Do you want to be a cowboy? That’s an easy order to fill in Bandera, Texas, nicknamed “The Cowboy Capital of the World.” In this community, located 50 miles northwest of San Antonio on TX 16, you can’t throw a horseshoe without hitting a tourist ranch, rodeo field, western clothing store, or dance hall.
Bandera’s western heritage is a huge draw for travelers today, but its roots go back to the founding days of Texas. Bandera Pass, located twelve miles north on TX 173, was first the site of numerous battles between Spanish conquistadors and Apache and Comanche Indians. According to a local legend, a flag was placed here to mark the border between the forces.
Today, the atmosphere of the Wild West lives in both the city and the surrounding tourist ranches. Whether you want to be a “cowboy” for a few days on a tourist ranch or just grab some boots and dance to western tunes on Main Street, Bandera has plenty of opportunities to get in touch with your inner cowboy.
ranches type: Bandera is known for its many tourist ranches, the perfect way for you and your family to experience life as a cowboy for a few days. Properties like Flying L Guest Ranch, Mayan Ranch, Dixie Dude Ranch, and Twin Elm Guest Ranch will keep you busy with horseback riding, hayrides, fishing, cookouts, and more. It is not necessary to have previous horse riding experience to enjoy the stays. Typically, guest rates include three meals a day, as well as Western entertainment and even supervised children’s programs. During peak summer months, expect a minimum stay at many ranches.
rodeos: Bandera is also synonymous with rodeos. One of the favorites that takes place every Tuesday and Friday during the summer is at Twin Elm Guest Ranch. For professional action, check out the PRCA Cowboy Capital Rodeo, held in May.
Honky Tonk: Another city might call them nightclubs, but there is nothing fancy about Bandera; this city prides itself on calling downtown bars honky tonks. Live country music can be found most nights. One of the best known is the Arkey Blue Silver Dollar. Don’t miss the sawdust-covered floor (to encourage plenty of kicking). Also on Main Street, the Cabaret Dancehall has been rocking to the sounds of country music for seven decades, often hosting many big-name acts.
Cowboys on Main: During the warm weather months, downtown Bandera transforms with an event on Saturdays called Cowboys on Main. Scheduled from 1 pm to 4 pm on Main Street, the event features cowboys on horseback, storytellers, rope makers, musicians and much more. The event is sponsored by the Frontier Times Museum’s Living History Project. Save some time for a bite to eat at the Frontier Times Museum. The museum dates back to 1927 and is a good place to learn more about Bandera’s early days through cowboy paraphernalia, Native American arrowheads, and prehistoric artifacts.
For more information on Bandera vacations, call the Bandera Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800.364.3833 or 830.796.3045.
