Bandera

Pop. 877Alt. 1,258

General - founded in 1852 as a cypress shingle camp,and site of a Mormon colony established 1854. One of the oldest Polish communities in the U.S. An authentic Western town surrounded both by working and guest ranches. Horseback riding available plus swimming in resort pools or clear Hill Country lakes and 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.

Dude Ranches - Whether you call them guest ranches or dude ranches, Bandera has plenty. Some are rustic;others are equipped with all modern conveniences. Check with Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1206 Cypress; phone 512/796-3045 or, in Texas and U.S. 1-800-364-3833.

Frontier Times Museum - Old West relics,Western art and antiques, plus Indian artifacts. Variety of items ranges from centuries-old Chinese temple bells to Buffalo Bill Wild West Show posters. Open daily 10 a.m. - noon, 1 - 4:30 p.m. and Sun. afternoon. Admission.

Hill Country State Natural Area - Minimum development characterizes this 5,369-acre park in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Primitive camping is permitted in a 20-acre designated site. Horseback riding, backpacking, and hiking are popular activities. On F.M. 1077, 10 miles west.

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church - Built 1876, serves Polish settlement dating from 1855, one of oldest Polish parishes in U.S.

Scenic Drives - Beautiful Hill Country landscapes in almost any direction: Texas 173 north winds through scenic vistas to Camp Verde and Kerrville. Texas 173 south rolls to southern edge of hills and enters lower South Texas Plains. Texas 46 east explores steep-shouldered scenery through community of Pipe Creek to German-accented town of Boerne. Texas 16 and F.M. 470 west is one of the best -- dramatic blue hills enfold small green valleys threaded by sparkling creeks.

Thorough effort has been made to provide accurate event information; however, always confirm dates and times with the Bandera County Chamber of Commerce at 830-796-3045 or 1-800-364-3833.