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USA - TEXAS : TEXAS RANCH ROUNDUP
 American ranching was born in Texas and has deep roots in the state even today. Cowboy images and ranch life lures visitors to the state every year. Staying at a guest ranch or a working ranch are popular ways to experience the life of the cowboy.
Bandera County beckons visitors to enjoy a slice of the Old West surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Texas Hill Country.
Bandera's title of "Cowboy Capital of the World" originated when it became a staging area for the great cattle drives of yesteryear.
When ranching fell on hard times in the 1930's, an enterprising rancher decided to take in "dudes" to help him through the depression and an exciting new industry was born. It continues to flourish today with a number of excellent dude ranches operating throughout Bandera County.
Confirming Bandera as the "Cowboy Capital of the World" is a bronze monument on the courthouse lawn that honors the many National Rodeo Champions who have called Bandera home.
With almost 100 ranches to choose from, visitors can experience ranch life in almost any region of the state. Visitors can choose to relax at a guest ranch or try their hand at working the cattle on a real working ranch. Most ranches offer horseback riding, hay rides, fishing, swimming, and numerous other activities to make your vacation complete.
King Ranch, the largest ranch in the continental United States, was not only one of the first ranches in Texas, but also in the United States. It's been a leader in the ranching industry through breeding, clearing and maintaining pastures, and marketing livestock.
Captain Richard King, the founder of King Ranch, made major contributions to the American beef industry by developing two successful new beef breeds. King Ranch is located just outside Kingsville, and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
More than 45,000 visitors tour the ranch annually and stop by the King Ranch Saddle Shop and Museum in downtown Kingsville.
If you want to experience the real West, you can find what you’re looking for at the Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock.
The site encompasses 14 acres and includes 33 historic structures that illustrate life on a Texas ranch from the 1830s to the 1920s.
George Ranch Historical Park is a 484-acre living history site where visitors can step back in time and experience Texas history. Guests may visit a stock farm reminiscent of the 1820s, tour an 1890s-era Victorian mansion, and see cowboys working cattle as they did in the 1930s. George Ranch Historical Park is located 30 minutes from downtown Houston on FM 762. There is a charge for admission.
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