It was 75 degrees in February here in TX and we were looking for something to do outdoors. We loaded up the kids and took the hour drive from New Braunfels. My daughter loves longhorns and was looking forward to seeing the other animals. We arrived about 3:15 to find out they had just done the last wagon ride. When it returned I asked the driver -Nathan about it. He apologized and said they had someone go home sick. To not disappoint he offered us a private tour in a large golf cart. We got up close and personal to all the animals. Nathan was so nice and told us all about the animals and ranch. At the end I offered him a tip for going out of his way and he refused. He said he was happy to do it and loves showing off the ranch. Needless to say we had a wonderful time. The town is a great place to visit, great for kids, weddings and other functions. Also a great place for a photography session. We didn't get a chance to try the BBQ but it smelled amazing!
Great Texas Barbq lunch & entertainment inside before our ranch tour. The tour was in an open wagon with overhead tarp & views of a number of exotic animals. If you are not use to the Texas heat I recommend you visit before June or after August. Either way be sure to stay hydrated & wear a cap. Naturally there was a western shootout which was very entertaining. We had fun taking pictures of our group behind bars in the jailhouse, beside the old Cadillac and with the buffalo (behind us in their pen). Casual dress & shoes as you will be climbing in & out of a wagon as well as walking around "town" on dirt roads. With lunch, tour & all the picture taking, I'd estimate we spent around 4 hours here without any boredom. Have fun ya'll!
My husband and I are from San Antonio, and wanted to do something different for our date night. This was a great choice! We put on our cowboy boots and hats and headed out to Enchanted Springs Ranch and really had fun! We took a leisurely tour of the grounds and took lots of pictures. The dinner and entertainment was excellent! (They served a mean peach and blueberry cobber! Yummy! ) Pistol Packin' Paula was the star of the show. The people were nice and Lori was great. would definitely go again.
On a vacation to San Antonio, I found this ranch by pulling up websites for "Old Western Themes" areas to visit. Drove to a city called Boerne (pronounced Bernie)Texas, which was about 30 minutes from San Antonio.The park was close when we arrived on Monday, the sign stated it was opened from 9-430, so Pam and I decided to come back the next day so we wouldn't miss out on anything....The gates were opened and we drove slowly through the ranch noticing how wonderful the grounds looked, very calming, roughed with wild animals roaming the area, which really raised our eyebrows. There was no one around so we called out to someone and a very nice woman (Lori) who worked there informed us the ranch was closed and was only opened on the weekends in the fall but she was so nice she decided to show us around. Roaming the ranch I thought we were in the "Wild Wild West", real authentic; the saloon, the jailhouse, covered wagons, animals roaming, horses, fishing hole, cattle, tee pees etc was exciting. All of the activities the ranch has to offer is a "Must See" for everyone, young and old. Shout out to Lori who was awesome, she made us feel welcomed and showed us all the ranch has to offer. The Enchanted Springs Ranch is something that should be on everyone list when visiting San Antonio, you will not be disappointed.I can't wait to visit there again.
We enjoyed this western themed ranch. It is nice to know there are still outside attractions like this one.
Do Not Waste Your Time or Your Money on this POORLY set up "theme park"... With a staff of 3 it has a lot to be desired! We were the ONLY ones there for first hour with NOTHING to do, but look at empty western buildings. It's a shame we paid anything to visit this place. The 3 shows were terrible! Visit the Zoo, Sea World, Fantastic Caverns/drive thru animal park, or the Snake farm before considering this place....I asked if shows were better in summer? Reply, we only do one more and it is a stunt so the weather has to be sunny and dry?!?!? Believe me, your not missing anything!! And shame on Oprah for her recommendation of such.... It's obvious she's never been!!!
We visited Enchanted Springs Ranch at the end of the summer season so the ranch was not crowded for our mid-week August visit. I was expecting a romping, rustling Western town but it's more like a Western museum (as there were not many people around). I am glad I gave it a chance because my kids and I ended up really enjoying it. Pros: animal viewing opportunities, authentic Western town feel, reasonably priced food stand on site (burgers, ice cream, drinks), performers/shows/re-enactments entertaining, photo opportunities with performers and animals (ie. Longhorn steer)Cons: not enough performers/actors throughout the town
Tucked away in the foothills near Boerne, Texas is the famous Enchanted Springs Ranch. From the time that you first arrive, you are taken back into memories of growing up watching westerns on television as a kid. The old town is constructed just like you would picture it. In fact, the settings in the town have been used in different TV shows and movies. After strolling through the town, take the wagon train ride around field. There are several animals to see in natural habitat. Then it's time to chow on some of the best Texas BBQ you will ever taste while listening to a local country western singer. And then if that's not enough, there some great entertainment with "Pistol Packing Paula". she is feisty sharp shooting lady who can really handle guns. There's also horse back riding and other entertainment. Little kids will have an absolute ball.
As a British family on holiday, we were surprised that there wasn't more places like Enchanted Springs. From the explanation, this place really has grown up nicely in a short time. It consists of about 20 wild-west facades and buildings including saloon, church (where they do weddings) and jail. There's also some animals, a kids play area and tractor rides into the estate to see deer, zebras, longhorns and more.The day we went there were a few "shows" (2 from Pistol Packin Paula). In all, it's a good place to spend 2 or 3 hours.They said in the busy periods they also have cowboy shootouts. Note though, that when we visited the only refreshments available were potato chips and sodas in the shop.
We arrived late, after most of the shows, but it's a very cute western scene. We took the wagon ride and saw longhorn, zebra, buffalo. Lots of good picture opportunities.