Shelby Park 🇺🇸

Situated directly on the banks of the Rio Grande River in downtown Eagle Pass, Texas, Shelby Park offers 47.4 acres (19.2 ha) of municipal parkland right beside the Eagle Pass–Piedras Negras International Bridge. The City of Eagle Pass established the park using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to repurpose the space after severe flooding in 1998 cleared away local homes and businesses. It takes its name from Confederate General Joseph O.

Shelby, who famously fled to Mexico through Eagle Pass back in 1865. When you visit this unique waterfront site, you will find practical recreational amenities including two ball fields, two soccer fields, dedicated parking, and a convenient boat ramp. Beyond its everyday features, Shelby Park holds significant historical and contemporary importance.

The area served as the site for a powerful temporary memorial erected by the Eagle Pass Border Coalition, displaying 700 crosses to honor migrants who lost their lives along the U.S.–Mexico border in 2023. Additionally, the park became a major focal point of state border security operations when the Texas National Guard seized the grounds under Operation Lone Star to install barriers and razor wire.

What to see at Shelby Park

• Expansive 47.4-acre municipal parkland situated on the Rio Grande River
• Adjacent to the Eagle Pass–Piedras Negras International Bridge
• Recreational features including two ball fields, two soccer fields, and a boat ramp
• Historical site named after Confederate General Joseph O. Shelby
• Focal point of recent border security actions under Operation Lone Star

Visiting tips

Check for current access restrictions before planning your visit, as state operations have previously closed the park and added physical barriers.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Shelby Park is easy to reach on Eagle Pass’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Eagle Pass travel guide.