10 Things to do in Bandera County That You Shouldn't Miss

August 24, 2021 Nobuko Falco

Discover the best top things to do in Bandera County, United States including Lost Maples State Natural Area, Hill Country State Natural Area, Medina River, Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, Silver Spur Ranch, Lost Maples Winery, Bandera Natural History Museum, Bandera City Park, The Twisted Sisters, Frontier Times Museum.
Restaurants in Bandera County

1. Lost Maples State Natural Area

37221 Fm 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885-8510 +1 830-966-3413 http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Lost Maples State Natural Area

An excellent park to view fall foliage while walking the Maple and East Trails.

Reviewed By wanderingcajunlady - Texas, United States

We visited the second week of November to hike and view fall foliage. We were lucky to have reserved day passes on a beautiful day, in the peak of colors. We were glad to have made our reservations early and in advance, because the park will sell out of day passes weeks to months in advance in the fall. We choose afternoon entrance, and if you choose it, please make sure you have enough time to do whatever activitiess you choose, especially hikes. We hiked the Maple Trail, then proceeded on to the East Trail, then East-West trail for a round trip circle of 4 miles. The hike took us 3 hours with minimal stop times. The most beautiful part of the trail is the Maple Trail if you are wanting to see fall colors. The East Trail and East-West were mostly rocky, uphill, steep and strenuous. Be sure you allow enough time to make it out before dark. You do not want to be navigating these steep incline/decline trails in the dark. We started at 2:30 pm and barely made it out before dark around 5:30. Also, be aware there is no cell service in this area. It's very remote, and you will likely not have any service, so prepare in advance. We enjoyed this hike very much, and the park is stunning in the fall.

2. Hill Country State Natural Area

10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003-3867 +1 830-796-4413 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/hill_country/
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Hill Country State Natural Area

Undeveloped state park that offers 36 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, and primitive camping.

Reviewed By Caek4

We enjoyed our horseback ride through the State Natural Area. It was once a ranch and now kept as a natural area for visitors. It has beautiful views with walking or biking trails.

3. Medina River

Bandera, TX +1 830-796-3600 http://www.longhornsaloonbandera.com
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Medina River

The portion of this river inside Hill Country State Natural Area is great for a swim.

Reviewed By nicolesheehan - Sandhurst, United Kingdom

You can stroll along the river or swim in it and the water is so clear you can see the roots of the trees and fish swimming up and down. There are also some wood carvings in the trees welcoming you to the river. A lovely place to relax and unwind.

4. Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

Highway 187 North, Vanderpool, TX +1 830-966-6103 [email protected] http://lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

5. Silver Spur Ranch

9266 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003-3944 +1 830-796-3037 http://www.silverspur-ranch.com/activities.asp
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 67 reviews

Silver Spur Ranch

Reviewed By jsdeneal

We spent 24 hours on the ranch and had a wonderful time - our 2 young teens even enjoyed it! Highly recommend the trail ride - the horses were very well trained and the staff were helpful and kind. Papa J was very informative and enjoyable for the hayride, demos and even at the campfire. Our room - the Annie Oakley - was well appointed and a good value ???????? Highly recommend this experience!

6. Lost Maples Winery

34986 Fm 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885-8528 +1 830-966-5131 [email protected] http://www.lostmapleswinery.com
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Lost Maples Winery

Reviewed By Relax36648316408

Great, reasonably priced wines. Met the owner and winemaker personally and they were very knowledgeable. Nice experience in the Hill Country, we will be back.

7. Bandera Natural History Museum

267 Old San Antonio Hwy,, Bandera, TX 78003 +1 830-328-5090 [email protected] http://www.banderanhm.org/
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Bandera Natural History Museum

Replicas of Dinosaurs, Ice Age animals, and educational play stations are located on the eight acre grounds. Inside there are over 100 full-body animal mounts positioned in hand-painted dioramas portraying their natural habitats. An international collection of art pieces are displayed in the museum.

Reviewed By AmyFisher2020

The outside of the building is deceiving because once you get inside you realize that it's 14,000 square feet. There are seven rooms filled with exotic animals from all over the world including a dinosaur from the Night at the Museum movie and really neat dinosaur statues outside. It's a great way to spend a hot afternoon when you're trying to get your kids out of the house.

8. Bandera City Park

173 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003 +1 830-796-3765 http://www.cityofbandera.org/2161/Bandera-City-Park
Excellent
47%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Bandera City Park

Reviewed By CathleenH25 - San Antonio, United States

Beautiful cypress trees line the banks of this part of the river that runs through the park. Start at the far end of the park and peacefully float to the other end. For the dare devils ropes hang out over the deeper parts of the river and brave souls climb up to platforms to snare the ropes and swing out over the water. Shallow areas and natural gravel pits make for shallow water fun for small children and parents soak in the water and watch their young children play in the rocks.

9. The Twisted Sisters

Medina, TX
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

The Twisted Sisters

Reviewed By Manbyk - San Antonio, United States

Farm to Market (FM) 335, 336, 337, comprise what is known nationally as the Twisted Sisters. It is a series of connecting road networks perfect for motorcyclists and auto enthusiasts. Best Motorcycle Roads in America.com ranked the Twisted Sisters as the best motorcycle route in America. It is not/not for novices, rather experienced motorcyclists accustomed to windy, twisty, inclines, narrow roads. Prominent to the entrance to these roads are large signs noting how many have been killed riding these roads. Stunning beauty, rock walls, sharp curves, it doesn't get better than this unless you are riding the Devil's Backbone between Durango, Mexico & Mazatlán. Leakey is central to the route & has several places to fuel and grab a good meal. The Bent Rim Grill is likely the most popular but if you are in a hurry, grab a taco at San Juan's Taqueria. Bear's Market is well stocked as well as the local grocery store. Lodging is also available in Leakey. Another town along the route is Camp Wood but offerings are limited at best. Medina has a couple of great places to eat, Keese's BBQ likely the best. Bandera is also a must see in route to the Twisted Sisters, stop at Sid's BBQ for killer baby back ribs or the OST (Old Savannah Trail) for breakfast in the John Wayne room. Allow yourself at least six hours to take it all in. While you can ride the +160 mile loop in 3-4 hours, why rush? Finally, make time to visit the fabulous Lone Star Motorcycle Museum in Vanderpool, a gem of a place. A word of advice, "Keep the rubber side down."

10. Frontier Times Museum

510 13th Street, Bandera, TX 78003 +1 830-796-3864 http://www.frontiertimesmuseum.org
Excellent
43%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 102 reviews

Frontier Times Museum

Includes many early pioneer items, some very unusual.

Reviewed By 514terrya

Our party of four drove over from Marble Falls and spent a couple of hours at the museum. History, antiques, quilts, and local art to see, The cowboy exhibit was extensive. Stop in-worth the time!

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