Charles Goodnight co-founded the JA Ranch in 1876, the first cattle ranch in the Texas Panhandle. In 1887, he built a Victorian home for his new venture, the Goodnight-Thayer Cattle Company. His wife Mary Ann helped run the ranch and preserve American bison. Today, the restored home features a spacious second-floor porch overlooking descendants of the Goodnights' original bison herd.
Location
2000 US Hwy 287
Goodnight, TX 79226
806-944-5591 for general information
806-670-5627 for tours
Contact us
See map
Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Guided House Tours
11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
Tickets
Adult $5
Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $3
Child (6-17) $2
Child (5 and under) Free
Family (2 adults & 1 child) $8, each additional child $1
Programs
Public Tours
Living History Programs
Special Events
School Programs
See the site
Plan Your Visit
Peer into pioneer prairie life during a tour of the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight historic home.
Goodnight Ranch History
Charles Foxwing Goodnight was born March 5, 1836, on the family farm in Macoupin County, Illinois.
Support the Friends of Goodnight Ranch
Friends of Goodnight Ranch is a "Fiscally Sponsored Project" of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (a 501(C)(3) nonprofit charitable organization). Your gift will directly support this organization.
Events at Goodnight Ranch
Goodnight's Journey series: Illinois to Texas
Saturday 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.What a fascinating opportunity to delve into Charles Goodnight's early life! The story of a young boy riding bareback from Illinois to Texas, only to later become one of Texas's greatest legends, is a powerful narrative of resilience and vision.
Trailblazers Family Summer Camp: Native American Day
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.Looking for an unforgettable way to kick off summer? Join us at Goodnight Ranch from June 11–13, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily, for the Trailblazers Family Summer Camp! Experience hands-on activities, engaging stories, and interactive fun that bring history to life for the whole family.
Trailblazers Family Summer Camp: Cowboys
Thursday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.Looking for an unforgettable way to kick off summer? Join us at Goodnight Ranch from June 11–13, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily, for the Trailblazers Family Summer Camp! Experience hands-on activities, engaging stories, and interactive fun that bring history to life for the whole family.
Support Our Historic Sites
Make a gift to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the historic sites of the THC.
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