Looking for a summer day trip idea with the kiddos? Head to Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch for an experience the whole family will enjoy. Since it’s located less than an hour outside of Austin, it makes for an easy escape from the city. But if you don’t feel like driving back to the ATX area, you can even plan an overnight staycation!
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Pioneer Town in Wimberley
Looking to make a quick getaway? Then gather up the kids for a short road trip that’ll drop you back in time. Kinda. Approximately 50 minutes southwest of Austin, you’ll find the kitschy and kid-approved Pioneer Town at the grounds of 7A Ranch in Wimberley. Entering Pioneer Town will make you feel like Marty McFly traveling back to the wild wild west.
The area features a functioning arcade and ice cream parlor, as well as an opera house, the pioneer chapel, and a bottle house – yes, the house is actually made entirely of glass bottles.
The bottle house is made entirely of glass bottles per the suggestion of Walt Disney himself! Not uncommon in Old West town, bottle houses are usually built from beer or champagne bottles from the local saloon as a monument to the town’s drinking ability. This particular house is constructed out of drink bottles and is the only known soft drink bottle house in the US.
Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of the old-timey town, which provides loads of photo ops and fun sights to explore. There’s also a Cowboy Museum on site where would-be pioneers can explore the vintage antiques and more.
Consider A Stay at 7A
For those looking to make a weekend out of it, 7A Ranch is home to a lovely resort sitting on the banks of the Blanco River. A stay at 7A offers prime river access to swimming and fishing, as well as a pool and numerous trails for exploring.
To keep with the wild west theme, consider booking a room in the Pioneer Town Inn (rooms include two queen beds, cable TV, a small refrigerator, microwave, and a coffee pot). 7A also offers roughly a dozen cabins, sleeping from four to 12, that each achieve various levels of glamping depending on your family’s desires. There is also a newly renovated cottage called The Hideaway.
Some are fully equipped with air conditioning and full kitchens while others feature open porches for more camping vibes. All options are absolutely charming.
Know before you go:
Pioneer Town is free and open to the public to explore and we highly recommend dressing the part!
If you choose to stay the weekend, pack for swimming, fishing, kayaking – whatever floats your boat – on the Blanco River. Cabin rates vary by time of year and size. See the website for the most up-to-date rates.
Day passes are available to their section of the river for swimming, fishing, and enjoying year-round. Price varies between $5-10 per person depending on the time of year. And it’s free for children under 5!
From March through October, the Ice Cream Parlor opens daily at noon, except on Wednesday when it’s closed.
The arcade is open during business hours, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The Opera House is available to rent for weddings, reunions, or other events.
Fun Fact!
Pioneer Town was the stand in for Humbug’s Gulch in “Fear the Walking Dead!” Learn more about that here.
Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch
Location: 333 Wayside Drive, Wimberley
Hours: Pioneer Town is open to foot traffic during daytime hours, seven days a week.
Price: Pioneer Town is free to wander. Cabin rates vary by season and size. See the website for the most up-to-date rates.
Looking for more Wimberley area activities?
Check out these posts:
- Austin Road Trip Guide: Here’s Everything You Need to See and Do In Wimberley Texas
- Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About Blue Hole in Wimberley, Texas
- New Restaurant Brings Creek Side Dining To Wimberley
This article was completed with assistance from happyly. Photos by Dani Dudek.
