Bandera

While the sight of a cowboy on horseback may be a classic Texas image, in Bandera it’s simply part of everyday life. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Texas Hill Country, this one-of-a-kind town is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” No matter where you look, Bandera’s cowboy heritage is alive and well. Officially recognized as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office, Bandera offers live music almost every day of the week. Your might even stumble upon an action-packed gunfight reenactment featuring a cast of outlaw cowboys, happening every Saturday.

Bandera is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” because it was an important staging point for the great cattle drives of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cowboys once guided herds of cattle through Bandera while traveling on the Western Trail, one of the most important cattle driving paths in America. Although the days of long-distance cattle drives have passed, Bandera's cowboy heritage lives on. Visitors can learn about this heritage at the Frontier Times Museum home to over 40,000 artifacts and memorabilia from Bandera’s early days.

For a hands-on taste of cowboy life, stay at one of the many dude ranches in Bandera, such as the Dixie Dude Ranch or the Mayan Ranch. These ranches offer a wide range of accommodations, from primitive camp to RV hookups to rustic cabins and upscale condominiums. Along with the accommodations, Bandera’s ranches provide plenty of terrain where you can go horseback riding, hiking, swimming in the Medina River, onsite dining, and more. Some of these ranches, such as Rancho Cortez and Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, have spa services as well. Regardless of whether you’d like a scenic retreat or an unforgettable outdoor adventure, you’ll find it in Bandera.

Along with its dude ranches, Bandera is surrounded by some of the most striking natural areas in Texas. You don’t have to venture far to experience it, either. Bandera City Park, located in downtown Bandera, where it sits on the bank of the pristine Medina River. Pack your swimsuit and enjoy a swim in the cool water, or relax on an inner tube and float the day away. If you’re looking to get in some hiking or sightseeing, Hill Country State Natural Area or Lost Maples State Natural Area are the perfect locations. Both are havens for nature lovers, diverse with plant and animal life, and are especially popular with birding enthusiasts. In the autumn, Lost Maples trees transform into beautiful shades of orange and gold creating a stunning seasonal landscape.

While the outdoors are a significant part of Bandera’s allure, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to see and do in town. Throughout the week, local bars and concert venues keep the energy alive with live music performances, while a diverse selection of restaurants ensures you'll never leave hundry. If you're looking to add some Western flair to your wardrobe, stop by The Dusty Halo or Gold Buckle Hatters on Main Street for a customizable cowboy hat, both conveniently located on Main Street. Prefer boots instead? Head to the Bandera General Store located off Main Street, for a pair of your very own cowboy boots. Not only does the Bandera General Store have a rather large collection of cowboy gear, it has an old-fashioned soda fountain and plenty of Blue Bell Ice Cream to savor on a hot Texas day.

Bandera’s rich cowboy culture, stunning scenery, and endless recreational opportunities, ensures that no two trips will ever be the same. Recently certified as a Texas Tourism-Friendly Community, Bandera welcomes visitors with open arms. Visit Bandera and you’ll discover for yourself why the town really is the “Cowboy Capital of the World.”