Zapata is located along State Highway 83, this is the primary trade route between Laredo and the Lower  Rio Grande Valley.

Zapata's current population is about 12,000, which increases about 30% during the winter.

During the winter months thousands of Winter Texans arrive to enjoy our mild climate and fine fishing.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (N.A.F.T.A.) has increased the visibility and viability of South Texas.

Currently, South Texas is one of the nation's fastest growing regions, South Texas is in the path of progress and explosive growth.

Our neighboring city of Laredo is the primary gateway for trade between the three member nations of the treaty.

Zapata enjoys great geographical placement, just 49 miles from Laredo, 79 miles from McAllen and a couple of driving hours from San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Texas and Mexico's northern industrial giant, Monterrey.

Zapata County and the surrounding area, both North and South of the Rio Grande River, abound in exciting and romantic history.

The Spanish-Mexican heritage of the region is quite apparent and influential in every aspect of life.

Texas proudly relates its history of having been under six flags, France, Spain, Mexico, The Republic of Texas, The Confederacy and the United States.

Zapata County and the surrounding area can add a seventh flag to their history, that of The Republic of the Rio Grande.

It is from one of the participants of this effort to form The Republic of the Rio Grande that the city and county derive their name.

Dedicated on October 19, 1953 by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Falcon Lake Reservoir became the second largest fresh water lake in the state of Texas.

The lake covers an area of about 87,300 acres along the Rio Grande River on the U.S.A. - Mexico Border.

Falcon Lake offers 432 miles of shoreline, breathtaking scenery and is rated among the best Bass fishing lakes in Texas.

White, Black, Striper, Hybrid Striper Bass and Catfish are among some of the lake fish species available.

Several fishing tournaments take place at Falcon Lake, attracting fishing enthusiasts from all over.

Professional fishing guides are available in Zapata.

You'll also find sporting goods stores that can furnish you with all that is necessary for your next fishing adventure.

The lake also offers vast areas for all types of water sports, access to the lake is made simple with several public and private boat ramps.

Thanks to our warm climate that averages 86° Fahrenheit and very low humidity Falcon Lake can be enjoyed year round.

It also provides  free crossing into Mexico at the dams main complex.

A well maintained and professionally staffed State Park is also available for your enjoyment.

Golf
Zapata is home to Los Ebanos Golf Course.

Los Ebanos is a 9 hole course soon to become an 18 hole course.

It offers a newly built Club House and separate meeting facilities that can accommodate up to sixty people.

 Golf cart rentals are available.

Beautiful and professionally designed course will add a whole new dimension to your game.

Hunting
Zapata County has some of the best wildlife resources in South Texas.

The county has a plentiful supply of White-Tailed Deer, Blue and Bob White Quail, Morning Dove and White Wing Dove.

Rock Hunting
Zapata offers a goldmine for both the experienced and novice rock hound.

Hundreds of acres along the Rio Grande River are waiting to be explored.

Folks can find not only wonderful and varied rock specimens but also, petrified wood, fossils, arrowheads and Indian artifacts. 

Bird Watching
The location of Zapata County makes it one of the prime winter bird watching spots in the United States.

Birders will be amazed by the variety of bird species found here.

One of the rewards of living in Zapata is the Fall migration of the Hummingbird to South America.

Other unusual species that can be viewed in the area are White Pelicans, Cormorants, White, Blue and Green Herons, White Faced Ibis and Ospreys.

One of the prized birds on any birders list is the White-Collared Seedeater, which can be seen in Zapata.

Activities in the community generally center around local residents, Winter Texans and sportsmen / women.

The Zapata County fair is by large the biggest event, attracting hundreds of visitors from all parts of South Texas.

An early morning trail ride opens the fair each year, street dance featuring a top star in the country western and Tejano music world adds to the festivities.

A clean and well maintained carnival offers fun for all, there's also livestock, food, sewing, and art shows for everyone's delight. 

A parade, horse races, steer roping and food booths also are present during our County Fair.

A local beauty is crowned Miss Zapata County Fair and reigns over all activities during the fair and throughout the year.

The Zapata Independent School District enrollment was 2,944 in the fall of 1998.

The 3A school district believes in providing equal, relevant and quality instruction for all its students to ensure the development of essential academic skills and attainment of a knowledge base for lifelong learning.

Many graduates of Z.H.S. have gone on to some of the countries highest institutions of learning including Texas A&I, Texas A&M, the Air Force Academy, West Point and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.