Mission offers several distinct reasons to visit: local history, the annual Texas Citrus Fiesta, gardens and natural habitats, and golf. When planning your trip, it helps to start by choosing your main interest. These themes do not have to be combined into one set itinerary; you can consider them as different reasons to think of Mission as a destination.

History at the Museum and Park

The Mission Historical Museum offers events and programs for all ages and is housed in two historic buildings in downtown Mission. The museum’s post office building contains an original WPA mural—the only mural of its kind still preserved in the Valley. The museum thus brings together historic spaces and a single artwork with a special place in the region. Check the current program if a particular event is a deciding factor for your trip. The post office building dates to 1940.

La Lomita Historical Park preserves the Oblate Mission, known as La Lomita Chapel. The two names refer to the same historic site, not two separate attractions. This is useful when planning how to fit the park and chapel into your trip: the focus is the preserved mission, not a second, independent itinerary stop. The park also has restrooms and ten picnic tables, combining its historic significance with practical visitor amenities.

A Festival Celebrating the Citrus Industry

The Texas Citrus Fiesta offers a different focus. Held annually, the festival celebrates Mission’s multimillion-dollar citrus industry. While the museum and La Lomita explore the city’s history through buildings and a historic site, this festival puts the industry in the spotlight. If you plan to travel for the festival, check the event dates in advance and plan your trip around them.

Gardens, Nature and Golf

The National Butterfly Center in Mission offers a focus on nature. It spans 100 acres of gardens and natural habitats, which visitors can explore along with the trails. This destination differs from the museum and La Lomita, where buildings and history take center stage. If you want to focus your trip more on gardens and natural areas, the center is a distinct option.

Golf is another point of interest: Shary Municipal Golf Course is a 27-hole course. It is therefore quite different from the history-focused sites and the National Butterfly Center’s focus on nature. If you are considering Mission as a destination, you can decide whether golf, history or exploring gardens and trails should shape your stay.

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