Texas has an amazing amount of plant, animal and bird life. Additionally, visitors to the Lone Star State have no shortage of options when it comes to choosing an area to view this vast variety of wildlife.
Located a short drive from South Padre Island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge boasts half a dozen trails on which visitors can view an amazing variety of bird and animal life, including the reclusive Ocelot.
This 1,700-acre wildlife center, located in Glen Rose, is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered and threatened species. Visitors can view over 1,000 animals from their own car or on guided tours.
Developed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, this unique birding trail takes birders from the Rio Grande to Sabine Pass, crossing through 43 counties along the way. Broken into three sections (Upper, Middle, and Lower Coast) this trail boasts over 300 viewing sites and hundreds of avian species.
The Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area/State Park is a joint effort between USFWS and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Matagorda Island Wildife Management Area/State Park is accessible by boat - either private or via the state park ferry.
Covering nearly 100,000 acres, Big Thicket National Preserve was the first such preserve in the United States. The Big Thicket NP is home to a diverse group of plants and animals and plays host to thousands of nature enthusiasts annually.
Famous as a winter home for whooping cranes, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge also is home to over 390 other bird species, as well as deer, bobcats, javelinas, alligators and more.
Located in the bird-rich Rio Grande Valley, the World Birding Center has a wealth of information for birders visiting Texas. The WBC is an extremely popular destination for birders during spring migration.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre drive-through safari located in the Texas Hill Country, just outside of San Antonio. The ranch features over 50 species from around the world, as well as some native Texas animals.
Named after the former First Lady, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to native plants and flowers and incorporates trails, gardens, natural habitat areas, butterfly gardens and educational programs to help promote the preservation and restoration of Texas wildflowers.
Located in Humble, a short drive from Houston, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 250 acre collection of native and cultivated plant life. Additionally, the center has an outdoor classroom, picnic area and miles of walking trails.
