Things to Do at the Dixie Dude Ranch

Explore a scenic 725-acres Texas Hill Country dude ranch on horseback, let the flavors of the Old West two step on your taste buds, and croon your heart out at a campfire sing-along. Experience the heart of the Wild West and feel like a cowboy (or cowgirl) at the Dixie Dude Ranch, a working ranch and resort near Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Known as a horseback riding hotspot, there are more things to do at the Dixie Dude Ranch than you can fit into one trip. Read on to discover what these activities are, and start planning your escape to the Old West today.

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Go Horseback Riding

The picturesque beauty of the Texas Hill Country is one of the things the region is known for, and going horseback riding at Dixie Dude Ranch is one of the best ways to see it for yourself.

Hang your hat at the Texas guest ranch and you get two horseback rides for every day of your stay.

These tours, guided by experienced cowboys and/or cowgirls, last for about an hour and are taken at a leisurely pace, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenery.

If you aren’t staying at the ranch, you can still go on this tour for a fee.

Advanced and sunset rides, as well as riding lessons and clinics, are also offered at Dixie Dude Ranch (to overnight guests only). The beautiful scenery and abundance of rides has made the ranch one of the best places to go horseback riding in Bandera.

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Get Outdoors

Although horseback riding is a big draw, it is by no means the only thing you can do at the Dixie Dude Ranch. Put on your boots (and sunscreen!) and explore the ranch on the hiking trails while you hunt for fossils and check out the century-old barn and cemetery. Then cool off while admiring the stunning view from the heated swimming pool. Go catch-and-release fishing and take your kids on a hayride or to play basketball, volleyball, or table tennis. Need a break? Kick your feet up and take a load off on your porch, the ideal place to marvel at the brilliant night sky.

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Dine, Cowboy Style

Fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs, juicy brisket, savory mashed potatoes, and a tall glass of Texas iced tea. Is your mouth watering yet? At the Dixie Dude Ranch, dining is just as much of a main course as the horseback riding and outdoor activities. Stay at the ranch and you’ll sink your teeth into three home-cooked meals a day, all crafted with a distinctive Western flair. Most feasts are served in the big family-style chow hall, a great place to meet your fellow guests and plan your day’s adventures. The occasional outdoor barbecue and cowboy breakfast, served out on the range, are not to be missed.

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Get a Massage

Is all your outdoor adventuring leaving you a bit sore, or do you feel the need to unwind? Dixie Dude Ranch has you covered. Book a massage with one of the ranch’s Registered Massage Therapists that provide a full range of treatments, including sports massages, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy.

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Take a Day Trip

Not only is the Dixie Dude Ranch a hop, skip, and a jump away from the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” it’s surrounded by countless places to explore. Shop for a new cowboy hat or a fancy pair of boots in downtown Bandera, or browse the high-end shops in The Shops at La Cantera. Hike the trails at the Hill Country State Natural Area; fish at Medina Lake; and see birds, wildlife, limestone canyons, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in Texas at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Do you love Texas wine? Visit the tasting rooms of one of the wineries in the area, such as Hill Country Cellars Winery in Bandera and Pipe Creek’s Timber Ridge Winery.

Whether you want to experience the life of a cowboy or you’re looking to enjoy the best of the Texas Hill Country, Dixie Dude Ranch puts you right in the middle of it all.