Bandera Attractions

Cowboys on Main. Cowboys on Main is a special event scheduled for every Saturday from mid-March through October from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street. Sponsored by the Frontier Times Museum’s Living History Project, the free event includes horseback riding cowboys, storytellers, trick ropers, musicians, and a lot more.

Frontier Times Museum. Established in 1927, this museum (all 40,000 pieces of it) is filled with cowboy paraphernalia, Indian arrowheads, Western show posters, Buffalo Bill memorabilia, and prehistoric artifacts. Located at 510 13th Street, one block north of Bandera County Court House.

Historical Walking Tours. Have a look at the buildings that witnessed Bandera's evolution from a frontier town to a vacation destination with a self-guided tour. Thirty-two sites along the route lead visitors to the county courthouse, the Old Jail, Bandera's first theater, and many homes that dateback to the community's earliest days. Pick up your walking tour brochure at the Bandera County Visitors Center just east of the courthouse at 1206 Hackberry.

Hill Country State Natural Area. South on TX 173 to FM 1077, then right for 12 miles. This rugged park preserves 5,400 acres of Hill Country land. Only primitive camping is available; you must bring your own water, and pick up and remove your own trash. This park was originally open primarily for equestrian use, but today it has become popular with hikers and bicyclists. There are 34 miles of quiet trails and camp areas for backpackers and equestrians. Cool off with a dip in West Verde Creek or fish for catfish, perch, or largemouth bass. Horse rentals are available offsite.

Medina River. TX 16, east of town. The cypress-lined Medina River is a popular spot during the summer months, when swimmers, canoeists, and inner-tubers enjoy the cool water. The Medina can be hazardous during high water, however, with rocky rapids and submerged trees. There is public access to the river from the TX 16 bridge in town.

Polly's Chapel. This historic stone chapel dates back to 1882 when it was constructed by José Policarpo Rodriguez, known as Polly. The Methodist minister, born in Mexico, had a career as a US Army scout, hunter, and mercenary as well as a minister. The chapel is located six miles southeast of Bandera off TX 16.

Running-R Ranch Trail Rides. 11 miles from Bandera off FM 1077. Enjoy one-, two-, or three-hour rides with an experienced wrangler. The ranch also offers all-day rides with a picnic and cowboy cookout. Children six and up are accepted. For more, visit www.rrranch.com

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. This historic church was built in 1876 although the parish itself dates back to 1855, holding the title as one of the oldest Polish parishes in the country.

Next door to the church, you'll find a small museum about the history of the church and the immigrants who founded Bandera, which is one of the oldest Polish communities in the country.

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