Spanish explorers and later settlers exploited the salt deposits found surrounding this hypersaline lake. Over four times more saline than average sea water, La Sal del Rey accumulates above a massive, prehistoric deposit of pure salt located within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The lake is still mined for salt by South Texas residents today.
La Sal del Rey
- Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge: Twenty miles north of Edinburg on US 281. East four miles on TX 186. Gate is open daily from sunrise to sunset. No staff on site. Interpretive information and public restrooms available at the Brushline Road entrance.
- The Lower Rio Grande Valley and Santa Ana Wildlife Refuges share a visitor center at the Santa Ana Refuge (seven miles south of Alamo, TX on FM 907 about 1/4 mile east on US 281).
- Hours: Visitor’s Center: Daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Admission: None
- 956-784-7500
- Visit Website
- National Register of Historic Places
