Solana Ranch History

Rich with history, the Ranch was purchased in several contiguous tracts between 1950 and 1984 by Frank W. Michaux because of it's access to Austin, the beautiful capital of Texas. It is one of the largest ranches in the north central Texas area and has remained in the Michaux family for 59 years this October 13th.

For 23 of these years, it operated as a registered Hereford cattle ranch. Around 1973, the Solana was converted to a registered Simmental Cattle Ranch and it was in this year that an exotic game operation was introduced. In 2000, Solana Ranch has started accepting non-ranch owned cattle under contract for maintenance from other cattle raisers. 2006 has brought significant changes in our cattle program with the addition of a Registered Angus Plus breeding herd contracted with Sauer Cattle Company out of Fredericksburg, Texas for 350 to 400+ head.

Naturally, we consider the ranch one of the best in Texas. It is unusual that we have an abundance of running water with 4 1/2 miles of the Salado Creek and several miles of the Rumsey Creek, which is a major tributary to Salado and Buttermilk Creeks. These creeks are spring fed with 18 active springs that flow year-round. We are at the very edge of the Edwards Plateau, which puts us 200 feet above the Village of Salado, Inc, our nearest community. Our boundaries encompass Jarrell to the south, Salado to the north and Florence to the west with IH-35 frontage road to our east near Exit 280.

This one-of-a-kind 9,000 acre cattle and wildlife SOLANA RANCH stretches over 13 miles over the Central Texas Hill Country. Our guests may expect to see wild turkey, deer, and cattle, as well as, other wildlife during their stay with us. The eastern part of the ranch is more open pastureland with some areas in cultivation - ideal for dove hunting. The western part of the ranch changes to rolling terrain and rough canyons with a variety of trees, brush, grasses and forage - perfect for deer, turkey, exotics and hog hunting.

Hunters are invited to bring their spouses, as the Village of Salado, Inc. is an historic stage stop on the Chisholm Trail, that offers a variety of antiques, arts and crafts, galleries and such to enjoy. For the golf enthusiasts, Salado's Mill Creek Golf and Country Club has a nationally acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Course located right down the road from the Solana.

Some of you may want to take a break from hunting during your stay and relax by the creek, so bring light tackle or fly rods and do a little fishing while you are here.

Accommodations are at two refurbished ranch houses. Bedding, linen and showers are included in the cozy cabins, which, by the way, have air and heat for your comfort and relaxation.