The town was established in 1885, and the town is the commercial center for agricultural area featuring livestock and cotton, also produces large quantities of grain sorghum, flax, and varied truck crops. San Patricio County has extensive oil production, and many petrochemical plants. Mathis is a major gateway to Lake Corpus Christi and to a popular state park on its shores. On the southeastern shore of the 14,000 acre lake, the state park offers a wide variety of land and water recreation. Facilities on 350 acres of parkland include utility equipped campsites, rest rooms and showers, and screened shelters.
Visors enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating.
Located on Park Road 25 off Texas 359 about 6 miles south of Mathis. Admission is charged.