the charles goodnight historical center

On my way home from a trip to Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyon, I made a side trip in order to visit the Charles Goodnight Historical Center. What a hidden gem! The guided tour of the restored Victorian home of Charles and Molly Goodnight was so informative. The home reflects the grandeur of the cattle baron days. It is furnished in both original and period furniture, and the workmanship of the home is stunning. The guide grew up in the area and attended school with some of the large landowners children. She was so knowledgeable about the founding ranchers and families of the great plains. Thanks to the efforts of Molly Goodnight to save the buffalo from extinction, we are now able to view these majestic animals in their natural habitats. The museum has some outstanding historical exhibits and the documentaries available for viewing were very informative. This needs to be a stop on your next trip to the Texas Panhandle!

We had a great time. The house has been restored and is beautiful. The Visitors Center has several short documentaries about the era. The buffalo grazing in the field next to the house were simply majestic. Very informative and fun.

Almost missed this but turned around and it was well worth the stop. This visitor center is clean, inviting, and the ladies there are enthusiastic, informative, friendly, and knowledgeable. The guided tour took us back in time to life in the Old West and how the Goodnights managed a way of life we can appreciate. Well worth the time.

We were driving by and actually passed it. I'm so glad we turned around. We had a guided, very informative tour. Much more than we ever expected to find! The staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

Entering his office; standing on his sleeping porch... you can almost see him before you. The restoration and tours of the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Buffalo Ranch Headquarters, and the adjoining Haley Visitor Center take you back a century (actually over 125 years). To have been on the Texas frontier in those times; to survive .. and thrive .. and build this beautiful home ... tells the story of one of the "bigger than life" frontier families. The bronze of Mary Ann with her bison calves, " Back from the Brink" is another inspiration .. both of the sculptress Veryl Goodnight and of the woman who is credited with keeping the southern bison herd from complete extinction. Not into frontier history? then just admire the architecture and the view of the Palo Duro Canyon. One of the most memorable stops of all times.

This historical center is about 15 miles or so just east of Claude, Texas. It consists of a ranch house, a history center, outbuildings, cattle, and buffalo. The staff there gives a guided tour of the buildings and provides information on the Goodnight family and the ranch. The entire visit was about 45 minutes and was well worth the drive and time. Part of the ranch and portions of the nearby town of Claude were used in the filming of that wonderful movie "Hud", so it was doubly interesting to us.

We visited the recently restored Charles Goodnight home and center on a trip to the panhandle. It is very well done, and the guides were well informed and very friendly. It gives a nice glimpse into his personal life and of his wife. Well worth a visit!