General-

Situated on the eastern bank of the Arroyo Colorado; land promoters divided lots for the town in 1910 and sponsored a contest to name the townsite.  Rio Hondo was selected, which means "Deep River"; incorporated in 1927.  The city is a part of very fertile farmland found in the Rio Grande Valley with cotton and grain as the principal crops.  Mild Valley temperatures lure many winter visitors.

One of two lift-span bridges in Texas is in Rio Hondo.  Built in 1953, it allows barge and boat traffic to make their way to the port in Harlingen.

Visitors often seek sodas and other fountain drinks from the old-time soda fountain in the vintage downtown drug store.

Adolph Thomae, Jr. County Park-

The popular park on the Laguna Madre is operated by Cameron County and is located within and surrounded by the huge Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.   Facilities include lighted fishing piers, picnic areas, a playground, boat ramp, nature trail, and 35 RV sites with full hookups.  Take F.M. 106 East 3.1 miles to F.M. 2925; north 14.8 miles to the park entrance.  For information and reservations call (210) 748-2044.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge-

46,000-acre refuge at the southern end of Central Flyway, includes 7,000 acres of marshland, and salt and fresh water.  Thousands of waterfowl winter here.  Resident species include many kinds of gulls, least grebe, Harris' Hawk, kiskadee flycatcher, and painter bunting.  Other wildlife include coyote, bobcat, javelina, and white-tailed deer.  Foot and driving routes available.  Visitor Center features wildlife exhibits, bird and animal lists; picnic area; access (some 7 miles east) to intersection F.M. 106/ F.M. 1847.  Open daylight hours except federal holidays.  Saltwater fishing on Harlingen Ship Channel at West Side Recreation Area, access from Arroyo City.  Admission.

Texas Air Museum

More that 100 individuals with a common interest in aviation formed a museum with the goal to present aviation history with exhibits dedicated to past and present aviation in Texas, including the Eastern Front during WW II (campaigns in Norway), Korea, and Vietnam.  Among planes exhibited are a Russian Yak-3, a Focke-Wulf 190 F-8, "Huey" UH 1H, and a T-6, the original aerobat 1A.  Open daily 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Museum sponsors fly-ins first Sat. of May and Sept.  At Texas Dusting Service on F.M. 106, 1 mile east of city. Tel. (210) 748-2112.