Bandera

Check out our large selection of Bandera, Texas vacation homes, dude ranches, and Bandera TX vacation rentals cabins!

The Hill Country town of Bandera is often better-known by its nickname, the Cowboy Capital of the World. That’s more than just a slogan! Sure, the folks here have fun with it, but the American cowboy is taken seriously here; after all, it’s been in the blood of many Bandera families for generations. You’ll find that heritage is reflected in the people and the character of the Hill Country vacation cabins we have to offer in the Bandera region.

This jewel of the Texas Hill Country saw its first European settlers from Poland in the 1830s, and over time cultural contributions were made by not only Polish families, but Native Americans and Mexicans, as well, creating a unique blend of influences that could only have taken place in the future Lone Star State. The name “Bandera” itself, according to town lore, comes from a flag that was prominently displayed early in the 19^th century. “Bandera” is both the Polish and Spanish word for “flag,” and the location of that historic banner became known as Bandera Pass, which in time led to the town’s name. It was officially established as a town in 1853.

Later that same century, Bandera established its cowboy reputation as the starting point of the Great Western Cattle Trail. Including secondary trails, it covered over 2,000 linear miles of the American and Canadian plains. It was the longest cattle drive in the world, and helped to popularize the Texas Longhorn cattle breed throughout both countries. The Great Western Cattle Trail—and the role Bandera played in it—also popularized the legend of the great American cowboy. Bandera, as the origin of the Great Western Cattle Trail, also became well-known for the sprawling splendor of the growing nation’s largest cattle ranches. When the cowboys weren't working the trail, many of them called Bandera home, so, in a historical sense, its moniker as the Cowboy Capital of the World is well-earned!

With all those cowboys and cowgirls calling Bandera home, it naturally followed that the area would play a pivotal role in the sport of rodeo. With the expansion of railroad lines, the proliferation of barbed-wire fences, and a series of bitterly cold and snowy winters, the cowboy-on-horseback cattle drives became obsolete by the turn of the 20^th century. Luckily, the skills the cowboys learned on the plains didn’t go to waste, and they found an entertaining outlet for them. During this same period of time, performance and competitive rodeos grew in popularity—and many of the greatest rodeo riders and performers hailed from the Bandera area. As a matter of fact, the Bandera Courthouse lawn features a memorial celebrating hometown National Rodeo Champions.

The spirit of the American cowboy lives on in Bandera! From dude ranches in the outlying areas to museums to historic shootout reenactments right downtown, visitors to this historic town will be able to immerse themselves in the noble and legendary mythos of those (literal!) trail-blazing pioneers. There’s a vibrant and fun nightlife here, too, as well as an eclectic selection of shops to peruse. You’ll also find hearty cowboy cuisine like steakhouses and burgers, as well as a few internationally-influenced surprises!

Another important and appealing facet of Bandera is the Medina River, whose waters flow through the Cowboy Capital of the World. Texas summers can be pretty toasty, and the folks here love to take to the river for relief from the heat. The Bandera area features several put-in spots for tubing on the river, and kayaking, fishing, and swimming are popular water-based recreational activities, as well.

For a comprehensive listing of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions in Bandera, take a second to scroll to the bottom of this page. There are several links, conveniently arranged by category, of everything the Cowboy Capital of the World has to offer! For an even deeper dive into Bandera and other fascinating towns in the Texas Hill Country, download and browse our Texas Hill Country Travel App. Right at your fingertips, you’ll have access to our listings in the region, maps, Bandera county vacation rentals, booking assistance, and special check-in access only available in the app. There are also timely updates on special events occurring all throughout the region!

In the meantime, take a look on our web page of the unique and beautiful rental properties Backroads Reservations has for you in the Bandera area. From intimate and private romantic escapes to large family gatherings, we have the perfect vacation rental for you! We’ve helped our treasured guests put together dream getaways since 2001, building a solid reputation as the most knowledgeable professionals in Hill Country property management. We’re proud to live in Bandera and call it our home base. Contact us today and tap into our expertise!

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