Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks · Monica Gonzalez and Susan Resendez

San Antonio Missions and World Heritage Center

May 4, 2025·30 min·3 clips

Susan and Monica kick off their exploration of San Antonio Missions, revealing a surprising fact about the National Park Service.

This episode of Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks focuses on the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and its associated World Heritage Center. Hosts Susan and Monica, who are documenting visits to all units of the National Park Service, guide the tour. They clarify that this site is one specific type of unit within the broader National Park Service system. The National Park Service oversees 433 different units, which include more than just the 63 major national parks. Susan shares that she has personally visited 181 of these 433 units. The San Antonio Missions park preserves a series of Spanish colonial religious outposts established in the 18th century. These missions were part of Spain's efforts to expand its empire and influence indigenous cultures in the region. The hosts discuss the park's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a status earned in 2015. They mention the park's World Heritage Center, which serves as a visitor orientation point. The missions themselves, including Mission Concepción and Mission San José, are spread along the San Antonio River. A key insight is the distinction between a "National Park" and the many other designations like national historical parks, monuments, and preserves. The hosts find it surprising how many people are unaware of the vast scope of the National Park Service beyond the famous scenic parks. They emphasize the cultural and historical significance of the San Antonio Missions, contrasting them with natural wonders. The architectural preservation of the mission churches, some still active parishes, is highlighted as a memorable feature. The discussion notes the complex history involving Spanish missionaries and the indigenous Coahuiltecan peoples. The UNESCO designation is presented as a global recognition of the site's "outstanding universal value." The tone is conversational and educational, featuring friendly banter between the two hosts. The style is informative but relaxed, akin to a guided tour between friends. This episode would appeal to history enthusiasts, travelers planning a trip to San Antonio, and National Park Service completists seeking details on lesser-known units. Listeners solely interested in wilderness adventures and dramatic landscapes might find the focus on urban historical sites less engaging.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Two Chicks with Hiking Sticks