When it comes to road tripping, one of my favorite things to do is stop off to see weird or unexpected roadside curiosities. But as a resident of Boerne, you don’t have to take a road trip to see them – we have our own fair share right here in town!
Whether you’re driving through town on the way to somewhere else, or you live here and you’re bored looking for something new to see, check out all these unique Boerne roadside attractions.
1. Old Boerne Bank Vault in Bechants
Location: 194 S Main St
We actually just discovered one of Boerne’s most unique hidden gems when we decided to partner with the luxury department store, Bechants. This old vault from one of Boerne’s original banks still lives inside near the front of of the building — and yes, you can walk right inside it. In fact, you can shop in it!
Today, the old vault houses an elegant display of kitchenware and appliances, blending historic charm with modern style. It’s a fun, unexpected stop while exploring the Hill Country Mile.
While you’re there, take time to explore the rest of Bechants, a beautifully curated, two-story store offering everything from women’s fashion and fine jewelry to home décor and children’s gifts. This historic vault isn’t just a photo op… it’s part of a truly memorable shopping experience in downtown Boerne.
2. The Giant Cowboy Muffler Man
Located off I-10 West in Boerne, the Cowboy Muffler Man is a large fiberglass statue originally used to advertise an auto repair shop. Now, he stands proudly promoting American-made cars. Dressed in a white cowboy hat, shirt, blue jeans, and boots, he also sports a “FORD” belt buckle and holds a branding iron shaped like a star. As one of the iconic “Muffler Men” statues found across the country, he’s a fun roadside attraction that captures a bit of quirky Americana.
This is a good photo opp, and it’s easy to pull off the highway and into Anderson Ford to get a picture. The driveway goes right by the cowboy. You can find it at 31480 IH 10 West, Boerne, TX.
3. Fabra Smokehouse
The Fabra Smokehouse is a cool piece of history that’s hidden in plain sight, right in the heart of Boerne. Before the days of refrigeration, Boerne residents relied on smoking meat to preserve it. In 1887, Ludwig Fabra built the original one-story Fabra Smokehouse behind his family’s meat market at 202 S. Main Street using local limestone.
In 1907, a second floor was added to maximize the space for meat storage, with exterior stairs leading to the top racks. Today, the smokehouse is the only remaining part of the Fabra family business, serving as a reminder of Boerne’s past and the importance of meat preservation in the community.
You can find this at 194 S Main St, Boerne, TX 78006 in the parking lot between Bechants and Epicure.
4. Wild Bill Hickock on the Bench
Unveiled in Boerne in 2017, the life-size bronze sculpture of James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok captures the iconic Old West figure seated on a bench. It sits in front of the historic Main Plaza (also referred to as “The Square” by some locals) inviting visitors to sit and take photos. Hickok, famous for his roles as a lawman and gunslinger, was involved in several notorious shootouts before meeting his untimely death in 1876 during a poker game in Deadwood, South Dakota.
The sculpture serves as a fun and historic roadside attraction that honors one of the Old West’s most enduring legends. And it just so happens to be one of the best spots for locals and tourists to take photos. Throughout the year, locals also have fun dressing him up for various occasions, such as a Santa hat for Christmas, sunglasses for the solar eclipse, etc.
Main Plaza is located at 100 N. Main Street. Boerne, TX 78006.
5. Giant Rocking Chair
This giant rocking chair used to be located off the norther portion of Main Street at a new Taqueria and Bakery called The Rocker. But when the restaurant closed down last year, it was moved to Boerne Backyard at 31007 I-10. And we have to say, it totally makes sense!
It’s secured, so it doesn’t actually rock. And the boards on the front make for a convenient ladder to climb up and grab a picture!
6. Giant Lonestar Beer Can
When you head out Ranger Creek Road from Interstate 10, you can’t help but notice the giant Lone Star Beer can on your left, across from the water treatment plant. We like to say it’s the largest Lone Star Beer Can in the world.
We also like to say it’s actually filled with beer. But the reality is it’s a water storage tank, just like our friends at Hammer Next Level install for people around Boerne. So if you want your own “giant can of Lone Star” to help protect your well, make sure to talk to them!
Note: This is a private residence, so don’t get any funny ideas. It’s fenced and gated, so enjoy it from the road as you drive by!
7. Rex the Dinosaur
You’ll have to drive a bit out of the way for this one, but Rex the Dinosaur at Cascade Caverns Park is worth it! This giant dinosaur was originally a prop from the 1993 film Father Hood, starring Patrick Swayze, which was partially filmed in the caverns.
Built from styrofoam and plaster, Rex was created during the filming and later donated to the park by the production team. Though his role in the film was minor, Rex remains a beloved fixture at Cascade Caverns, even undergoing restoration in 2009 after years of exposure to the elements. He’s a fun nod to Boerne’s cinematic past and a quirky photo stop for visitors.
And while you’re there, we recommend taking a cave tour, as it’s one of the cooler outdoor things to do in Boerne! Cascade Caverns is located at 226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX 78015.
8. Dinosaur Tracks
Want to see dinosaur tracks? Then make a stop off at The Cibolo Nature Center, not far from the center of town. These dinosaur tracks were uncovered at Boerne Lake during a flood back in 1997. They were approximately 100 million years old and come from an Acrocanthosaurus. To preserve them, molds were made, and they were moved to the Cibol Nature Center.
The tracks are right off the main parking lot, at the trail head. So it’s just a quick stop! But if you want to spend a little time, there’s plenty of room to run around, so it’s great for the kids. To find the Nature Center, go to 140 City Park Road Boerne, TX 78006.
There you have it – 8 roadside attractions in our slice of the Texas Hill Country. Comment below with pictures you’ve taken at them!
Want to drive a bit farther? Don’t miss the Cartoon Saloon in Comfort!