Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site

05/13/2026

The 11 am House Tour for Wednesday, May 13th, is fully booked. Please feel free to attend the 1 pm or 3 pm house tour times!

05/08/2026

Just a quick heads-up! The Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site is closed to the public today, Friday, May 8th, as we welcome students for the School Day at the Goodnight Invention Convention! 🚂🦬

But get ready—tomorrow, Saturday, May 9th, from 10am to 2pm, the site opens for the Goodnight Invention Convention! This FREE, family-friendly event promises hands-on fun and fascinating discoveries for all ages. Museums and historic sites from across Texas will be here to share amazing stories and showcase inventions from the lifetime of Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight. Plus, Porch Swing Eats and Treatz will be serving up tasty bites and refreshing drinks, so come hungry, curious, and ready for adventure!

05/07/2026

Don't miss this exciting short clip from Second Cup about the Goodnight Invention Convention! 🚂

This FREE, family-friendly event takes place this Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, where you and your family can experience hands-on activities, discover fascinating inventions from the era of Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight, and enjoy delicious food from Porch Swing Eats and Treatz. 🍿🥤

Upcoming events with the Goodnight Ranch Museum

05/07/2026

The Goodnight Ranch will be closed to the public tomorrow, Friday, May 8th, as we prepare to inspire the next generation of inventors during the Goodnight Invention Convention school day. 🦬

Join us when we reopen on Saturday, May 9th, from 10am to 2pm, for the Goodnight Invention Convention public day—a celebration of creativity, discovery, and community! Don’t miss this free, fun-filled event for the whole family. Come be inspired and see what amazing ideas can become!🚂

Inventions from the lifetime of the Goodnights will be on display, including a chuckwagon (Mr. Goodnight’s very own invention)! Food and refreshments will be available, and you can even see longhorn from the Official Texas State Herd at Fort Griffin! 🐂

05/06/2026

Get ready for an unforgettable day at the Goodnight Invention Convention! Join us on Saturday, May 9th, from 10 am to 2 pm for a FREE event packed with excitement, discovery, and hands-on fun for all ages!

Step into the world of innovation as we celebrate the incredible inventions from the lifetime of Charles and Mary Goodnight! Marvel at Mr. Goodnight’s own invention—the legendary Chuckwagon, send secret messages with Morse code courtesy of Slaton Harvey House, and spark your curiosity with interactive activities that bring history to life. Don’t forget to grab delicious eats and treats from Porch Swing Eats and Treatz while you explore!

Just a reminder—the Goodnight Ranch will be closed to the public on Friday, May 8th, due to the Goodnight Invention Convention School Day.

05/02/2026

We are just one week away from the Goodnight Invention Convention, and preparations are well underway! 💪

In lieu of this special event, we got Pete the Chuckwagon out for a little spa treatment! We sprayed orange oil all over him so he's ready to go and looking his best for all to see! 😎

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 9th, from 10 am to 2 pm, and join us at the Goodnight Invention Convention🚂! Experience fascinating inventions from the lifetime of the Goodnights as you explore the historic Goodnight Ranch. Tour the house, meet special guests—including Longhorns from the Official Texas State Herd at Fort Griffin—and enjoy delicious food and refreshments from Porch Swing Eats and Treatz. This exciting event is FREE and open to everyone—bring your friends and family, and be part of this unforgettable day!😁

04/30/2026

A new project is blossoming here at the Goodnight Ranch! 🪻🌼

We are creating a herbarium to celebrate the diversity of native species found right here on site. Each plant tells its own story and contributes to the unique tapestry of the Texas Panhandle. Our first collection features Silver Leaf Nightshade, wild buckwheat, scarlet globemallow, and field bindweed!

Our inspiration comes from the wonderful herbarium at Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument at Lake Meredith!

04/29/2026

The 11 am Guided House Tour for Wednesday, April 29th, is fully booked. Please feel free to attend the guided house tour at 1 pm or 3 pm!

04/28/2026

Did you miss this program? You are in luck! Come to the Amarillo downtown public library and learn about some of the first communities that lived in the Texas Panhandle.
📅2nd of May
📍Amarillo Downtown Public Library
🎫Free

04/24/2026

Interested in learning about the plants that resist fires here in the Texas Panhandle? Come learn about the different plants at the Goodnight Ranch on the 25th of April at 11 AM! This is a free program followed by a self guided House tour.
📅April 25th at 11 AM
📍Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site
🎫Free

04/23/2026

White Deer Land Museum is heading to the Goodnight Invention Convention with a hands-on showcase of the printing press—one of history’s coolest game-changers! Get ready to see how this invention shook up the world and maybe even try it yourself!

The Goodnight Invention Convention is a FREE event packed with fun for all ages! Join us at the Goodnight Ranch on May 9th, from 10am to 2pm. Step back in time and check out wild inventions from the days of Texas legends Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight—plus, don’t miss the historic chuckwagon and a lively show by the Frontier Regiment of the High Plains, complete with a camp re-enactment at Fort Elliott!

What better way to spend your spring than soaking up sunshine, history, and a little adventure? Grab a bite from Porch Swing Eatz N Treats—sandwiches and sweet treats await to keep your energy high while you explore!