Goliad State Park & Historic Site – Goliad, Texas
Goliad State Park is a hub for visiting the Mission Espiritu Santo State Historic Site. Also is the Presidio La Bahian. The Presidio La Bahia was built in 1749 to protect the Mission and the frontier. Later it was where Colonel Fannin and his ill-fated men were held prior to being executed at Santa Anna’s order. You can also make reservations to stay overnight in the Priests Quarters at this location. While here you can see the Fannin Memorial Monument which marks the burial site of Col. Fannin and his men.
Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site is where you can learn why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated. The day honors General Ignacio Zaragoza, General Zaragoza 
assumed command of the rag-tag Mexican Army and welded it into a staunch fighting force, which met and defeated the French on May 5, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla, which led to Mexico’s independence from France. You can see the reconstructed Birthplace which is adjacent to the Presidio and learn about this one of Texas heroes who was born in 1829. Now you know why Cinco de Mayo is such an important day to so many.
There are also the ruins of the 1750 Mission Rosario along the way as you travel the path of the San Antonio River Valley Historic District. Since the site is still being studied you can only visit by making an appointment.
The Park consists of 188.3 acres. There are so many things to see at the Park that you will spend at least a day learning about the history and culture of the early Texas settlers that lived in the area. You will see a refurnished replica of Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritue Santo de Zuniga which was reconstructed by the CCC in the 1930’s. Although the mission was originally established in 1722 near Matagorda Bay it was moved to where it stands today in 1749. It was the first large cattle ranch in Texas.
At the Park you can enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating (no ramps provided for river access), swimming (a junior Olympic swimming pool, operated by the City of Goliad is across from the park), nature study, and historical study. The park is a take-out point for the Goliad Paddling Trail.
At the Park along with the campgrounds you will be able to visit a museum, a workshop, interpretive center and more. You will have screened shelters to enjoy your family get together without having ot spend most of the day fighting the bugs! There is a group dining hall (capacity 80), an Amphitheater, restrooms both with and without showers. Take the nature trail hike that is just a short .3 miles long and a river trail that is 1.5 miles.
Directions: To get to the park, travel 1/4 mile south of Goliad on US Highway 183 and 77A.
Because of the very dry season there are no fires allowed at the Park at this time. Check with the Rangers before you think about starting a campfire!
The Park is open 7 days a week year-round. The busy season is December through March.
Location: 108 Park Rd 6
Goliad TX 77963-3206
Phone: 361/645-3405
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