Share the post "Eagle Pass, Texas – (La Puerta de México)"
You might have heard people call Eagle Pass, Texas “La Puerta de México” and wondered where that name came from and what the city is all about.
Eagle Pass is a border city with a rich history as the first American settlement in the Rio Grande area. Today, it’s an important transport corridor between the United States and Mexico.
About Eagle Pass, Texas
What once was a settlement is now a small city with cozy vibes, hot summers, and a growing population.
Facts About Eagle Pass
- Location: Texan border city
- County: Maverick
- Land Area: 9.42 square miles
- Zip Codes: 78852 and 78853
- Population: 28,596 (estimate from 2021)
- Crime Rate: 146 (estimate from 2019)
- Average Temperature in June: 73-96°F
- Average Temperature in January: 42-65°F
- Universities: Southwest Texas Junior College at Eagle Pass
- Airport: Maverick County Memorial International Airport
- Best Hotels: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott
- Best Restaurants: Parrilla De San Miguel, The Wagon Wheel, and Peter Piper Pizza
What Eagle Pass Is Known For
Eagle Pass is best known for being a major connecting corridor for pedestrians, private cars, commercial trucks, and railways between the United States and Mexico. All in all, the city has three main border crossing points:
- International Bridge I
- International Bridge II
- Union Pacific Railroad Bridge
People From Eagle Pass
- Connie Douglas Reeves (National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Famer)
- Tres Barrera (baseball player)
- Louis Lane (conductor)
- Alia Moses (U.S. district judge)
- Justin Pérez (soccer player)
- Rian James (screenwriter)
Where Is Eagle Pass?
The border city lies on the west side of Maverick Country, right across from the Mexican city of Piedras Negras.
Nearby Locations
Eagle Pass is only about 145 miles southwest of San Antonio. So, the drive between the two Texan cities could take you 2.5-3 hours.
If you drive about 60 miles north on US-277, you’ll come across Del Rio city in Val Verde. On the other hand, Laredo is about 120 miles (a 2-hour drive) to the south on US-277 and US-83.
However, the closest place to Eagle Pass is actually Piedras Negras in Coahuila, Mexico, with only the border and the Rio Grande separating the two cities apart. In fact, they’re a walking distance away from each other!
Layout of Eagle Pass
The city runs along a narrow strip along the border. Overall, Eagle Pass is mostly flat, with an average elevation of 761 feet. However, there’s one main body of water in the area, and that’s the Maverick County Lake.
Areas in Eagle Pass
Although Eagle Pass is a relatively small Texan city, it has quite a few notable neighborhoods. The most common ones are:
- Chula Vista
- Siesta Acres
- Morales Circle Colonia
- Eidson Road
- Seco Mines
Getting About Eagle Pass, Texas
Getting around by car is the common option in Eagle Pass, but it’s also possible to rely on public transit bus services for transport within the city or to other parts of Southwest Texas.
On Foot
Despite its small size, Eagle Pass isn’t the most walkable city in the Lone Star State. It has a walk score of a mere 36.
Meanwhile, other residential areas in Texas, like University Park, rank on top with a walkability score of 61.
Driving
Generally speaking, Maverick country isn’t a particularly dangerous place to drive, especially when you compare it to places in Texas like Harris, Dallas, and Bexar. So, renting a car and driving around might be a good option if you stay in Eagle Pass for a while.
However, some people would consider US-277 to be the route with the most fatal incidents in the whole county. Plus, you’ll need to watch out for the deer if you’re driving after dark!
Public Transit
If you need to get around Eagle Pass using public transit, you can check out the services offered by the Southwest Area Regional Transit District (SWART) within city limits.
It’s also possible to use the SWART buses to move from Eagle Pass to San Antonio, Laredo, Del Rio, and Uvalde.
What to Do in Eagle Pass, Texas
Despite being a small city, Eagle Pass has a few attractions that can fill up an entire day, from enjoying the natural scenes to going back in time with a history tour.
Go Fishing at the Maverick County Lake Park
One of the most tranquil attractions near Eagle Pass is Maverick County Lake, and it’s particularly popular among fishermen.
However, even if fishing isn’t your cup of tea, you can set up a BBQ picnic and go for a jog around the lake. Alternatively, you can just sit and watch ducklings swim around!
Stroll Around the Downtown Area
Eagle Pass blends Mexican and American cultures in one spot, and walking around downtown is an excellent way to get immersed in the city’s vibes.
Plus, it could be a nice chance to pick up some souvenirs during a relaxing shopping spree. If you want more options, you can always look at the shops in Mall de las Aguilas on Bibb avenue.
Visit the Fort Duncan Museum
Over the years, Fort Duncan was an Army base, a park, and an officers’ club before burning down. Today, the renovated building stands on Bliss street as a museum that tells the rich history behind the border city of Eagle Pass.
Although there are plenty of artifacts and exhibits, you can tour the whole place in under an hour. So, you can jump to another attraction later in the day.
Hit the Golf Course
You don’t have to limit your time in Eagle Pass to historic sites and shopping — not when you can spend the afternoon at the 6,217-yard and 9-hole municipal course. It’s also on Bliss street, and you can check out the 18-hole miniature golf course later.
Where to Eat in Eagle Pass, Texas
There’s a decent variety of diners and restaurants in Eagle Pass, and plenty of these spots serve Mexican cuisine.
- Parrilla De San Miguel (Mexican cuisine)
- The Wagon Wheel (BBQ)
- Peter Piper Pizza
- Fuddruckers (burgers)
- Rodee’s Country Fried Chicken
Where to Stay in Eagle Pass, Texas
As long as you don’t expect a ton of luxuries, you can find suitable accommodation around Eagle Pass. Some even might have a view of Maverick County Lake!
- Hampton Inn Eagle Pass
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eagle Pass
- Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel
- Motel 6 – Lakeside
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Eagle Pass
Eagle Pass: FAQs
Is Eagle Pass a good place to live?
Eagle Pass can be a pleasant place to live if you’re looking for a city that balances the small-town vibes with a diverse culture.
That said, the Texan city still has its drawbacks. For instance, around 25.8% of its residents live in poverty. Plus, it doesn’t have a lot of entertainment options.
Is Eagle Pass safe?
While Eagle Pass isn’t a particularly dangerous spot, the city’s 2019 crime rate was still higher than 55.9% of other cities in the United States.
Is Eagle Pass worth visiting?
Yes, Eagle Pass can be a relaxing stop along the way if you’re crossing the border to Piedras Negras. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll still be able to enjoy the city’s natural scenery. Just don’t expect a ton of attractions that might be available in larger cities like San Antonio.
References:
- average elevation of 761 feet: topographic-map.com
- walk score: walkscore.com
- most fatal incidents: moneygeek.com
- 25.8% of its residents: census.gov
- 2019 crime rate: city-data.com
Share the post "Eagle Pass, Texas – (La Puerta de México)"
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
