If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life but still want to be in Texas, Vanderpool is the best kept secret of the Lone Star State. It’s the perfect spot to get away and enjoy nature.
It’s no mystery that the Texas Hill Country has some of the most glorious views, and Vanderpool is no exception. Rock climbing is at its best here with its rolling hills, crystal clear lakes, fields of bluebonnets, enormous old oak trees, and rugged terrain. Steep canyon walls and gigantic rock formations are plentiful.
This sleepy little town on the Sabinal River serves a big purpose: It’s the southern gateway to Lost Maples State Natural Area, home of the revered bigtooth maples—relics from the Ice Age. This community is home to 82 friendly and fun loving residents with 1 old grouch, but he’s never around. The FM 337 is rated one of the top ten scenic drives in Texas and possesses some of the most stunning secluded valleys in all of the Texas Hill Country. This is phenomenal to say the least. It received its name back in 1885 after the first settler, L.B. Vanderpool.
Car, motorcycle rides, and hiking are unsurpassed in viewing this territory of gorgeous scenery. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular in this part of our great state.
Photo: Diana Ost
Visitors will also enjoy picnicking, camping, backpacking, photography, bird-watching, fishing, swimming, and nature study. Nearly everyone has a little history buff inside of them, and this area is definitely not lacking in stories from years gone by. The Lost Maples Winery is close by and tours are given all year long. As well, there are many wonderful country cabins, vacation homes and Bed & Breakfasts to choose from.
Photo: travellogs.us
The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum is located in Vanderpool. It’s right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country with beautiful motorcycling roads all around. It houses 50 classic motorcycles in their historic Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. The motorcycles date back from 1910 to today. The Museum is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and weekdays by appointment. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast you should not miss this iconic place. Give them a call at (830) 966-6103 or visit them online at lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com.
Photo: Charles J. Sharp, Sharp Photography
As the home to the beautiful Lost Maples State Park, Vanderpool is famous for its bird watching. Texas is the only state in America to see the short tailed, long billed, Green Kingfisher. That’s quite the claim to fame don’t you think? Birding is year around; this area is a world – class birding and wildlife viewing destination. Guides are available to take you on private ranches and properties.
You’ll find fun and interesting places near and around Vanderpool, which should not be missed. Ten miles north lies Utopia, and 30 miles west is Bandera County (The Cowboy Capital).
