"Cowboy Capital of the World," the town of Bandera
lies about 50 miles west of San Antonio,
nestled on the edge of the Texas Hill Country.
The town and the surrounding area enjoy a rich heritage dating to
the early 1700's, when the Spanish and the Native Americans fought several notable
skirmishes. Tradition tells that the nearby pass for which the town is named was the
dividing line between Spanish and Native American territories. A flag, or
"bandera" in Spanish, was placed at the highest point in the pass to serve as
Unfortunately, both sides ignored the boundary, and trouble
continued. In 1841, a troop of Texas Rangers
on a reconnaissance mission Native American raiders were ambushed in Bandera Pass by
several hundred Comanches. Six Rangers died in the battle, but the Comanche chief was
killed as well, and the Indians retreated.
Around 1851, the first settlers arrived. Settling along the banks of
the Medina River, these early residents harvested the cypress trees lining the banks, and
processed them into shingles. The industry attracted many new pioneers, including a large
Polish community, which strongly influenced the character and culture of the area.
Today this tiny Hill Country town still retains its frontier
appearance and heritage. In addition to its "Cowboy Capital of the World" title,
Bandera proclaims itself the "Trick and Fancy Ropers Capital of the World" and
the "Dude Ranch Capital of the World." Dude-ranching is big business in Bandera,
where tourists can experience first hand the rigors of cowboy and ranch life.
Bandera County Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 171
Bandera, Texas 78003
Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 171
Bandera, Texas 78003
Frontier Times Museum
506 l3th St.
Monday through Saturday 10-4:30; Sunday 1-4:30
This museum houses a diverse collection of over 40,000 items of
frontier relics, including bottles from Judge Roy Bean's saloon. The collection of 500
bells from around the world adds an eccentric flair, as does the museum's shrunken head
from South America.
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Cypress and 7th
This stone church, constructed in 1876, is the second oldest Polish
church in Texas. The oldest is in Panna Maria.
Bandera County Courthouse
Hackberry and Pecan
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse
was constructed from locally quarried stone in 1890. On the courthouse lawn stands a
monument to the cowboy, specially dedicated to seven cowboy champions from Bandera County.
TX Hwy.16 about 2 miles east of town
Quarter horse and Thoroughbred racing year-round. Contact the track
for race dates.
Hill Country State Natural Area
Take T X Hwy.173 south to FM 1077 (Dixie Dude Rd.). Approximately 10 miles from town
Use by reservation only
A 4,753-acre primitive park for hikers and horseback riders.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Take TX Hwy.16 west to Medina, then FM 337 to Vanderpool, then north on RR 187 about 4
miles to park
(830)966-3413 Call for hours
The bigtooth maples for which the park is named are a rarity for
this area of the state, and the brilliant display of foliage in the autumn months as the
leaves turn contrast starkly with the surrounding terrain. To check the condition of the
fall colors before visiting, call (800)792-1112, after October 1. Park facilities include
picnic areas, primitive campsites, RV camping sites, and hiking trails. Write to the Park
Superintendent, Station C Route, Vanderpool, Texas, 78885, for more information.
Take T X Hwy.16 east to Pipe Creek, then south on FM 1283 to Park Rd. 37. Approximately
Fishing, swimming, and boating are the primary activities on this 5,575-acre lake on the
Medina River. Once a state park, the campgrounds, cottages, and marinas are now rented
Memorial Day weekend
(830)796-4312 (Chamber of Commerce)
From arts and crafts to canoe races on the Medina river, Funtier
Days offer something for everyone, including a carnival and street dance. Mansfield Park
Arena (about 3 miles west on TX Hwy. 16) hosts an open rodeo on Friday and Saturday
nights, with an Invitational Calf Roping Contest on Sunday.
Built in 1882 by Jose Policarpo Rodriguez, this picturesque church
still stands in the tree covered hills of Bandera County on Privilege Creek. Rodriguez,
known as "Polly", was born in Mexico and came to Texas with his father as a
child. He became famous as a scout for the U.S. Army, an Indian fighter, a guide, a
hunter, and a minister. He joined the Methodist Church and was licensed as a Methodist
preacher. He built this tiny chapel with his own hands. Just a short distance from the
chapel is a well tended graveyard where Polly is buried. The chapel is usually to the
public on most days. Off Texas 16 about six miles southeast of Bandera.
Scenic Drives - Beautiful Hill country landscape surrounds
Bandera in every direction. Texas 173 North winds through scenic vistas to Camp Verde and
Kerrville. Texas 173 South rolls to the southern edge of the hills and enters lower South
Texas Plains. Texas 46 East explores steep shouldered scenery through the community of
Pipe Creek to the German accented town town of Boerne (BUR - nee). Texas 16
and F.M. 470 West provide one of the best country drives - dramatic blue hills enfold
small green valleys threaded by sparkling creeks.
Visit - The Bandera Outside Guide
for more information!
Visit - The
Bandera Attractions and Activities Guide for more information!