Welcome to the Frontier Times Museum!
Welcome to Frontier Times Museum, a historical gem nestled in the heart of Bandera, Texas. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the frontier days, where legends were born and history was made. Our museum has been a revered landmark in the community for over 90 years, preserving and showcasing the captivating stories of the American West.
Explore our vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of life on the frontier. From Native American artifacts to cowboy paraphernalia, each display tells a unique story of courage, ruggedness, and the pioneering spirit that shaped the West.
Whether you're a history buff, a curious explorer, or a family looking for a fun and educational outing, Frontier Times Museum has something for everyone. Come and experience the allure of the Wild West right here in Bandera. Visit us today and witness history come alive before your eyes.
Upcoming Events
Life Behind the Scenes at the Historic Y.O. Ranch
“It was the summer of 1977, and I was at the Texas Capitol researching voting patterns for the political campaign I was working for,” writes author Norma Schreiner as she describes her meeting with rancher Charles Schreiner III. “I decided to drop by the office of one of my favorite house members, Jim Nugent. . . . Before his staff could announce me, he was bellowing, ‘Norma, come in here. There’s someone I want you to meet.’”
So began the tempestuous, yet mostly good-natured relationship between the author and the man she often called “Charlie Three,” scion of the historic Schreiner ranching family of the Texas Hill Country. Charles Schreiner III was largely responsible for saving the Texas longhorn from extinction by founding the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America in 1964. The first bull and cow registered belonged to Charlie, and he grew the association from its initial membership of thirty to having members throughout the world by the time of his death. Amazingly, he promoted the breed with not one, but two cattle drives of longhorns across modern day Texas.
Their subsequent marriage would last only two years, but that time would place her on the legendary Y.O. Ranch during the centennial of its founding in 1880. Since the 1950s, the ranch began to stock exotic animals for hunting and breeding purposes year-round, a practice that has since become vital to many Texas ranches’ economic survival. Schreiner would see Y.O. as one of the first Texas ranches to add a pair of giraffes that have descendants still on the ranch to this day. Schreiner, a sixth-generation Texan, was the fourth wife of Charles Schreiner III. In 1979, she became the first woman elected to the board of directors of a livestock association, the South Texas Longhorn Association.
Told with candor and good humor, Schreiner’s memoir, Eight Miles from the Front Gate: My Life on the Y.O. Ranch with Charles Schreiner III, of her time on the ranch and how those experiences shaped her life makes for entertaining and enlightening reading. Unfortunately, Schreiner passed away as the book was being published. To speak for Schreiner, the Frontier Times Museum will welcome Harold Prasatik, Schreiner’s partner, to tell tales of what an amazing woman Schreiner was. The event is free and open to the public and will take place on Thursday, May 7th at the museum at 5:30 pm. The book will be available for sale at the museum. If you have read the book, you are welcome to join this lively discussion. The Frontier Times Museum is located at 510 13th Street in Bandera, Texas.
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Visit Us
Location
510 13th Street, Bandera, Texas 78003
Hours
Monday–Saturday
10:00am – 4:30pm
Phone
830 - 796 - 3864
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1918 Bandera, TX 78003
Email us
information@frontiertimesmuseum.org
To contact our Executive Director, Rebecca Norton please email her at
director@frontiertimesmuseum.org
Admission Fees
Adults $8
Seniors $5
Military $5
Ages 6-17 $4
Under 6 Free
Group Admission
(10 or More People)
$4 Per Adult
$3 Per Child
To book your Group Tour, call:
830-796-3864
We are a Blue Star Museum: Every year, from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day, our program offers free admission to active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families up to five members.
Visit our Youtube Channel!
Exciting news! The Museum now has its very own YouTube channel, and you won’t want to miss it! Dive into a treasure trove of captivating videos showcasing our incredible artifacts, stunning one-of-a-kind buildings, and dynamic programs. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, there’s something for everyone! Come explore and experience the magic of the Museum like never before! Don’t forget to subscribe and join us on this amazing journey!
Our Mission
To preserve and share the cultural heritage of Bandera County and the Texas frontier times.
We’re Growing!
The Frontier Times Museum Board of Trustees has announced a Capital Campaign to expand the facility with a new wing. To support this effort, we invite you to become a part of our dream to build a first-class history museum in Bandera, Texas!
Texas Heroes Hall of Honor
In keeping with the pioneering spirit of its founder, J. Marvin Hunter, the Frontier Times Museum has established the TEXAS HEROES HALL OF HONOR to recognize the remarkable individuals who’ve helped keep the pioneer spirit alive.
