Shady Acres 55+ RV Resort

The Great Outdoors

Just a few miles south and on the border with Mexico is the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. The over 2,000-acre refuge opened in 1943 and is an essential habitat for a large number of birds and animals. The Rio Grande forms the southern edge of the sanctuary and plays a vital role in the life of the park. Call in at the visitor center for information on the many trails or take one of the free guided tours. You can also borrow binoculars and books to help you identify animals and birds as you explore. Look out in particular for ocelots and bobcats, but also some of the 400 plus species of birds and more than 300 species of butterfly that call the refuge home.The refuge has over 12 miles of hiking trails, taking you past the numerous small lakes and down to the edge of the Rio Grande. Just inside the refuge entrance is an observation tower and canopy walk that give beautiful views over the park and surrounding area, and is perfect for bird spotting.On the Gulf Coast is the massive Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This vast expanse of coastal, wetland, and forest offers a habitat to 100's of species of animals and birds. During the migration period, this number increases significantly, including up to 250,000 ducks that stop off for a rest in November. The visitor center is open daily with a wealth of information, and they can arrange guided tours, often for free.There are over 70 miles of trails to help you explore the park, from short nature trails with information boards to hikes of up to 14 miles. Many of the trails can be combined to choose your route and trail length.

Exploring the Area

Shady Acres 55+ RV Resort is in the center of the town, just a short walk from grocery stores, restaurants, and bars, so there is no need to move your rental RV once it is set up on-site.In the nearby town of McAllen is the Quinta Mazatlan mansion. Along with the beautiful house, you'll find extensive grounds containing a nature and birding center that is also home to around 400 species of butterfly. During each spring, the mansion hosts the Monarch Festival, with music, arts and crafts, a farmers market, and much more to celebrate the butterflies and spring pollination.For a taste of Mexico, one of the best places to cross the border is at Nuevo Progreso. A new pedestrian walkway has been constructed that takes you straight to the heart of the shopping and entertainment center of the town. Here, you can snap up some bargains, buy souvenirs, enjoy some great Mexican food and traditional Mexican music and entertainment.A short drive north brings you to the town of Edinburg, where you can find the Museum of South Texas History. Here, you can learn about the Rio Grande Valley and the incredible history of the region. The museum building is also impressive, built in the Spanish Colonial style, and features a huge chandelier in the form of South Texas animals and plants.