Just west of the Gulf of Mexico, in an area called The Wild Horse Desert by early settlers, sits the historic town of Kingsville -the birthplace of the American ranching industry. Captain Richard E. King, in 1853, purchased land that was once part of the Rincon de Santa Gertrudis Spanish Land Grant and changed these coastal plains forever. He fenced and cleared the land, fought off raiding Indians, and even moved an entire village from Mexico. The residents of that village became some of Texas' first cowboys, and today, those Kinenos can still be seen on the streets of downtown Kingsville. Mrs. Henrietta King's legacy lives on in the churches, college, and schools her land donations made possible.

The King Ranch remains a working ranch, boasting over 60,000 cattle and 300 quarter horses and offers fabulous opportunities for nature lovers and birders. Spend a day on the Ranch and see a variety of tropical and migratory birds, white tailed deer, and javelinas. Group tours and packages, tailored specifically for your group, are also available.

Birdwatchers find a haven in Kingsville and the surrounding area. Over 450 species have been sighted on the more than one million acres of habitat comprised of shoreline, brush, and arid desert. This diverse habitat and Kingsville's location within the two greatest migratory flyways in the United States make it a prime destination for year round birding opportunities. Check out "Fast Facts for Birders" on our birding page!

Attractions in Kingsville, in addition to the King Ranch, include the John E. Connor Museum at Texas A&M-Kingsville and The King Ranch Museum. Together, they tell the story of Kingsville's colorful past, rich in history and cultural diversity. Historical downtown is eminiscent of America's old main streets, lined with specialty gift shops, a craft market, and of course, The King Ranch Saddle Shop. Cool down after a day of shopping and relax in one of our restaurants that offer a variety of venues and menu selections.

Several festivals and events mark Kingsville's calendar including the Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration, South Texas Birding and Wildlife Festival, the Ranching Heritage Festival, The Ranch Hand Breakfast, the international music competition, Young Performers, the Division II All-Star football game, Cactus Bowl, and numerous rodeos, concerts, and collegiate sporting events. See our Calendar of Events page!

Whether you've come to hunt, fish, explore nature or history, or just enjoy a quieter pace, join us -  Stop, look, and enjoy the Heart of South Texas.