Heard the word 'Cowboy'? For many of us, a cowboy is a man (or woman as a cowgirl because fashion means no gender) dressed in a fringe jacket or vest, bell-bottom pants, hat, and boots, riding a horse.
While Cowboys were significant characters of the 19th century, they still live in the imagination of artists. Movies, albums, and TV- Cowboys were introduced to add a more rustic touch to the script. They became a part of the American West.
As this allure of the American West strengthens, the cowboy culture expands its roots from TV to real-life travel dramas. Call it the influence of Western aesthetics or the revamping of music and pop culture, but the Cowboy Carter era has finally started spreading. Travelers are redefining luxury with the rugged charm and free-spirited adventure, just like a cowboy lifestyle. The rodeos and ranches are coming back to life, and it is like celebrating the legacy. From Cowboy, it has become Cowboy Core, which means blending the Old American with modern influences.
Cowboy Core as a New Travel Trend
Cowboy culture was always a part of American entertainment. However, in recent years, a dramatic resurgence has brought cowboy aesthetics back into mainstream culture.
Musicians and artists have played their role in reviving the cowboy spirit, blending traditional Western themes with modern sounds. This has given a new inspiration to travelers, encouraging them to explore in style. New 2025 travel trends show that 44% of U.S. travelers are interested in Cowboy Core. Cities that host stampedes and rodeos are experiencing a rise in tourism. The demand for ranches has increased from 2024 to 2025, and the new term frontier tourism is ruling the travel industry. Be it activities like horse riding or accommodation options such as ranch stays; the surge shows how the Cowboy Carter has changed travel dynamics in the West.
Inspired By Cowboy Carter- Here's Where You Can Travel Next
Are you shifting your travel preference from luxury to rustic? Do you want to unplug from the city chaos and unwind in nature's wilderness or explore the offbeat paths in a Cowboy way? When frontier tourism started blooming, why should we stay behind in discovering the wildest trend? Here are some of the most amazing cities inspired by Cowboy culture or where you can dig deeper into the existence of Cowboys. So grab your cowboy hats, don your leather boots and denim, and get set to be the real characters of the American West.
Bandera, Texas
Cowboys in Texas changed their culture, influencing everything from traditions to legacy. The history dates back to the 1700s when Spanish vaqueros introduced cattle herding and horseback riding in the state. And slowly, Texas became a hub for ranching. The city of Bandera in Texas holds the title of "Cowboy Capital of the World," as it still holds on to the old Cowboy culture. One can enjoy a cowboy breakfast of eggs, bacon, and potatoes, ride horseback through the rolling hills, and find many ranches for a perfect stay. Bandera hosts a rodeo with entertainment like bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. The Hill Country State National Area is where you can discover the untouched wildlife while camping or hiking.
Ranch in Bandera: Dixie Dude Ranch, Mayan Dude Ranch, Flying L Ranch Resort, Sovereignty Ranch
What not to miss: Summer Series Rodeos, Cowboy Mardi Gras, and Bandera Music Festival
Nearest airport: San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
Cody, Wyoming
Cody is a quaint town in Wyoming known for its cowboy heritage. It represents the essence of the Old West, with a mix of history, adventure, and Western traditions. Known as the Rodeo Capital of the world, this town is an entrance to the wild world of Yellowstone National Park. Cody Stampede Rodeo is the longest-running rodeo in the U.S., which gave this city an unexpected popularity among cowboy-inspired travelers. Cody has a stunning landscape where one can unwind in the serenity of wilderness or try breathtaking adventures like hiking to Heart Mountain or rafting at the Shoshone River Canyon. Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Old Trail Town are some places you cannot miss.
Ranch in Cody: 7D Ranch, Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch, and Rimrock Dude Ranch
What not to miss: Wild West show at the Buffalo Bill Center, Cody Stampede Rodeo, and the Cody Nite Rodeo
Nearest airport: Yellowstone Regional Airport and Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota, is a legendary cowboy town that stays true to its Wild West roots. Deadwood was founded during the Black Hills Gold Rush in the 1870s. In no time, it became a top trending city for frontier towns. The charm of cowboys, outlaws, and law enforcement officers can be felt in every corner of Deadwood. Unlike every cowboy-inspired city, Deadwood hosts several rodeos, Western-themed events, and live entertainment. It has a culture of gambling, thus housing Vegas-like casinos. It is a living museum of cowboy history, where saloons and Wild West reenactments hold on to its old west charm. Adams Museum, Days of '76 Museum, and Mount Moriah Cemetery are a few places to visit.
Ranch in Deadwood: Whiskey Barrel Ranch, Muley Hill Lodge, 76 Ranch R&R
What not to miss: Wild Bill Days, Days of '76 Rodeo, Crystal Springs Rodeo
Nearest airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Wickenburg, Arizona
Wickenburg, a city in Arizona, embraces its Old West heritage. Founded in 1863 after gold was discovered, it became a boomtown with a strong ranching and cowboy presence. Wickenburg blends history, cowboy traditions, and modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for your Cowboy Carter journey. With many dude ranches, horseback riding tournaments, and cattle herding farms, the city perfectly represents cowboy-style hospitality and culture. The Historic Hassayampa River Walk is where you can still feel the presence of cowboys who once roamed around ( not in a paranormal way). Desert Caballeros Western Museum is another place to add to your Cowboy core travel itinerary.
Ranch in Wickenburg: Wickenburg Ranch, Flying E Ranch, Kay El Bar Guest Ranch
What not to miss: Legends of the West PRCA Rodeo, Wickenburg Gold Rush Days, Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Nearest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
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