See the Exhibit in Bandera
Set in the scenic Hill Country and proudly known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera, Texas, is where rugged history meets timeless Western charm. From frontier legends and rodeo roots to honky-tonk music and heritage museums, this storied town offers a window into Texas’s Wild West past. Now, Bandera’s enduring spirit and cultural legacy are stepping into the national spotlight. Its history runs deep, and many of its most captivating stories—some well-known, others long overlooked—are finally getting their chance to shine.
See the exhibit in Bandera from June 21, 2025, 2025 through July 26, 2025.
LAST Stop: Bandera, TX
The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America", has traveled to six small towns spread across Texas.
This is your last chance to catch the exhibit, so we're wrapping the Crossroads tour up in true Texas style in Bandera.
Community Host
Framed by rolling hills and cypress-lined creeks, Bandera is a place where the spirit of the Old West lives on. Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, this Hill Country town embraces its frontier heritage with rodeos, dude ranches, and a welcoming downtown filled with rustic charm. The Bandera County Convention and Visitors Bureau, alongside passionate local partners, works to preserve the area’s unique identity while inviting new generations to experience its stories. As a host of the Museum on Main Street exhibition, Bandera proudly showcases its vibrant history, unshakable community spirit, and legendary Western roots.
The Local Story: Bandera's Legacy
Each of the seven host communities plan to put their own local spin on the national story with additional exhibits, events, tours, and more.
Welcome to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World and proud final stop for the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Crossroads: Change in Rural America. This nationally recognized exhibit is on display alongside a vibrant collection of local stories that celebrate the unique spirit and resilience of Bandera County.
Visitors are invited to journey through themed displays that bring local history to life—from the early days of Living off the Land: Ranches to Travelers to 100 Years of Rodeo in Bandera, a tribute to the town’s rodeo legacy. Explore Schoolhouse Memories, step back in time with Stompede Days and the Free State of Bandera, and discover the electrifying impact of rural electrification. Other highlights include Tejano Son of Texas: The Life of Policarpio Rodriguez, Bandera’s Music History: The Music Goes on Forever, and Dudes, Dances & Delights: Bandera, the Birthplace of the Texas Dude Ranch, which features a fully digitized collection of the beloved Dude Wrangler magazines.Interactive elements woven throughout the exhibit encourage visitors to Think about it, Let’s Talk, Let’s Watch, Let’s Listen, and Get Interactive. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and multimedia displays, guests are invited to reflect on how rural life has changed—and what lies ahead for small-town America. Whether you’re revisiting memories or discovering new perspectives, these exhibits offer a thoughtful and engaging look at the past, present, and future of Bandera and rural communities across the country.
Visitor Information
Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Bandera. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do! Discover places to stay, dine, and things to do. In addition to the Smithsonian exhibit and the local exhibits at Bandera Middle School and other satellite locations, visitors can stroll downtown Bandera and look for the Smithsonian logo and posters saying "Come in & let us share our story."
The national exhibit can be viewed at Bandera Middle School.
1005 Cherry Street
Bandera, Texas 78003
Bandera's local exhibits are located at the Bandera Middle School and in multiple locations around the county. See below for more information.
The exhibit will be on display daily from June 21, 2025, to July 26, 2025.
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fee:
Free of charge
There is abundant parking available in the lot at Bandera Middle School. Please enter the parking lot entrance off of Mulberry Street.
Bandera Middle School and its onsite parking are completely ADA compliant.
Be sure to check out Bandera's local exhibits while you're in the area. In addition to the Smithsonian exhibit and the local exhibits at Bandera Middle School and other satellite locations, visitors can stroll downtown Bandera and look for the Smithsonian logo and posters saying "Come in & let us share our story."
Smithsonian in Bandera
Bandera Middle School
1005 Cherry Street
Bandera, Texas 78003
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Local Exhibits Included at the Middle School Are:
- Bandera Electric Cooperative - Rural Electrification
- Stompede Days & The Free State of Bandera
- Schoolhouse Memories - Bandera Schoolhouses of the Past
- 100 Years of Rodeo in Bandera
- Living off the Land - From Ranches to Travelers
- Dudes, Dances, & Delights - Bandera, Birthplace of the Texas Dude Ranch
- Tejano Son of Texas - Plicarpio Rodriguez
- Bandera's Music History: The Music Goes on Forever
Local Exhibits Around the County:
- Arnold-Tyron Cemetery
- Bandera Kronkosky Library
- Bandera Natural History & Art Museum
- Frontier Times Museum
- Historic Langford Home
- Lakehills Area Library
- Medina Community Library
- Polly's Chapel
- Polly's Schoolhouse
- Pipe Creek Community Center
- Pipe Creek Dance Hall
- River Oaks Courts
- The Sheepwalk Ranch
While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the incredible additional programming. For more information on other things to see and do while you're in check out the programs below. Visit the Bandera Convention & Visitors Bureau website for updates on programming.
Local Happenings:
Every Wednesday Night
Steak Night at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar
Every Friday Night
Every Saturday
Cowboys on Main Street
Gun Fights
Bandera Museum on Main Street Grand Opening
June 21
Saturday Market & Wool School
June 21
4th Sunday Cowboy Jamboree
June 22
Bandera City Park Pet Parade
July 4
Courthouse Lawn Market Days on Main Street
July 5
4th of July Parade on Main Street
July 5
Chamber of Commerce BBQ Cookoff
July 11-12
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
July 11
2nd Saturday Nature Talks
July 12
Cowboy Play Day
July 13
3rd Saturday Market & Wool School
July 19
National Day of the American Cowboy
July 26
National Day of the American Cowboy Rodeo
July 26
Bandera Middle School:
(1005 Cherry Street, Bandera)
Becoming a Wool Farmer
June 26
Texas Film Roundup
June 28
Free Screening: Starring Bandera
June 28
The Switzerland of Texas: The History of Hill Country Tourism
July 3
Warren Hunter: Hometown Artist
July 10
Bandera Natural History and Art Museum:
(267 Old San Antonio Highway, Bandera)
Tracking Dinosaurs Across Texas
July 12
American Legion Post 157:
(205 12th Street, Bandera)
Sourdough Bread Making
June 28
Quilting Class
July 12
River Oaks Courts:
(14349 State Hwy. 16 North, Medina)
History of River Oaks Courts Film
July 5
Native Plant Walk
July 19
Medina Along the Way
July 26
Medina Community Library:
(13948 State Hwy. 16 North, Medina)
High School to the NFL with the Hubble Brothers
June 23
Back Country Tales
June 25
Native Americans of Medina
June 26
"Finding Enid with Love" – A Tribute to Texas Icon Enid Collins
June 30
Medina Rembrance of our Legacy Generation
July 1
Medina - 1st One Room Schoolhouse
July 7
Music Professor Winters & the Hills Come Alive
July 10
Early Shingle Makers in Texas
July 11
"Finding Enid with Love" – A Tribute to Texas Icon Enid Collins
July 15
Angora Goats in Bandera County
July 17
Two Medina Murders
July 21
History of Sheep & Goats in the Texas Hill Country
July 22
"Finding Enid with Love" – A Tribute to Texas Icon Enid Collins
July 26
Thanks to the following sponsors and partners for their generous support of this project.
Do you have films or videotapes at your home or business? Were they filmed in Texas or made by a Texan? Have you ever thought about digitizing them?
The Texas Historical Commission and Bandera are teaming up with the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) for the 2025 Texas Film Round-Up program, and we'll be in Bandera on June 28 to help you digitize all your old home movies...for free!