The Texas Hill Country offers town after town of spectacular places you can visit throughout the year. Each town brings with it immense charm, and you will uncover something unique in every Texas town you visit–and that includes the tiny but beautiful Vanderpool, Texas.
Vanderpool, TX, is a very small town that is a nature lovers’ paradise.
From stunning fall colors and one of the top scenic drives in Texas, Vanderpool is a hidden gem of the Hill Country.
Here’s what to do in Vanderpool!
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Best Things to Do in Vanderpool, TX
Go hiking in Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Traveling to Vanderpool, Texas, would not be complete without a trip to Lost Maples State Park.
Truly one of the crown jewels of this region, Lost Maples State Park is a must-see while visiting the Lone Star State.
A quaint state park that provides you easy access to incredible hiking while also giving you unmatchable views of the stars is Lost Maples State Park in a nutshell.
Fall color is a must-see at Lost Maples State Park and offers you an amount of fall foliage that is hard to find throughout Texas.
Take some time on your hike to stop at Monkey Rock to gawk at how spectacular nature truly is.
Take time to stargaze as the stars in this region are truly spectacular.
Enjoy a glass of wine in the Texas Hill Country.
Lost Maples Winery is one of a kind as it combines wine tasting with the scenery all around, creating a completely immersive experience.
If experiencing nature on your hike wasn’t enough of a nature fix, just minutes away, you can enjoy a glass of wine in the crisp air that flows through the vineyard.
Lost Maples Winery is a family-owned business that genuinely makes you feel like part of their family when you visit.
Sit back and soak in the surrounding scenery or catch some local music; no matter how you spend your time at Lost Maples Winery, it will be one you will remember.
You can also embark on a tasting to taste their wines and see which one suits your palate best.
Explore the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.
The owner of the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum found himself drawn back to riding through Vanderpool as he soaked up the beautiful views of the area.
He loved the area so much that he established the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum that is a tribute to years of different styles of motorcycles.
There are those that come just to drive their motorcycle through the winding hills near Vanderpool, which is a perfect placement for the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.
With over 60 bikes to view, the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum is a great pit stop during your adventures.
Drive FM 337.
FM 337 is one of the most scenic drives in Texas, and it takes you through miles and miles of Hill Country as it twists and turns through the scenery.
People–especially motorcycle enthusiasts–come all over to simply drive the roads and take in the remarkable scenery that this area of Texas offers.
Sample local food.
While the town of Vanderpool itself is fairly small, there are nearby towns of Bandera and Utopia that will provide you even more opportunities to explore.
Lost Maples Cafe offers you down-home cooking to enjoy some comfort food after a long day of hiking.
Mama Choles is another local favorite and offers you authentic food that will have you coming back for more.
Take some time to chat with locals and truly uncover the best places to eat in Vanderpool, Utopia, or Bandera.
Explore nearby Bandera.
A trip to Vanderpool wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Cowboy Capital of the World.
Bandera is home to everything “Texas” that the Lone Star State is often known as by many who have never visited before.
Gather your family and spend the day horseback riding or enjoy Bandera Market Days, where you can truly find a one-of-a-kind treasure to take home with you.
Tips for Visiting Vanderpool
Visit during fall foliage season.
Vanderpool, Texas, has plenty to see and allows you to escape to nature to immerse yourself in a diverse ecosystem and ever-changing scenery.
One of the bigger draws to Vanderpool is Lost Maples State Park, and it is important to know the best times to visit to see fall color.
Starting in early November (usually), the trees that call Lost Maples home begin to transform into a fall wonderland with deep reds, yellows, and oranges that blanket the entire park.
Of course, one of the draws to see Lost Maples State Park is the maples that exude a deep orange color that is unmatchable by many of the trees that surround them.
Lost Maples is truly a unique escape all year, but there is something special about hiking into a sea of yellows and oranges that seem to travel for miles on end.
Go bird watching.
One thing that is true about Vanderpool and the surrounding scenery is that it changes as you drive an hour one way or another.
This diverse area holds an extensive amount of wildlife as well.
One type of wildlife that you will want to watch out for is the diverse amount of birds.
Birds such as the Kingfisher are rarely seen throughout Texas, but while you are exploring the best things to do in Vanderpool, you have a high possibility of catching a glimpse of one.
Where is Vanderpool, Texas?
Vanderpool, Texas is 1 hour and 40 minutes (95 miles) northwest of San Antonio, and 2.5 hours (128 miles) southwest of Austin.
It’s a great destination to combine with popular Garner State Park!
