Bandera County, Texas
Bandera County proudly carries the nickname “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and its Western traditions are still very much alive. Located in the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, the county is known for rugged hills, open ranchland, and the scenic Medina River, which becomes a favorite spot for tubing during the hot summer months.
Dude ranches welcome visitors looking to experience the Old West, while horses remain a familiar sight throughout the countryside. Bandera, the county’s main town, embraces its cowboy character with hitching posts along Main Street and a lively Western atmosphere.
On weekends, live music fills local honky-tonks, adding to the county’s unmistakable Texas spirit. The hills turn lush green in spring and golden in fall, creating beautiful seasonal scenery.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Bandera County |
| County Seat | Bandera |
| Population | Approximately 25,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Bandera, Lakehills, Medina, Pipe Creek |
| Interstates and Highways | State Highway 16, State Highway 173 |
| FIPS Code | 48-019 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 798 square miles (791 sq mi land, 7 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Kerr County (North), Kendall County (Northeast), Bexar County (Southeast), Medina County (South), Uvalde County (Southwest), Real County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 29°45’N, 99°14’W |
| Etymology | Named after Bandera Pass, a nearby geographic feature |
| Major Landmarks | Hill Country State Natural Area, Bandera City Park, Frontier Times Museum |
