These Destinations Are Perfect for You to Live Your Cowboy Fantasy

Texas doesn’t have a monopoly on cowboys. Sure, everything there is either cowboy or cattle-themed, but that doesn’t mean that there are no other places in the world that will be happy to greet you in your spurry boots. Here are some non-Texas locations (plus one Texas location, because, come on) where you can get some rodeo energy.

Bandera, Texas

Bandera, the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World, houses many ranches. It’s impossible to get through town without spotting a rodeo and horses tied to hitching posts. Some guest ranches also include an overnight trail ride with chuck wagon meals and campfire storytelling.

Chino Basin Ranch, Colorado

For those who really want to feel like a cowboy, Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado may be the place. Guests perform all the tasks that a cowboy would typically do. After a hard day’s work, guests can relax by fishing at the nearby lakes.

Zapata Ranch, Colorado

Zapata Ranch in Mosca, Colorado, offers beautiful scenery for nature-loving cowboys or cowboy wannabes. Forests, wetlands, sand dunes, and verdant pastures dot the landscape, mostly thanks to the efforts of The Nature Conservancy and the state ranch management company running it.

McGinnis Meadows Ranch, Montana

If horsemanship is right up your alley, then McGinnis Meadows Cattle & Guest Ranch in Montana is the place for you. Following the practices set by Buck Brannaman, horse-loving visitors learn to work with the natural instincts of the animal, building mutual respect and trust.

Double Rafter Cattle Drive, Wyoming

For those with true grit who are not into ranching, Wyoming’s Double Rafter Cattle Drive offers guests the opportunity to do a week-long cattle drive. Throughout the journey, guests can view the fantastic mountainous rangelands while moving cattle through rough terrain.

Let R Buck, Connecticut

At Connecticut’s Let R Buck bull riding school, visitors can learn how to ride a bull for as long as they can. While the experience can be grueling, visitors will be greeted by an unbelievable amount of satisfaction if they manage to stay on the 2000-pound beast for nearly 10 seconds.