address.

Big Thicket National Preserve Hunting Permit Registration Opens September 1, 2026

Hunters can get a free hunting permit at the visitor center beginning September 1, 2026. Permits will be available first-come, first-served throughout the hunting season.

Big Thicket to Host Free Fishing Day for National Park Week

Go fish! Join rangers for a morning of free, family-friendly activities at Collier's Ferry Park in Beaumont on August 29. Kids can fish for free and enjoy a free boat ride on the Ivory Bill.

Summer 2026 Programs at Big Thicket

This summer, Big Thicket is offering night hikes, canoe trips, free fishing days, nature walks, and free movies. Check our calendar for more information on dates and times.

2026 Junior Ranger Day Celebration at Big Thicket National Preserve

Join us for Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 11, 2026! All ages are invited to stop by the visitor center for family-friendly activities and earn a badge.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Sees 1.55 Million Visits in 2025 with Updated Traffic Counting

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park welcomed 1.55 million recreation visits in 2025. Despite a 43-day partial government shutdown – the longest ever – the National Park Service worked to keep parks open and accessible whenever possible so visitors could continue to experience the nation’s natural and historic treasures.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Announces Special Spring Programs

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invites you to welcome in spring with two outdoor programs this March: Johnson Settlement Ranger Walks and Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch

Invasive Tree Removal Along the Rio Grande

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – Big Bend National Park will cut down and apply herbicide to invasive tamarisk along the Rio Grande, including the Hot Springs area, February 12-28.

Winter 2026 Happenings at Big Thicket National Preserve

Enjoy the cool winter weather at Big Thicket! Join us for a variety of ranger-led programs, a new art exhibit, volunteer opportunities, and feral hog trapping permit registration.

Critical Water Shortage in Chisos Basin, Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, Texas—On December 23, 2025, the water pumps at Oak Spring failed completely. These pumps supply water to the Chisos Basin developed area from Oak Spring, the only water source for the Chisos Basin. The park immediately enacted Stage 2 water restrictions to conserve the water stored in the Chisos Basin water tanks.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Kevin Lilly Visits San Antonio Missions, Honors Joint Base San Antonio and Military Members

On Dec. 10, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proudly welcomed Kevin Lilly, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, for a visit celebrating the park’s collaboration with Joint Base San Antonio.

Big Thicket to Host Volunteer Planting Event this Winter

Volunteer at Big Thicket on December 13, 2025, to help us plant longleaf pines and native plants. All ages are welcome!

Tourism to Big Bend National Park contributes $56.8 million to local economy

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – A new National Park Service report shows that in 2024, 561 thousand park visitors spent an estimated $56.8 million in local gateway regions while visiting Big Bend National Park. These expenditures supported a total of 585 jobs, $17.3 million in labor income, $34.4 million in value added, and $63.7 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Big Bend National Park.

Tourism to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park contributes $171 million to local economy

A new National Park Service report shows that 1.3 million visitors to San Antonio Missions in 2024 spent $114,683,000 in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $171,164,000.

Wildlife Project Will Temporarily Close Remote Sections of Big Bend National Park

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas – In early October, Big Bend National Park will implement targeted management actions to protect native desert bighorn sheep by reducing the population of non-native Barbary sheep (aoudad) within the park. This is a continuation of the park’s annual aoudad management in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD).

Big Thicket National Preserve Announces Fall 2025 Programs

Fall is a great time to explore Big Thicket! Join rangers for a series of free programs and special events in the preserve this fall season.

Rex Hausmann selected as the 2025 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park’s Artist-in-Residence

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is excited to announce the selection of Rex Hausmann—a celebrated local contemporary artist—as the 2025 Artist-in-Residence, bringing his vibrant creativity and welcoming spirit to the park and its visitors. The Artist-in-Residence program is a National Park Service-wide initiative that hosts artists in parks to help connect visitors and tell park stories through art. This year’s program is made possible thanks to support from our park partner, Mission Heritage Partners.

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

Join our guided walks led by a National Park Ranger at Mission San José. Daily 10:00 am and 11:00 am (weather permitting). Each tour is limited to 50 people. First come, first served daily. San José guided walks begin at the Visitor Center at Mission San José (6701 San Jose Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78214.) All park programs are free of charge and wheelchair-accessible. *no ranger-led programs on the 1st Wednesday of every month

Ranger Guided Tour of Mission San José

Join our guided walks led by a National Park Ranger at Mission San José. Daily 10:00 am and 11:00 am (weather permitting). Each tour is limited to 50 people. First come, first served daily. San José guided walks begin at the Visitor Center at Mission San José (6701 San Jose Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78214.) All park programs are free of charge and wheelchair-accessible. *no ranger-led programs on the 1st Wednesday of every month

Astrophotography Workshop

Join special guest Don Riddle for the opportunity to work with a professional to learn more astrophotography using your own camera equipment. You must have your own equipment to participate. Required equipment includes: 1. Camera with ISO up to 6400 (DSLR or Mirrorless), 2. Wide Angle Lens 50 mm or less, 3. Sturdy Tripod, 4. Red light headlamp, 5. Camera Manual. Sign up limited to 15 visitors per night. Sign Up Required. Call 432-477-2251 or in person at Panther Junction Visitor Center.

Schedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antelope Creek Village Tour Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village Each Saturday in October, meet at Alibates Ranch along Cas Johnson Road at 9:15 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People , who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD . Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains. This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike , so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions. To protect this fragile cultural site: • Do not touch or remove artifacts • Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger • No dogs allowed, except service animals Participation is limited to 25 people , and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑886-3826 to secure your spot. Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Annual Lantern Tours

Fort Davis National Historic Site's Annual Lantern Tours are back! On this one night of the year, join park staff in this free event as they guide visitors by lantern light through reenacted scenes of daily life at the fort. The Lantern Tours will be held the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2026. There will be eight tours, one hour in length, beginning at 6:40 pm for those who prefer more daylight. Each tour is limited to 20 guests and reservations are recommended as spots fill up quickly. Tour times are as follows: 6:40, 6:55, 7:10, 7:25, 7:40, 7:55, 8:10, 8:25. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your selected tour. Flashlights are allowed to assist with walking from scene to scene, closed-toe footwear is encouraged.

Schedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antelope Creek Village Tour Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past. Each Saturday in October, meet at Alibates Ranch along Cas Johnson Road at 9:15 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People , who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD . Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains. This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike , so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions. To protect this fragile cultural site: • Do not touch or remove artifacts • Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger • No dogs allowed, except service animals Participation is limited to 25 people , and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑886-3826 to secure your spot. Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Schedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antelope Creek Village Tour Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village. Each Saturday in October, meet at Alibates Ranch at 9:15 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People , who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD . Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains. This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike , so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions. To protect this fragile cultural site: • Do not touch or remove artifacts • Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger • No dogs allowed, except service animals Participation is limited to 25 people , and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑886-3826 to secure your spot. Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Entrance Fee Free Day - Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday

All entrance fees are waived in recognition of Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.

Canoe Trip

Paddle through a mysterious maze of bald cypress and tupelo on Halloween! Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours. Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.

Schedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antelope Creek Village Tour Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village Each Saturday in October, meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 9:00 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People , who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD . Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains. This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike , so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions. To protect this fragile cultural site: • Do not touch or remove artifacts • Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger • No dogs allowed, except service animals Participation is limited to 25 people , and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑886-3826 to secure your spot. Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Sunrise Yoga: Halloween Edition 🎃

👻 For this special program of Sunrise Yoga: Halloween Edition, costumes are encouraged! 🎃 Awaken your senses and embrace the tranquility of the morning with our sunrise yoga class on the rooftop deck of the Malaquite Visitor Center, overlooking the sparkling waters of the gulf. You'll witness the sun rising over the horizon as you cultivate inner peace and vitality in this picturesque setting. Led by a certified yoga instructor, this one-hour, unique experience harmonizes mind and body through gentle movement and stretching, accompanied by the soothing sound of the ocean. Find your balance and connect with nature in this serene environment! All levels are welcome—no prior experience required. Space is limited to 20 people and advance registration is required. Reserve your spot by calling the Malaquite Visitor Center at 361-949-8068. You may signup beginning 7 days before each program date. Please bring your own yoga mat/towel, props (blocks/strap), and water to drink. The rooftop is accessed by two flights of stairs. Event is weather dependent.

Plains Buffalo Workshop

The Plains Buffalo Project — November 7, 2026 Step into the history of the Plains Buffalo and its deep connection to life in the Texas Panhandle. Join us for a powerful and creative workshop where participants will explore the cultural and ecological importance of the buffalo — then paint a buffalo skull watercolor inspired by traditional designs. All supplies are provided, and no art experience is needed. Event Details Date: November 7, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Activity: Presentation + watercolor buffalo skull painting Capacity: Limited to 20 participants Reservations: Call 806‑886‑3826 to register What You’ll Experience The history and legacy of the Plains Buffalo How the buffalo shaped life in the Texas Panhandle A guided watercolor session painting a buffalo skull A hands‑on, meaningful learning experience for all ages Reserve Your Spot Space is limited — once we reach 20 participants, registration closes. Call 806‑886‑3826 to save your place.