New year, new look! We are in the final stages of the capital project to replace the chimneys, roof, and more. We expect the house to reopen for tours mid to late February. For timely updates, please check out our social media for any changes. This spring will be a special time to come visit the house. The new cedar shake shingles (say that three times fast) shine like a polished brass button for the first six months to a year. The view from behind the kitchen is now particularly special because visitors will see all five chimneys as well as the beautiful replicas of the original iron and stained glass weather vanes. Please make your spring plans to come see us and the restored Castle on the Prairie.
We also would like to announce that we will be publishing our newsletter quarterly so look for new editions to arrive in April, July, and October this year.
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Upcoming Events
- February 22 - Lights, Camera, Action...Hollywood Comes to the Panhandle
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March 11–15 - Daily Spring Break Programs
- 10 a.m. - Cowboy Coffee
- 11 a.m. - Home Sweet Home...on the Prairie
- 1 p.m. - Making Your Mark - The History of Cattle Brands
- 3 p.m. - Git Along Little Dogie: The History of Cattle Drives
- April 12 - Cowboy Etiquette
- April 26 - Nature's Pharmacy: The Power of Medicinal Plants
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Over the past few mounts here at the Goodnight Ranch it has been pretty busy with all the frigid temperatures in the Panhandle. We have been focused on getting all of our buildings winterized in anticipation of the single digits. One of the biggest and most important things is taking care of the livestock we have at the ranch. We currently have three bison that are direct descendants of the Goodnight herd. Livestock care is always an everyday job, but during the winter months the workload can increase significantly. During snow and ice storms we often have to break the ice on their water trough three or four times a day. The ice can get as thick as 3-4" in just a few hours.
As we have reported, a major maintenance project this year has been the restoration of the chimneys on the house as well as a full roof replacement and the addition of the lightning rod system as well as replica stained glass weathervanes that the Goodnights had on the house. Future projects include building a bison shade shelter as well as upgrading and installing new fencing so we can grow our livestock herd. Stay tuned for more exciting updates about that!
Spring Break Programs
All programs offered daily
March 11–15
Location: Goodnight Ranch Learning Center
Cowboy Coffee - 10 a.m.
Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a history buff, this program will capture your imagination. Guests will learn how cowboys made coffee over an open fire, using simple tools and techniques that brought rich, bold flavor to every cup all while sampling a freshy cup around the “campfire.”
Home Sweet Home...On the Prairie - 11 a.m.
Gathered around the replica sod house on the Goodnight Ranch, guests will explore the construction techniques, daily life, and challenges faced by families living in sod houses as they sought to create cozy, practical dwellings from the very earth beneath their feet.
Make Your Mark: The History of Cattle Brands - 1 p.m.
Cattle were a hot commodity in the early days of Texas and brands played a huge role in determining ownership. Guests will learn about the history and significance of cattle brands on the open range. Through engaging demonstrations, guests will explore the process of branding, the tools and techniques used, and the meaning behind different brand designs.
Git Along Little Dogie: The History of Cattle Drives - 3 p.m.
Trail drives were essential in getting cattle to the growing west part of the United States. Guests will experience the grit and adventure of the Old West as they learn about the challenges and rewards of driving cattle across vast landscapes and will specifically learn about the Goodnight-Loving Trail, established by Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving.
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African American Cowboys
For this month's Historical Highlight, we proudly honor the Black cowboys of Texas, whose remarkable contributions shaped the legacy of the American West.
Did you know that more than one-fourth of all cowboys in the 19th century were Black? After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved men took on essential roles on cattle trails as wranglers, cooks, and bronco busters. Their extraordinary resilience, skill, and determination kept the drives moving and contributed to the success of some of Texas' largest ranches.
Trailblazers like Nat Love, Bill Pickett, and Bass Reeves became legendary for their horsemanship and courage, leaving an indelible mark on Western history. Closer to home, Bose Ikard and Bones Hooks shared meaningful ties with Charles Goodnight. Ikard, a trusted banker and scout on the Goodnight-Loving Trail, was celebrated for his loyalty to his counterparts and bravery during Indian attacks and cattle stampedes. Bones Hooks, who worked on the Goodnight Ranch as a bronco buster, became a civic leader in Amarillo's North Heights neighborhood, founding the Dogie Club for Black youth and showing heartfelt compassion by offering grieving pioneer families a single white flower.
These men exemplified courage, expertise, and a deep commitment to their communities. This Black History Month, we invite you to explore their extraordinary stories and learn how they broke barriers against all odds.
Painting by Kwasi Seitu Asantey
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Penny Press
One of our newest acquisitions in the gift shop is our amazing penny press machine. For just 51 cents you can take home your favorite image of the Goodnight Ranch as a souvenir. Choose from images of the house, the bison, the chuckwagon or even Charles or Mary Ann Goodnight.
For serious collectors we even have a penny band journal for only $4.99, so you can travel the state and add to your collection of pressed pennies. Come in and give the wheel a turn today!
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