Things To Do In Del Rio, Texas: A Haven For Nature And History Lovers

things to do in del rio texas
Melanie
Melanie 
Published
| 5 min read

Del Rio, Texas is best known for being the home of Laughlin Air Force Base, known as the busiest training facility for the United States Air Force. However, there is more to the city than this. It offers historic destinations, museums, and restful escapes that can be visited all year round. Read on to find out all the fun places you can visit in Del Rio.

1. Go fish at Amistad National Recreation Area

AmistadSunset
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user National Park Ser... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

At the center of Amistad National Recreation Area is Lake Amistad, the third largest lake in Texas. It’s known as one of the best bass fishing spots in the area, although it is also home to other types of fish, such as yellow catfish and stripers. Make sure to get your fishing permit before you cast a line there.

If you are not a fan of fishing, don’t worry, because there are a lot of activities that await you in the park. Water sports such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and scuba diving can be done there. Visitors can also go hiking, hunting, bird watching, and camping. You can also just stroll along the place to explore and take photos of the beauty of the area, which is surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs.

Amistad National Recreation Area

Address: 4121 Veterans Boulevard, Del Rio, TX

Price: No entrance fee. However, fees are charged for lake use (4 USD for a one-day pass for boats), camping (4 USD per night at Rough Canyon, San Pedro, Spur 406, and 277 North campgrounds, and 8 USD per night at Governors Landing campground), and hunting (20 USD for a hunting permit per season)

Opening Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm daily

Contact: +1 8307757491 ext. 0

Website: Amistad National Recreation Area

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2. Explore the local artists’ works

Posted by Falcon Art Gallery Texas on Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Del Rio has an active arts scene. The city is home to several art galleries which feature the paintings, sculptures, and photographs of local artists. Alternatively, you can check out their works on the art walk, which takes place every first Friday of the month. Visitors may notice a Mexican touch in some of the artworks, which comes as no surprise considering the proximity of Mexico to the city, which played a role in making Del Rio a perfect blend of American and Mexican cultures.

The Firehouse is an institution of its own. So named because it served this purpose at some point in Del Rio’s history, it also was used as the city hall and a jail before it became an art gallery. This place is not just for experienced artists though, because arts enthusiasts can take up lessons there, ranging from writing and painting to performance arts such as dancing. Casa del Cultura also offers art, music, and dance classes, aside from exhibiting local artwork. Falcon Art Gallery is worth visiting not just for its art, but for its history. It is found in the Glenn-Dowe House, which is a Texas historic landmark.

Casa de la Cultura

Address: 302 Cantu Street, Del Rio, TX

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9 am – 1 pm; 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Contact: +1 8307682287

Website: Casa de la Cultura

Falcon Art Gallery

Address: 301 East Garfield Street, Del Rio, TX

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 1 pm – 6 pm

Contact: +1 8304695327

Website: Falcon Art Gallery

Firehouse

Address: 120 East Garfield, Del Rio, TX

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; Saturdays, 10 am – 2 pm

Contact: +1 8304695327

Website: Firehouse

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3. Discover ancient cave paintings at the Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

Seminole Canyon Park6
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zereshk used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Some of the oldest prehistoric cave paintings in North America can be found at Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, which is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north-west of Del Rio. Make sure to drop by Panther Cave, so called because a 10-foot (3 meter) long painting of the feline can be found there, along with other images.

If the history is not enough to draw you in, maybe the beautiful surroundings will. The canyons, made of limestone, make for picturesque scenes. You can also have an overlooking view of the Rio Grande River from Parida Cave, which is also found within the park and also hosts several cave paintings. Adventure seekers can also go hiking, mountain biking, and camping while here. Just make sure to bring sun protection such as hats, sunblock, and sunglasses, as the park is composed of arid grasslands.

Guides are needed to reach these caves, so make sure to make arrangements with the National Park Service or the Rock Art Foundation instead of trying to look for these sites yourself.

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

Address: US Highway 90, Comstock, TX

Price: 3 USD for adults; children 12 years and below can go in for free

Opening Hours: 8 am – 4:45 pm daily

Contact: +1 5123898900

Website: Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

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4. Explore the wild outdoors at the Devils River State Natural Area

Devils River State Natural Area, Texas (z)

Posted by Americká krása II on Friday, 10 March 2017

Thrill seekers will definitely get a kick out of Devils River State Natural Area, so called because of its rocky limestone canyons and terrain. Visitors can go camping, hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking here. Kayaking is allowed, although only experienced paddlers are allowed to do so here. You will also need to get a Devils River Access Permit if you want to traverse the river, or at least access the managed sites. Those who want quieter activities can also try swimming, fishing, or nature photography within the area.

