Bandera, TX

One of the Texas communities we know and serve.

About Bandera, TX

Bandera is the county seat of Bandera County. It sits on a cypress-lined bend of the Medina River along State Highway 16, northwest of San Antonio. Cypress along the river drew the first settlers, and a mill that sawed cypress shingles anchored the early town. Polish immigrants from Upper Silesia came in the nineteenth century to work at the mill and received town lots and farmland.

After the Civil War, Bandera became a staging area for cattle drives up the Western Trail. That ranching history is why the town calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World, and the Texas Legislature has designated Bandera the Cowboy Capital of Texas. A bronze monument on the courthouse lawn honors rodeo champions from the town.

Why Live in Bandera, TX?

Living cowboy heritage: Bandera's history as a cattle drive staging area, along with its rodeo tradition and dude ranches, gives the town its Cowboy Capital identity.
The Medina River in town: Bandera City Park sits on the river, with swimming, picnicking and a public boat ramp.
Trails for hikers, riders and bikers: Hill Country State Natural Area, a former ranch in Bandera County, has multiuse trails and equestrian camping.

The Bandera, TX Market

Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Basore Real Estate for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Bandera, TX right now.

Schools in Bandera, TX

Bandera is served by Bandera Independent School District, which operates Alkek Elementary School, Hill Country Elementary School, Bandera Middle School and Bandera High School.

Local Favorites

Frontier Times Museum (Museum): A museum founded by J. Marvin Hunter with Native American artifacts, cowboy memorabilia and frontier-era Texas clothing, tools and household goods, plus gallery space for local artists.
Bandera City Park (Park): A city park on the Medina River with swimming, picnicking and a public boat ramp, and a put-in for paddling the river downstream.
Hill Country State Natural Area (State Natural Area): A former ranch with multiuse trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, plus primitive campsites, equestrian camping and a lodge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bandera, TX

What county is Bandera, TX in?

Bandera is in Bandera County and is the county seat.

Why is Bandera called the Cowboy Capital?

Bandera was a staging point for cattle drives up the Western Trail, and it carries on a strong rodeo and dude ranch tradition. The Texas Legislature has designated it the Cowboy Capital of Texas.

What ZIP code does Bandera use?

Bandera uses ZIP code 78003.

What school district serves Bandera?

Bandera Independent School District, which has two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school.

What river runs through Bandera?

The Medina River. Bandera City Park offers public access for swimming, picnicking and launching boats.