The National Ranching Heritage Center is a museum and outdoor park with 50 historic structures dating back to the 1700's. In addition to the 19-acre historical park, the NRHC has 42 life-size bronze steer sculptures and a 44,000-square-foot museum with seven galleries featuring art exhibits, photography and artifacts that capture historical and contemporary Western life.
Stepping back in time
The National Ranching Heritage Center is an diamond in the rough... The preservation of history in this museum is phenomenal. Being able to walk through old houses and see and FEEL the history all around you takes you back in time. From the artful landscape to the detail of utensils used on tabletops one can tell much thought has been put into each aspect of this historic gem. Definitely a must see for those new to or visiting the area.
While the culture that surrounds ranching has captured the hearts and minds of people from around the world, at its base ranching has always been about providing food and fiber - especially beef - for a growing population. Modern ranchers depend on specially developed genetics, production techniques and data to produce beef. The story of beef cattle breeds in the United States is an interesting one, cast with many characters. Production, grains, processing, technology and marketing have all driven the industry to where we are today – an industry that provides high-quality protein for millions of consumers around the world. This exhibit brings the timeline of the beef cattle industry to life, featuring the history of the industry, a unique collection of photographs, life-size models of cattle and interactive kiosks.
Jim Rymer has been a volunteer Ranch Host for 25 years. He especially likes to volunteer at the Matador Half Dugout and explain to visitors how early settlers on the southern Great Plains once called the dugout "home.”
Monday—Saturday
10am to 5pm
Sunday
1 to 5pm
Outdoor historical park closes daily at 4p.m.
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