Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. Texas Ranger Museum, San Antonio (must see)

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum in San Antonio offer a unique blend of history, wildlife, and Texan heritage. Located on East Houston Street in downtown San Antonio, this privately run museum originated as a personal collection of Albert Friedrich in 1881. Friedrich, the youngest son of a cabinetmaker-turned-horn-furniture craftsman whose clients included Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm I, began his collection with curiosities gathered during his hunting trips. By 1896, Friedrich had opened the first Buckhorn Saloon at the corner of Soledad and West Houston streets, enticing patrons with a drink in exchange for a set of animal horns, creating the renowned "Buckhorn Hall of Horns."

The Buckhorn Museum houses over 520 species of wildlife from around the globe, featuring mammals, birds, and fish. Standout exhibits include the 78 Point Brady Buck, a world record 1,056-pound black marlin, an 8-foot-longhorn spread, and the first gorilla ever displayed in the United States. The museum's mirrored bar and firearm displays add to its historic charm. Its connection to history is also storied, with Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders rumored to have frequented the original saloon.

The Texas Ranger Museum complements the Buckhorn with its deep dive into Texan law enforcement history. This museum, established in collaboration with the Former Texas Rangers Association in 2006, features an impressive array of Texas Ranger artifacts such as automatic handguns, badges, and photographs. Highlights include Ranger Town, a turn-of-the-century San Antonio recreation complete with a replica saloon, jail cell, and blacksmith shop. Visitors can also view the infamous 1934 Ford V8 Deluxe getaway car of Bonnie and Clyde fame. The museum pays tribute to legendary Rangers like Joaquin Jackson, Frank Hamer, and John B. Armstrong.

Whether you're drawn by the incredible wildlife displays, the historic saloon atmosphere, or the rich legacy of the Texas Rangers, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and historical tapestry of Texas.