Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
 
South Padre Island Nature and Birding CenterWelcome to Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
The Magic Valley’s early 20th Century transition into an agricultural powerhouse is retold at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, which also embraces nature conservation as a wing of the World Birding Center.
On a break from cross-border shopping excursions, visitors to this museum on the Rio Grande can learn about the steam-driven irrigation pumps that transformed Hidalgo County into a year-round farming phenomenon. They also can wander the museum’s grounds, where hummingbird gardens are planned, and where many of the Valley’s amazing bird species are regular visitors as well.
The Land
Native Huisache, Texas Ebony, Anacua, Mesquite and many native trees, shrubs and flowers surround the Hidalgo Pumphouse in order to attract Valley birds and butterflies.
 
Resaca Our Birds
Our Birds
Tropical kingfishers – both green and ringed – like the combination of water and woodland along the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse’s now abandoned intake channel. Those floodplain woodlands also harbor the Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Clay-colored Robin, Altamira Oriole and other Valley specialties.  In winter, various colorful warblers, kinglets and gnatcatchers can be found chasing their insect meals.  The Green Monk Parakeets can be found at the Hidalgo Pumphouse all year round, with nests in several trees alongside the intake channel and museum.
 
Learn and Discover
For now, visiting birders can tour the museum and grounds on their own or by appointment.
 
 
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Learn and Discover Picture
 
RGV Map
Click on Bird Icon above to navigate to desired flyway destination!
 
Directions:
Download map.

Visit Us

Physical Address
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
902 S. Second Street
Hidalgo, Texas 78557


Phone Icon


Phone: 956-843-8686
Fax: 956-843-6519

 

 

Hours
Mon. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
 Sat. - Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 


Admission
 Only on tours, Prices may vary.

Hours and admission fees apply only to the historic pumphouse.


Staff Contact List
Click here! :)

 
Nine Unique Locations
  
eBird-Tracker Link


Get Involved

Calendar of Events

Click here to view our Calendar of Events.

Join Us

Volunteer opportunities available.
Fill out online form here.

☞ Events & Programs Announcements

Bird Checklist
Old Hidalgo Bird Checklist herePdf Icon

(Download the Latest version of Adobe Acrobat ReaderPdf Icon here.)

Find your way
Download Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Google map Pdf Icon.





What's Here

There is a 4 1/2-mile (roundtrip) asphalt bike trail behind the Pumphouse on the levee; you can go east to the wetlands, or west underneath the border crossing.  While on this bike trail you may encounter several of our Brown and White Pelicans; Cormorant ducks, Grey Hawks, Turkey Vultures and American Coots are just a few of many waterfowls that can be seen while visiting the bike trail.  The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center also offers Bicycle Rentals for the more adventurous visitors. Venue Rentals and Photography Sessions are also available at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center.



Your Experience Includes:
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse offers:
  • Walking Trails
  • Historic Tours
  • Bicycle Rentals
  • Photography Sessions
  • Venue Rentals
 

Resources
Tourism Links:
 
Don't froget your water, hat and sunscreen graphic

 

 

 

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