Sports

Mission MSA has a variety of recreational facilities available to its citizens including public parks, public and private golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools. For the avid outdoorsman, world-class fishing and hunting opportunities abound. There are many boating facilities in the area and Mission provides one of the few spots for water skiing on the Rio Grande River. The following are recreational attractions in the Mission area:

World Birding Center
Mission is the headquarters for the World Birding Center which has nine designated sites that will protect wildlife habitats throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

International Butterfly Park
Unlike various butterfly conservatories that have been built across the United States, NABA International Butterfly Park will provide intensive outdoor gardens of native nectar plants and specific caterpillar host plants as well as natural habitat to attract large numbers of wild butter flies, and conserve rare native butterflies. The 85 acre out-door park will also have facilities such as a visitor center, garden café, and gift shop.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park has over six hundred acres set aside to preserve native flora and fauna along the banks of the Rio Grande. Facilities include primitive camping sites, a boat ramp, an open group shelter, a playground, a picnicking area and bird observation blinds. Even if you aren't a camper, put this park on your "must see" list for a view of Mission's natural beauty.

Anzalduas County Park and Dam
Anzalduas County Park is located on the river in Mission, is a beautiful spot for picnicking, boating and wildlife watching.

The Verizon Sports Park
Located inside the Sharyland Plantation, the Verizon Sports Park includes six (6) softball fields, 12 sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, two children's playgrounds and other amenities. The complex was host to the Hispanic World 2000 tournament, the largest slow-pitch softball tournament, drawing 400-500 teams with 12 members in each team attending. Other activities include a PBVA Tour, professional beach volleyball, and efforts to attract spring baseball training camps are underway.

A Golfer's Paradise
Mission is home to four fabulous golf courses. Set in deep South Texas, both novice and professional golfers alike can take advantage of the year-round outdoor climate. Our world-class golf courses have been uniquely designed to accent the tropical vegetation and climate that make the Rio Grande Valley a favorite among golf enthusiasts. Take a moment to find out why Mission is truly a golfers' paradise. Golf courses in Mission include: Cimarron Country Club, Martin Valley Ranches, Seven Oaks Resort and County Club and Shary Municipal Golf Course.