Make sure to bring your food and water while here, as there are no stalls where you can buy these. The park boasts of its rugged amenities, so prepare accordingly. The river is about one mile (1.6 km) away from the actual campsite, so prepare your trekking shoes if you will visit the area. Reservations need to be made at least one day before going camping within the park.

Devils River State Natural Area

Address: 21715 Dolan Creek Road, Del Rio, TX

Price: Entrance is free

Opening Hours: The park is open from 8 am Friday to 5 pm Monday

Contact: +1 8307747568

Website: Devils River State Natural Area

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5. Witness the yesteryears of Del Rio at the Whitehead Memorial Museum

Posted by Whitehead Memorial Museum on Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Whitehead Memorial Museum features an interactive exhibit which gives visitors a peek at how life was like on the frontier. It is the perfect pastime for history buffs interested in American history.

Whitehead Memorial Museum

Address: 1308 South Main Street, Del Rio, TX

Price: from 5 USD for those between 18-55 years old; 4 USD for senior citizens and military (55 years old and above); 3 USD for those between 6-17 years old. Children 5 years old and under can go in for free.

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 am – 6 pm; Sundays, 1 pm – 5 pm

Contact: +1 8307747568

Website: Whitehead Memorial Museum

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6. Learn more about the history of the Air Force by visiting Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum

After approaching the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum about my B-26 diorama and the resultant meeting yesterday, the...

Posted by David Weber on Tuesday, 3 May 2016

The Laughlin Heritage Museum is found within the Air Force Base. It features the different awards, medals and other artifacts of the personnel and units that once served at the Laughlin Air Force Base.

Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum

Address: 309 South Main Street, Del Rio, TX

Opening Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 10 am – 12 nn; 1 pm – 4 pm

Contact: +1 8307199380

Website: Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum

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7. Cool off from the hot Texan weather by swimming in San Felipe Springs

A 30 second capture of the San Felipe Springs last night.

Posted by Beautiful Del Rio Texas on Tuesday, 16 June 2015

The weather in Texas can be extremely dry. To cool off, you can visit San Felipe Springs, one of the known waterholes in the area. Spanish explorers and missionaries were said to bathe here during the 17th-century.

San Felipe Springs

Address: 1308 South Main Street, Del Rio, TX

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8. Watch a local performance

Posted by Rodz Dance Studio on Sunday, 25 May 2014

Del Rio is the home of The Upstagers, an award-winning theater group. They perform regularly at the Paul Poag Theatre. In case the group is on tour while you are in the area, don’t worry, because performances are regularly held there, so theater lovers will be able to catch a show while in Del Rio.

Paul Poag Theatre

Address: 1308 South Main Street, Del Rio, TX

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9. Try out local wines at Val Verde Winery

Too many corks is never a problem! We have the perfect wine cork cages to set up in your home to store each and every cork! These wine cork cages also make the perfect gift! Stop by soon to check them out!

Posted by Val Verde Winery on Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Val Verde Winery is the oldest winery in the entire state, having been established in 1883. The winery produces 10 different types of wines, including Don Luis Tawny Port, an award-winning vintage. You can choose to go on a wine tasting session or take a tour to explore the vineyards of Val Verde Winery.

Val Verde Winery

Address: 100 Qualia Drive, Del Rio, TX

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm, for tours and tastings

Contact: +1 8307747568

Website: Val Verde Winery

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10. Take part in the Archeology County Fair in October

Don't forget to come to the Archeology Fair on Saturday October 6 from 10am - 3pm at the Whitehead Memorial Museum. Come...

Posted by Whitehead Memorial Museum on Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Del Rio hosts the annual Archeology County Fair, held at the Whitehead Memorial Museum every October. It is intended to teach visitors about history, specifically, the way of life in times past. The Kickapoo Native Americans also demonstrate their tribal dance during the festival.

Archeology County Fair

Address: Whitehead Memorial Museum, 1308 South Main Street, Del Rio, TX

Contact: +1 8307747568

Website: Whitehead Memorial Museum

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Del Rio: Proof that history and culture can be fun

Del Rio is proof that blending history and culture is not only educational, it can also be great fun. Visit the city and see for yourself how these, combined with activities that allow you to explore the great outdoors, make Del Rio a year-round tourist destination.

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Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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