Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto.
Photo: NPS / NPS
About Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. The battle was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. Although the two countries have developed strong bonds and friendly ties since the war ended in 1848, these neighbors continue to contend with the legacy of the war.
Pair it with another park
TXdrive time
LAdrive time
TXdrive time
TXdrive time
TXdrive time
TXdrive time
Driving times from Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Palo Alto Battlefield
- Mon
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tue
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wed
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thu
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Fri
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sun
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Resaca de la Palma Battlefield Unit
- Mon
- Closed
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 3:00PM
- Sun
- Closed
Activities
Getting there
Summers are hot and humid. Tropical weather systems generally affect the area from August to October. Winters are usually mild but cold fronts can drop temperatures by up to 30 degrees in about an hour.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Cultural Demonstrations, First Person Interpretation.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (4 h 28 min), El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail (5 h 44 min), Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park (5 h 46 min), Amistad National Recreation Area (6 h 53 min), Big Thicket National Preserve (7 h 26 min), Waco Mammoth National Monument (7 h 30 min).