Attractions in Bandera

Beautiful natural areas, fascinating museums, and an old-fashioned general store are among the many attractions in Bandera. Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera is a small Hill Country town famous for its dude ranches and breathtaking scenery, where you go to experience the cowboy lifestyle. Get outfitted at the Bandera General Store, then visit the Frontier Times Museum to learn all about the town’s origins and the experiences of its original settlers. Then explore the Hill Country State Natural Area or Lost Maples State Natural Area to see the diverse flora and fauna of the Hill Country. These are a handful of examples of Bandera’s attractions; read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind town.

American Legion Post 157 Military Museum
See World War I uniforms, models of historic airplanes, ships, helicopters, and tanks, and much more at this museum in Bandera. The museum is open Monday through Friday and is located within the American Legion Auxiliary building.
2015 12th Street
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-7528

Bandera City Park
Go for a splash in the cool waters of the Medina River, try your luck at catching a fish, or have a picnic in a scenic park. You can do all these things at Bandera City Park, a 77-acre park situated just down Main Street from the courthouse square.
1102 Maple Street
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-3765

Bandera General Store
Get all your cowboy gear and enjoy a sip of a thirst quenching beverage from an old fashioned soda fountain at the Bandera General Store. Outfit yourself with pair of vintage cowboy boots and an authentic hat and take some locally made jam home with you. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or just want something tasty, the Bandera General Store has something for you.
306 Main Street
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-4925

Bear Springs Blossom
Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Texas Hill Country at this 125-acre nature preserve, home to endangered birds and wildflowers native to the region. Guided tours of the park are available by reservation by calling the number listed below.
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 535-6122

Frontier Times Museum
The Frontier Times Museum offers a step back into Texas’ earliest days with its exhibits of 40,000 prehistoric, pioneer, and old west artifacts. These displays go along with a Western art collection and the Texas Heroes Hall of Honor. The museum is open Monday through Saturday.
510 13th Street
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-3864

Hill Country State Natural Area
More than 40 miles of horseback riding and multi-use trails wander through grassy valleys and over rugged limestone hills that are part of the 5,400-acre Hill Country State Natural Area. Hiking, biking, and camping are popular things to do in the park, which is a top birding destination as well. Endangered species like the black-capped vireos and golden-cheeked warblers nest in the natural area, while other animals call the park home as well.
10600 Bandera Creek Road
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-4413

Juniper Hill Stables
Explore the Texas Hill Country like a proper cowboy by going on a horseback riding tour with Juniper Hill Stables. With more than 50 miles of trails accessible from the stables, you’ll see breathtaking views of grassy pastures, oak thickets, and rugged limestone bluffs. Visit Juniper Hill Stables’ website for more information on its horseback riding tours.
9061 Bandera Creek Road
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 328-1754

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
The Texas Hill Country’s scenic winding roads have made it a popular destination for driving enthusiasts and motorcyclists. Where better to have a motorcycle-themed museum? Explore the collection of motorcycles from the 1910’s to the present day and you’ll see first-hand the evolution and technological advances of these marvelous machines. The museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from March through November.
36517 Ranch Road 187
Vanderpool, TX 78885
(830) 966-6103

Lost Maples State Natural Area
Limestone canyons, tranquil clear-watered waterways, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in Texas can be seen in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Hiking, picnicking, camping, and birdwatching are some of the most popular things to do in the park, which is located about 40 miles west of Bandera. 
37221 F.M. 187
Vanderpool, TX 78885
(830) 966-3413