High Altar in the Ysleta Mission

Join Shelby McCue, President of the El Paso Mission Valley Association, which is dedicated to the education, promotion and preservation of the missions at Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario Chapel, and take a tour of the Ysleta and Socorro Missions and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Tigua Indian Reservation.

Meet in the parking lot at the Ysleta Mission, 131 S. Zaragoza Road (MAP) then tour the first and oldest mission established in the State of Texas in 1680. Shop at the splendid Mission Gift Shop. Afterwards, drive to the Tigua Indian Cultural Center, 305 Yaya Lane (MAP) in the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and browse through the museum. Rick Quesada, the Tigua Historical and Cultural officer, will be your guide.

Socorro Mission Historic Photo

Finally, see the mission in Socorro, 328 S. Nevarez Rd. (MAP), the second oldest mission in Texas in the second oldest settlement, Socorro, Texas. The Socorro mission was founded in 1691, the building was rebuilt twice following floods. The current structure, built in 1843, showcases both Indian and Spanish design as well as Spanish Mission architecture. You will see the legendary shrine to St. Michael dating from 1838, along with the grotto and the cemetery.

Return to Ysleta and eat at La Tapatia, 8941 Old County Drive (MAP) or go toward San Elizario and try the chili chesseburger at the Outlaw Saloon & Grill at Licon Dairy.

Inside the Ysleta Mission Gift Shop