Bandera was a staging area for some of the last major cattle drives of the late 1800s — the Great Western Cattle Trail ran from here to Dodge City, Kansas, in its heyday.
Home to multiple dude ranches, Bandera is the perfect place to learn how to be a cowboy or cowgirl. At Dixie Dude Ranch, try horseback riding, enjoy a campfire sing-along, or hunt for fossils and arrowheads after a cowboy breakfast on the range.
Visitors can also take a trail ride and dance lessons at Mayan Dude Ranch. Check out the more than 5,000 acres of plateaus and canyons at the Hill Country State Natural Area or spend the day kayaking along the Medina River. History buffs will enjoy learning about the area and seeing odd curiosities at the Frontier Times Museum, while those seeking a foot-stompin’ good time will find just that at “the biggest little bar in Texas,” 11th Street Cowboy Bar.
