Buckhorn Saloon & Museum: Unique Texas Experience
4.1
145 Ratings
San Antonio
Immerse yourself in the unique Texas experience at the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. Explore an impressive collection of taxidermy animals, western Americana, and historic artifacts from the Texas Rangers. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind adventure!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum - Since its founding in 1881, the Buckhorn Saloon has grown from a bar decorated with antler racks into an impressive collection of taxidermy with more than 520 animal species represented, in addition to other spectacular exhibits.

Make your way to the site and browse the fascinating collections in the Hall of Horns, Hall of Feathers, and Hall of Fins. Among the treasures to behold: a Texas Longhorn with horns that measure more than 8 feet (2.5 meters) across; a record-breaking 1,056-pound (479-kilo) marlin that was caught in Peru; oddities such as an 8-legged lamb and a 2-headed calf; and other impressive horns that include a 78-point buck and a moose with a 5-foot, 7-inch (1.7-meter) rack. Prized specimens include rare and extinct creatures such as an Irish elk and a pair of passenger pigeons.

In the old days, the saloon’s owners traded with cowboys, exchanging beer or whiskey for antlers and rattlesnake rattles. They then created chairs from the antlers, such as a 62-horn chair for Teddy Roosevelt, and art pieces from the rattles. See these pieces, then step into the past in the Hall of Texas History Wax Museum section. Dioramas that depict early Texas were originally featured at San Antonio’s Hemisphere World’s Fair in 1968.

The Texas Ranger Museum is a more recent addition to the Buckhorn’s collection. It includes artifacts from two centuries of Texas law enforcement, including historic revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, photographs, badges and more. Ranger Town recreates San Antonio life in the early 1900s.

While visiting this fascinating attraction, you can stop into the saloon and cafe for lunch or a locally-brewed beer (each at own expense); you’re welcome to bring your drink into the museum.

What's Included
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a unique museum journey at the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum. Situated just two blocks away from the Alamo, the Buckhorn displays an incredible array of taxidermied animals, Americana with a western twist, sizeable antler displays, among others. Sharing the building is the Texas Ranger Museum, housing historic memorabilia from the celebrated Texas law enforcement unit, and Ranger Town, a reconstructed version of San Antonio in the 1900s. Also, you have the liberty to carry a drink bought from the saloon into the museum.

  • On-site cafe daily from 11am to 3pm for lunch.
  • Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Location
The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
318 E Houston St,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.1
(145 Ratings)
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1 star
Stacey_w
Jun 1, 2024
Something new - We have been to San Antonio several times and have always wanted to visit the Buckhorn saloon and the Texas Rangers museum. It was so much fun and loved learning about all who have served as a Texas Ranger.
Review provided by Viator
488meghan
Apr 20, 2024
Neat - The oldest saloon in Texas is pretty interesting. The taxidermy is fascinating. We enjoyed a drink and a walk around. It seems very family-friendly and very popular lunch destination. Although we did not eat lunch there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goldeneagle56
May 23, 2024
Texas Rangers rule - This is a very fun, informative experience. It does not take long to go through and the displays and bios on the rangers are very interesting. If you do not like taxidermy animals this may not be for you but the information that accompanies the displays is quite good. This ia a good place to go if you want to learn about the rangers and this part of Texas it is worth your time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissajv
May 17, 2024
Buckhorn Saloon & Texas Ranger Museum - San Antonio - We only toured the museum (did not eat at the saloon). Very interesting and extensive collection of animals. Not sure it’s worth the price of admission, but not a total loss. If you’re interested in Texas ranger history, this is the place to go. The prisoner sleeping in the jail cell is pretty funny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamspeaker
Apr 22, 2024
Great food, long wait (impacted by eclipse) - We can't speak to the museum, but we can speak to the actual saloon and food because we dined here and just did not have time to visit the museum after dining. The food was REALLY great. The chicken fried chicken was amazing and portion sizes generous. The atmosphere is funky. The only star I took away was because it took a very long time to get served. To be fair, it was 3 days before the total eclipse and the host did let us know when we came in that the kitchen was running about a half hour behind. It ended up being closer to an hour behind, but this was understandable. What wasn't was that there weren't enough clean tables for people to sit because they were behind on bussing the tables. People were standing waiting for a table to sit at while about half of the tables sat uncleaned. That was unfortunate, and the only real drawback. The wait was why we didn't have time to visit the museum because we had to get to another place, but I do recommend visiting here as I'm sure we were just there at a weird time due to the eclipse.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rvdriftwood
Mar 29, 2024
Taxidermy and shiny pistols - Maybe I go for the cheesy stuff but I thought the place was fun! About the price - we were able to talk them down a few dollars but yeah it’s high. There’s a lot to see though. Don’t spend too much time at the TX Ranger section cuz the rest of the museum is better. I enjoyed the old timey carnival part (shrunken heads) and the taxidermy. Look for the intricately carved tree of life - so cool. Btw if you go on a hot day you can grab a Longhorn at the saloon and then walk around.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephen_r
Mar 20, 2024
When in downtown San Antonio - Lots to see. Sometimes the route involved backtracking. Had a great gift shop. It was easy to follow exhibit wise.
Review provided by Viator
Nomad_la
May 13, 2024
Taxidermy, taxidermy and more taxidermy - I enjoy a good tourist trap, and did have a good time. My only complaint is the price is rather steep for what you see. I would suggest sitting in the bar and enjoying the 'furry decorations'.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vickimm356us
Mar 8, 2024
Soo, not worth it - Way overpriced and overrated. The Briscoe museum is less than half the price of this place. You have to pay for both "museums". Taxidermy not my thing and the Texas Rangers part was sorely lacking. Skip this money pit stop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julierb9055id
Mar 23, 2024
Don’t bother - Waste of time and money. The amount of animal mounts, racks and furnishings made from steer and bison horns was disturbing (we are a hunting family). Texas Ranger section was sad and dusty. Take the time to visit the national Ranger site in Waco, which is a true tribute to this outstanding group of individuals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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