Fall Is A Great Time To Save At Buena Vista!

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park

Located In Evant, Texas

Weather Alert

We will be closed through Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 due to icy conditions. We expect to reopen Friday, Feb 3, 2023

Our Mission At Buena Vista Wildlife Safari

The Purpose

The Passion

The Reason

Buena Vista Is Committed To Helping Animals & The Evant Community

It is our mission to provide a natural and safe experience for both our animals and the people who visit them. We have designed our facility to allow our animals to live in the most authentic, cage-free environment possible, with high-quality but non-intrusive care and interactions. We strive to give every person who entered our gates a natural wildlife experience, encouraging them to expand their minds and restore their souls through nature.

About Our Town

We invite you to visit Buena Vista Wildlife Safari located in Evant, the Crossroads of Texas! Evant is centrally located at the junction of Highways 281 and 84. We are an hour from Waco, 1½ hours from Austin, and 2 hours from DFW. Once a thriving farming community, Evant had slowly dwindled to a pass-through town between Hamilton and Lampasas. But now, with the involvement of the entire community, Evant is becoming a full family destination.

In Evant, you can stop, shop and stay with a purpose. After you spend time with the animals, take a short drive downtown and visit locally owned stores featuring art, woodwork, boutiques, antiques, home goods, baked goods, and more. Come visit area wineries, catch the local rodeo or attend the Pearl Bluegrass Jam and Stage Show. Whatever you choose to do, we know you’ll love Evant & The Buena Vista Wildlife Safari. 

From Humble Beginnings

Look through the slides below and get a glimpse of Evant, Texas through the years

Evant, Texas

Take a look at the slides here and catch a glimpse of Evant, Texas throughout the years.

Circa 1850's

People began to settle in the area known as Evant in the early 1850’s. Thirty years later, Evan T Brooks officially named the town “Evant”.

Early 1900's

By 1909, Evant had become a hot spot of economic activity. The lively town had a hotel, blacksmith shops, a grocery & hardware stores and telephone service.

1930's

During the Great Depression the WPA built the rock gym that can still be seen on the east side of HWY 281.

1940's - 1970's

Between the 1940’s and the 1970’s, Evant’s population stabilized and businesses thrived.

1980's

Like many small towns during the 1980’s, the once lively Evant couldn’t compete with big businesses, and many people left in search of better pay in cities. It sat dying until…

2012

2012, when the Drennan family began restoring the buildings. By 2018, they were ready to lease. With the recent migration to rural America, the future is bright.

The Team At Buena Vista

As you might imagine, it takes a lot of effort and cooperation from all of our amazing team members to keep things running for all our visitors and animal in our care. If you want to get to know the real animals at Buena Vista, just read about them below.

Nearby Events & Attractrions

Of course, the staff and all the animals at Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park are always happy to see you, no matter when you visit.

When you combine a great visit to Buena Vista with some of the other things going on in Central Texas, it makes it a Win-Win-Win!

A few handy links are listed on this page to help you plan your visit. Plus, you can click the button below to see a list of a few of our favorite places around Evant.

Events Listed On Eventbrite

See all the listed events on Eventbrite.

Top Rated On TripAdvisor

After you visit the animals, check these out!

Top Rated In Tripadvisor

Lots of great food in our neck of the woods!

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Some Of Our Favorite Activities Around Evant

 

The Last Drive-in Picture Show is a twin screen drive-in theater located in Gatesville, Texas which is in the middle of the state located about half way between Dallas and Austin. The Last Drive-in Picture Show is one of the oldest drive-ins remaining in Texas. It was opened in 1950 originally named the Circle S. It went through several name changes over the years but was renamed the Last Drive-in Picture Show in 1989. It is also a “MoPed” – an instance where there is both a drive-in and walk-in cinema (which was added in 1972) on the same premises. The drive-in is open year round, seven nights a week (except for Christmas Eve). They charge $10 a carload so it is a great bargain. The same family has been running the drive-in for the last 40+ years and they do not show R rated movies here. Online Link.

The Red Wing Dove Tasting Room and Patio are open for all tastings, glasses and bottle sales. We now feature charcuterie trays with Boar’s Head cheeses and meats, jalapeno stuffed olives, crackers, dark chocolate almonds and more.

We have restarted our wood fired pizza oven on Saturdays from 4:00 until 6:30. Our individual sized pizzas are the traditional Neapolitan style and every week we also offer a special wood pizza such as Locally Grown Microgreen Toppings, Buffalo Chicken, Fajita Chicken, Fajita Beef, and Reuben.

Join us for Burger Friday on the first Friday of each month for Prime Rib Steak specialty burgers. The choices vary from week to week with Old Fashion Bacon Cheese, Mushroom Swiss with Grilled Onions, Avocado Bacon Bleu, Frito Black Bean burger selections.

Tamale Friday is back on the last Friday of each month. Featuring Cream Cheese and Jalapeno, Pork and Chicken Tamales with toppings of chili and cheese. Chips and Salsa are also included. Online Link

It’s time to try nicely cooked chicken steaks, fried chicken and hamburgers. Delicious beer is waiting for you at this bar. The cozy atmosphere of The Grain Drafthouse & Eatery allows customers to relax after a hard working day. Many reviewers find the staff efficient. If you want to experience prompt service, you should visit this place. According to the guests’ opinions, prices are fair. Spectacular decor is here to attract more visitors. Google gives it 4.3 so you can choose this spot to spend a good time here. Online Link

Generations have passed through the halls of this old schoolhouse. Online Link

The original log building from 1884 still stands outside the newer, 115yo building that has served as the Pearl Community Center since 1958 when the school was consolidated with Evant.

Colorado Bend is the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With over 5,300 acres of un­spoiled wil­der­ness, the park offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature. From a two-hour visit to a full three-day weekend, you will never run out of things to do. Colorado Bend offers over 35 miles of trails. Trails drain well, so they are rarely closed. All trails are open to hikers and bikers unless otherwise posted. The park’s trails vary in terrain and difficulty, so you can choose your experience! Visit us online & download or pick up our trails map before you set out, or explore the trails on our Interactive Trails Map. Online Link

BUENA VISTA

Shocking Specials

Are coming soon. Please check back often for the latest news & info!