flying l guest ranch

We were in town checking out Cowboy Country... and saw Flying L offered a cowboy experience of a chuckwagon dinner show. We had done all we could do in Bandera (even an 85-mile scenic drive) so we arrived earlier than expected to Flying L for lack of anything else to do. (Sidebar: the cowboy gun show scheduled at 12:00 and 2:00 was canceled without Bandera Chamber of Commerce updating their web site, which was annoying since that's one reason we came and the 1:00 "Cowboys on Main" was nothing more than a covered wagon and a man dressed as an indian who wanted $5 if you took a picture of him). So, we were several hours early getting to Flying L. It was still a bit chilly outside so the pool / water park were still closed, but they let us use rest of facilities - miniature golf, petting some animals on sight, the playground, horse shoes, etc. The kids really enjoyed themselves just hanging outside for a couple of hours at the ranch. They had ping pong tables out there and a volleyball nets and basketball court. We enjoyed sitting in rocking chairs relaxing while the kids played. So, we appreciated the staff allowing us to come use their grounds while we were waiting for our dinner time.The dinner show itself ($25 per adult; 12.50 for each kid) - the fellas playing while we ate were fantastic (and that's saying a lot since I am NOT a fan of country music). The food was really pretty good we thought. The chicken was moist and seasoned well... corn on the cob, potato salad, beans, sausage (fantastic), brisket, cold slaw... and two of us went back for seconds. After dinner, took some pics w/ kids at the "ghost town" you are driven to - they give you clothes for the kids to dress up. There's a face painter there. There's a dude with a whip that just sort of ignores everyone. There's another guy with guns - he was super nice... gave our son a bullet shell, which he thought was cool. Then they had an awesome fellow come with his dog to herd goats. That was cute / entertaining. The dog was so good! I think what was a bummer for us adults is that they waited so long for this herding activity that it was practically dark - so couldn't get any pics. Then they had the kids try to herd the goats and again unable to get any photos. They were also supposed to release a bunch of horses but we just left, not knowing if they were going to do it or not... it was full-on dark at this point so who knows. We went back to the ranch. So, I think they should have timed this a lot better... seemed they wanted to play their music more than appreciate who their audience was (1/2 kids / parents!). We got back to the ranch at 7:25 and figured it would be awhile before they got the bonfire going for s'mores so we took off and headed home... Overall, Flying L was the highlight of our time in Bandera - which was pretty disappointing from a "cowboy" perspective. I think Flying L would have been a better experience if it was a little warmer and didn't get dark so early... felt a little rushed given the long delay between dinner and activities.

This is our second trip to the Flying L Ranch Water Park. We love it for our children ages 3 and 5. It is just big enough to have fun all day, not at all crowded and we can enjoy an adult beverage. Fun for everyone!

We were staying in a cabin in the Utopia area and found out about the Flying L Ranch Water Park. Took our 3 grandkids there for a "day outing" and we absolutely loved it! Not crowded, plenty of variety to make a day of it; nice staff. (Food was so-so; but everything else was just fine). Would recommend and we will definitely go back if we are in the Bandera area again.

This past weekend we attended the Chuckwagon Dinner Show at the Flying L Guest Ranch. I am conflicted about how to rate this experience, but ended up giving it a pretty good rating, although with some up-front caveats. I would say to call this a "Ranch" experience would be going a little far in my Texas girl's eyes, but at least they had a little ghost town to try and up the fun. Everyone was extremely friendly at the venue and the country western music by Jody and Bob Jenkins and some of their friends was exceptional. In fact I have to say that I was amazed that they haven't made it to Nashville, as Jody writes a good bit of their music and it was terrific! They seem to have quite a local following and we were not disappointed. Unfortunately, I have to say that the BBQ was average, not exceptional, but since we ate during the music performance, it didn't really matter all that much and the price was good for a dinner/show. So, what I would say is that IF you are in Bandera and looking for something to do, it is entertaining, but I wouldn't necessarily drive there specifically for it.

We exchanged into the Flying L for a week's stay. Our unit was spacious, comfortable, decorated in true western motif. We had a couple join us and they were able to rent a lock off next door so we were in a "home-feel" setting. The resort is located within a subdivision, which was a surprise based on the website....but the staff and some activities helped overcome our original impression upon arrival 'what is this place". Staying in February meant there were very few people there, so it is hard to imagine what it would be like filled in season [for example -noise overhead or from other units; noise from the water park just outside our bedroom/small patio area. However, the waterpark looked like it would be great for families with children. Miniature golf was very basic. Our friends had a great horseback ride; our golf was rather disappointing - the drought has taken its toll and tees, fairways were almost "hardpan" and the greens more like miniature golf. The layout and setting is quite nice and we would love to see it once it is back in good shape. The fee of $18.75 was reasonable but $25 for rental clubs that were mismatched and not complete was not. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The Activities Director and his helper were both outstanding. Nightly rides in the wagon around the ranch to spot wildlife followed by smores, stories around a campfire made great evenings. The highlight was cowboy/country singing by Buck and Brad - great entertainment. We ate only one meal at the Ranch - a great buffet of bbq brisket, lamb, sausage and the trimmings. However, you had to sign up by 4 pm and the night's menu was not posted until 1 pm, plus it was $15.95 per person - so we elected to eat dinner in town and breakfast in our units. Hope this is just a "winter, low census" issue since the kitchen help worked hard to prepare good food. Would definitely see this as a great spot for families.

Went to Flying L intending to have a few days of family time and ended up having a remarkable few days of making memories. The meals were 'spot on' and the breakfast was really impressive (the pancakes were the only downside as they sat out way too long) and the variety was quite a surprise. In the end, it was the people who live and work there who added that extra 'something' to make this a memorable few days for our family. The spontaneous music, the truly clean environment....free of trash/debris, literally a smile on every person connected to the Flying L, and having something for everyone to do...be it shuffleboard, the lagoon, golf (a diamond in the rough by the way...remarkably well kept course) fishing, riding horses with Joe Bob or just sitting around watching the deer. The apartments/condo's by the pool were far better than we anticipated. This was a great stop and I know our family has all agreed...we shall return! A trip that left us with lots of smiles and an appreciation for those who keep the Flying L flying high!

view excellent, horse obedient and wonderfulGuide Kid friendly and helpful and could tell about Texas history

This is the second time we have stayed at the Flying L Guest Ranch or a week. Both times it was a week or so after Thanksgiving. A down time at the ranch which made our time relaxing and quiet which we loved. The people are gracious and friendly. S'mores every night around a campfire!!!! But Christmas time in Bandera, TX!! In the summer the ranch is a very busy place with lots of families visiting. There is a really nice water park and pool. Horses to ride. Wagon to ride. And other activities. The town of Bandera is still a cowboy town. Quaint and fun. The Madena River runs by it. Cool!! Lots to see and do.