Bandera isn’t the only “Cowboy Capital of the World” – Stephenville has also coined the term, and it’s one of the most charming small towns in Texas. Located about two hours southwest of Dallas, Stephenville is home to a rodeo arena with year-round events, a cowboy hat shop, and more Southern charm than you can shake a stick at.

With a population of around 20,000, Stephenville is on the larger end of a small town - but it still has that unmistakable small-town energy. The pace of life is slow, and the locals know each other by name.
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Stephenville also calls itself "The Cowboy Capital of the World." Although Bandera has trademarked the phrase, Stephenville's history is also steeped in Western roots.
The town's Lone Star Arena hosts rodeo events on a regular basis in partnership with the Cowboy Capital Pro Rodeo Association, and it puts rodeo athletes through to the National Finals Rodeo.
Lone Star Arena, 4696 N, US-377, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
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Stephenville even has its very own cowboy hat shop, Capital Hatters.
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Upon stepping inside, you'll be blown away by the massive inventory. No matter what size or color hat you need, rest assured you'll find it here. Yee-haw!
Capital Hatters, 830 E South Loop, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
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Aside from its cowboy culture, Stephenville is just an all-around charming place to visit. The town is brimming with historic buildings that have been around for centuries.
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Many of these structures are part of the Stephenville Historical House Museum, which features 12 19th-century buildings outfitted with period furniture and décor.
Stephenville Historical House Museum, 525 E Washington St, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
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Admission to the grounds is free, and you can either opt for a self-guided or guided tour (the latter requires a small fee).
No visit to Stephenville is complete without eating at Jake and Dorothy's Cafe.
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Consistently ranked among the best small-town restaurants in Texas, this unassuming eatery is known for its massive chicken-fried steaks and homemade pies.
Jake & Dorothy's Cafe, 406 E Washington St, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
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Trust me when I say the pie here is some of the best I've ever had.
If you'd like to spend some time in nature, Stephenville City Park is a 112-acre oasis along the North Bosque River with a jogging track, playgrounds, a tennis court, and more.
Stephenville City Park, 709 Riverside Dr, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
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There is also a hiking area, the Bosque River Trail, that offers plenty of shade and features beautiful scenery.
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Just outside of town is The Hideaway Ranch & Refuge, which features several rustic cabins that sleep up to six people.
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Nestled on 150 acres of unspoiled Hill Country terrain, this remote retreat offers the perfect blend of modern amenities (such as full kitchens and satellite TV) and peace and quiet.
The Hideaway Ranch and Refuge, 1022 Private Rd 1250, Bluff Dale, TX 76433, USA
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Some of the cabins even have private hot tubs!

Have you ever visited Stephenville, the “Cowboy Capital of the World?” If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! If you need a place to stay while you’re in town, check out Vrbo – they have so many wonderful options that fit a variety of budgets.

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Stephenville, TX 76401, USA