The Great Indoors: Why Cabela’s in Buda is a Hill Country Landmark

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Cabela's Buda Texas Front Entrance

A retail cathedral for the Texas outdoorsman.

The Backstory

Located right off I-35 between Austin and San Marcos, Cabela’s in Buda is more than just a place to stock up on camping gear. Opened in 2005, this 185,000-square-foot facility was designed as an "educational and entertainment showroom." In a state where hunting, fishing, and hiking are central to the culture, this store serves as a massive tribute to the wild side of the Lone Star State.

The centerpiece of the store is a towering, walk-through mountain covered in museum-quality taxidermy from around the world. For travelers driving the busy I-35 corridor, it has become a "must-stop" tradition to stretch their legs while marveling at the sheer scale of the displays. It’s one of the few places in Texas where you can see a polar bear, an elephant, and a Texas whitetail deer all under the same roof.

📍 At a Glance

  • Location: 15570 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Buda, TX 78610
  • Region: Central Texas / Hill Country
  • Typical Timeframe: 1 - 1.5 hours
  • Cost: Free Admission (excluding purchases!)

Aquariums and Artifacts

Beyond the "mountain," the store features a massive 60,000-gallon aquarium stocked with fish native to Texas lakes and rivers, including monster catfish and largemouth bass. Watching the fish navigate the underwater rock formations is a favorite for kids and weary road-trippers alike. The store also houses a "Gun Library" featuring rare and antique firearms, adding a layer of historical depth that you won't find at a standard shopping mall.

The atmosphere is intentionally rustic, with heavy timber beams, stone fireplaces, and a deli that often serves up wild game sandwiches. It captures the "outpost" aesthetic that suggests the frontier is just outside the doors, even if the suburban sprawl of Austin is only a few miles away.

Our Pro-Tip

If you’re traveling with a dog, you’re in luck—Cabela’s is generally pet-friendly, making it an ideal place to walk your furry co-pilot in the air conditioning during a hot Texas summer. Also, check out the **Bargain Cave** in the back of the store; it’s where they put the deep discounts, and you can often find high-end gear for a fraction of the price if you’re willing to dig!


 

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