Established in 1972, this sanctuary for the Attwater's prairie chicken covers
10,528 acres near the San Bernard River. More than 1 million of the birds lived
in the coastal prairie along the western Gulf Coast more than a century ago, but
as 99 percent of their habitat was gradually lost to development, the population
dropped as low as an estimated 60 birds living in the wild in 1998. The birds
are most active in the spring, and though their low numbers limit the chance of
seeing them, they are making a comeback. The refuge also hosts the annual
Attwater's Prairie Chicken Festival the second weekend in April (unless it falls
on Easter weekend, when it's the weekend prior). Special tours may be arranged
by contacting Eagle Lake Chamber of Commerce. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. On
F.M. 3013, 6.5 miles northeast of Eagle Lake. 979/234-2780. www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/attwater/index.html.
City: Eagle Lake
Region: Prairies and Lakes
With so many amazing things to do in Texas, there’s not enough room to feature them all. So check out some popular attractions to see just how much fun your Texas vacation can be.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
City: Canyon
Region: Panhandle Plains
Lakes near Dallas
City: Dallas
Region: Prairies and Lakes
Lake Conroe Park
City: Conroe
Region: Piney Woods
Galveston Island Beach
City: Galveston
Region: Gulf Coast
Lakes near San Antonio
City: San Antonio
Region: South Texas Plains
Devil’s Backbone
City: Wimberley
Region: Hill Country
Balmorhea State Park
City: Balmorhea
Region: Big Bend Country
