Bandera Texas is known as the Cowboy Capital Of the World. Bandera is located approximately fifty miles northwest of San Antonio in the east central part of Bandera Country. The Bandera Country was formed in 1856, but the Bandera settlement was formed in 1853 to construct a town and water powered lumber mill. How Bandera and Bandera Country got its name remains a mystery.
Also, founded in 1852 as a cypress shingle camp, and site of a Mormon colony established in 1854. One of the oldest Polish communities in the U.S. An authentic Western town surrounded both by working and guest ranches; bills itself as "Cowboy Capital of the World."
Bandera Texas holds rodeos at least twice weekly from Memorial day through Labor Day; check with the convention and visitors bureau for schedule. Horseback riding available, plus swimming in resort pools or clear Hill Country lakes are rivers. Fine year-round fishing; hunting in seasons for wild turkey and white-tailed deer; camping, hiking, rodeos, horse races, two 18-hole golf courses, and Country Western dances.
