Presidio de San Saba - Menard, Texas

The Presidio of San Saba: A Historic Gem in Menard, Texas

The Presidio of San Saba is a historical site located in Menard, Texas, that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region. This former Spanish mission and fort, established in 1757, is now a popular tourist attraction, drawing history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Location and Contact Information

• Address: 191 Presidio Rd, Menard, TX 76859, United States
• Phone: 3253964789
• Website: presidiodesansaba.org

Specialties and Accessibility

• Historical place
• Tourist attraction
• Wheelchair-accessible car park
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Good for kids
• On-site parking

About the Presidio of San Saba

The Presidio of San Saba was originally established as a mission to convert Native Americans to Christianity and to protect the Spanish colonies from French expansion. The site includes the ruins of the original mission and a reconstructed fort, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the past.

The Presidio of San Saba is known for its engaging and informative tours, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the site to life. Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, taking in the beauty of the surroundings and imagining what life was like for the people who once called this place home.

Visiting the Presidio of San Saba

Visitors should allow around 15 to 30 minutes to explore the Presidio of San Saba, depending on their walking pace and level of interest. The site is free to enter, making it an affordable and convenient stop for travelers passing through the area. However, it is important to stay on the designated trails and be aware of one's surroundings, as there have been reports of venomous snakes in the area.

While the Presidio of San Saba is not a large site, it offers a wealth of historical information and is well worth a visit. Those planning to spend more time in the area may wish to explore other nearby attractions, such as the Menard County Courthouse or the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

The Presidio of San Saba has received positive reviews from visitors, with an average rating of 4.6/5 on Google My Business, based on 210 reviews. Many visitors praise the site's historical significance and the opportunity it provides to learn about the region's past. Some visitors also note the site's wheelchair accessibility and suitability for children, making it a family-friendly destination.

👍 Reviews of Presidio de San Saba

Lisa W.

4/5

Cute stop, great place to stretch your legs and walk around if it's near your travel route. Can eat a picnic lunch here. Takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on your walking style. Free. I did almost step on a copperhead, don't be like me, stay on the trails and pay attention to your surroundings.

Norway T. N.

5/5

Nice historical stop. Has limited facilities. While intresting its not a large area, I would not plan to spend more than 30-45min at the location.

Larry B.

4/5

Great site and displays that provide information about the history of the presidio. The rebuilt remains of the mission/fort are minimal but it gives you an idea of what it looked like. There's a covered pavilion with restrooms outside the presidio. Watch out for the grass burs. They were thick. It's a shame that more people don't know about the location and it's history.

Donny H.

5/5

A nice site worth visiting if you appreciate history and happen to be in the area. I visited on a Monday and had the entire place to myself, so I can only assume there probably isn't a lot of local interest. The site runs off donations, but I couldn't leave anything since the donation box was locked. Regardless, a good spot to check out if you are passing through the area.

Henry C.

5/5

Great history. Restoration projects have done this spot well. Quiet and interesting.

Peter B.

4/5

The site of old Spanish Presidio de San Saba. What you can visit today is almost entirely rebuilt and does not contain much of the original material. A good stop for picnic.

Sherrl C.

5/5

A great place to bring your children and see a piece of Texas history. Free to visit no lines. A lot of parking and ADA parking also. Bring a picnic and enjoy.

David H.

5/5

Didn't know this existed but glad I found it. Idyllic setting next to the San Saba River. There's some walking trails next to the river and the town has some really neat old homes. We rented a vrbo on the river and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Recommend!