One of the most exciting day trips you can take near San Antonio is to the small, unincorporated community of Concan. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, Concan is home to a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. From river rafting, swimming, and fishing on the Frio River to horseback riding, birding, and exploring rocky trails, there’s something for everyone!
Concan Texas is a small town in the Texas Hill Country built near the Rio Frio also known as the Frio River. The bulk of the town’s income comes from tourism in the summer as visitors from all over the state of Texas come to float in the Rio Frio, where it is cool and quiet. If you get off of the main roads, the yards are just beautiful, filled with trees and flowers. There are some very nice homes in this town.
In addition to its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, Concan offers visitors a chance to experience rural Texas at its finest. You’ll find several cozy cabins perfect as a base for your stay or as overnight accommodation along with restaurants serving up some of the best barbeque and Mexican food in town. And don’t forget to check out local shops that offer unique gifts made by artisans from around the Texas Hill Country.
What to do in Concan TX
There are a lot of eateries here as well. The better-known restaurants are Neals Lodges Restaurant, which I highly recommend, and House Pasture Cattle Company, which has good food and live bands in the evenings, along with helicopter rides. Yes, you can tour the area from high above and this is a very popular attraction.
There are several places that rent tubes and sell bathing suits, river shoes, and anything else you will need to have a good time in the river. They have a few small convenience stores.
We were in Concan yesterday, and because of the drought this year, the Frio River is very low. The river was packed with swimmers and tubers, but there is not that much water this year. It is the worst my husband has ever seen and he grew up in Leakey, right up to the road, where the river looks even lower than it does in Concan. A few good showers of rain will take care of this problem. Hopefully, the rains will come soon. When the Frio flows fully, the river crossing in Concan looks amazing.
Explore the Nature Trails
Explore the Nature Trails in Concan, Texas, and discover a hidden gem. Located along the Frio River, Concan is known for its incredible beauty, with lush green foliage and sparkling blue waters. With miles of nature trails winding through this area, adventure seekers can explore on their own or take advantage of guided tours to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The nature trails in Concan include easy paths perfect for a leisurely stroll or more challenging hikes complete with switchbacks and scenic overlooks. Visitors can wander through fields filled with wildflowers while taking in views of rugged limestone cliffs dotting the landscape. Birders will delight in spotting endangered species such as black-capped vireos and golden-cheeked warblers while hiking these trails.
Enjoy Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is an enjoyable activity that can offer a unique experience. Those looking to explore the great outdoors in Concan, Texas should consider taking a horseback adventure. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Concan provides riders of all levels with unforgettable memories and experiences.
Those with little-to-no experience should start by joining one of the many horseback riding tours available in Concan. These guided tours provide riders with the opportunity to learn more about the area’s culture and wildlife while receiving valuable instruction on safety protocols and general riding tips. Experienced riders can take advantage of trails located throughout the area, giving them access to remote areas not usually accessible by car or foot.
No matter your level of expertise or preference, there is something for everyone when it comes to horseback riding in Concan!
House Pasture Cattle Company Restaurant
The House Pasture Cattle Company in Concan is very popular with summer tourists. My husband and I ate there last night, June 11, 2011, along with 18 of my husband’s relatives. We were there to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday.
The actual facility of The House Pasture Cattle Company is very nice, very clean, nicely decorated, and packed with tourists. There are several indoor dining rooms and a large outdoor covered patio with a stage for live bands. There is a children’s playground.
Probably the most interesting aspect is the helicopter tour of the area. (See the video below.) For $50 a pop with a minimum of two tickets purchased, that was a bit too steep for our budget, but the tourists were lined up. We talked to the ticket taker and he told us they were booked solid for the evening. Every few minutes the helicopter would lift off with another group of tourists, for the whole three hours we were there. There are discounted prices for parties with three or more people.
Back to The House Pasture Cattle Company Restaurant…I want to first say that the food was delicious. The 12-ounce New York strip steak that I ordered was incredibly good. It almost melted in my mouth. The baked potato was cooked just right and the green beans with onions were homemade and not from a can or a freezer bag. Everyone in our party of 20 said the food was great.
My husband loved his chicken fried steak plate. The batter was perfect and the white gravy was just the way he likes it, only they skimped on it. He asked the waiter if they serve gravy on the mashed potatoes while he was ordering. The waiter told him the gravy is served only on the chicken fried steak. So my husband asked for the gravy to be served on his plate of mashed potatoes as well. They put just a small amount on the potatoes, which was his only complaint at The House Pasture Cattle Company.
Neals Lodges Restaurant
The best place to eat in the Leakey area is Neals Lodges restaurant in Concan. The decor and location are wonderful and the food is great.
We have been eating here in the summer months for years, probably since they opened. There is a great view of the Rio Frio from their deck. I love to sit out there and watch the river flow by. Unfortunately, this restaurant is closed during the fall and winter months,
My husband’s favorite menu item is chicken fried steak. They make it delicious there and the crust and white gravy are really good.
The restaurant has been remodeled recently and now they have twice the seating capacity as before. The service has always been great and I have never had a bad meal at this eatery.
The fried and grilled chicken dishes are delicious. I always enjoy them. Their Swiss mushroom burgers are out of this world. My kids love cheeseburgers. Try them when you are in the area. Sometimes, you have to wait out on the deck because they are so busy, but the food is worth the wait! The kids will be happy as well with burgers and fries. My husband and kids always enjoy the food there, as well as my in-laws.
They are also open for breakfast and they have a great selection.
They also have camping facilities during the summer so if you would like to stay there, make your reservations early as they are always booked.
This restaurant is located on Highway 127, near the river crossing in Concan.
San Antonio to Concan TX
San Antonio to Concan TX is a drive of about three hours and forty-five minutes. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery. You’ll pass through small towns like Boerne, Bandera, and Uvalde before reaching Concan.
If you’re looking for something to do along the way, consider stopping in Uvalde for a visit to Garner State Park. This park offers activities like swimming, fishing, and camping as well as scenic views of the Frio River. You can also explore some of the nearby historic sites such as Fort Inge or Mission Rosario.
When you reach Concan, be sure to check out some of its attractions like Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area. Both parks offer hiking trails and stunning views of the Texas Hill Country landscape. There are also several restaurants in town serving up delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.