Charles Goodnight Historical Center
Step into the life of a Texas legend at the Charles Goodnight Historical Center, preserving the legacy of a pioneering cattle rancher and bison conser...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Charles Goodnight Historical Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the life of a Texas legend at the Charles Goodnight Historical Center, preserving the legacy of a pioneering cattle rancher and bison conservationist.
"A great part of TX and western history, everything is so well preserved and recreated!"
🎯 New Visitor Center Location
Tickets are now sold at the green metal building on the highway. Free parking available!
⏰ Tour Schedule is Strict
Tours run only at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Plan your arrival accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Goodnight Home Tour
Historic House
Step back in time exploring the meticulously preserved home of Charles and Cornelia Goodnight. A true glimpse into Texas ranching history.
Descendant Bison Herd
Pasture near Visitor Center
See bison descended from the herd saved by Cornelia Goodnight. A living link to the past and a testament to conservation efforts.
Goodnight Cemetery Views
Across the Highway
Visit the final resting place of Charles and Cornelia Goodnight. Enjoy expansive, endless views of the Texas landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Visitor Center Relocation & Tour Times
Accessibility & Tour Suitability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 New Visitor Center Location
Tickets are now sold at the green metal building on the highway. Free parking available!
⏰ Tour Schedule is Strict
Tours run only at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Plan your arrival accordingly!
♿️ Accessibility Concerns
The historic house has many stairs. Not recommended for visitors with mobility challenges.
🤠 History Buffs Rejoice!
This is a must-visit for anyone interested in Texas and Western history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 New Visitor Center Location
Tickets are now sold at the green metal building on the highway. Free parking available!
⏰ Tour Schedule is Strict
Tours run only at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Plan your arrival accordingly!
♿️ Accessibility Concerns
The historic house has many stairs. Not recommended for visitors with mobility challenges.
🤠 History Buffs Rejoice!
This is a must-visit for anyone interested in Texas and Western history.
📸 Great Photo Ops
The grounds and cemetery offer beautiful, expansive views for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Charles Goodnight Historical Center for its well-preserved historic home and the engaging tours that offer a deep dive into Texas ranching history. The descendant bison herd and the expansive views from the cemetery are also frequently highlighted as memorable aspects. While the accessibility of the house is a concern for some, the friendly staff and the overall historical significance make it a highly recommended stop for history buffs and road-trippers alike.
"Visited 8/2/24 on a Friday afternoon. Worth the visit!! Very interesting tour. NOTE- VISITORS CENTER WHERE YOU BUY TICKETS IS NOW RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE GREEN METAL BUILDING THAT USED TO BE A HARDWARE STORE! Free gravel parking at the new visitor center and level paved parking at the old visitor center. The bison that are descended from the ones Mrs Goodnight saved are in the pasture beside the new visitor center. Tours are at 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 only. The tour is so interesting and the house well preserved. Not recommended for those with disabilities-There are stairs to get into the house and steep stairs to climb in the house on the tour. The grounds are well kept and easy to walk around. After the tour, you can easily visit the Goodnight’s graves across the highway in Goodnight cemetery where the views are endless. Highly recommend doing both."
Tracy Torbett
"I love this place and the story behind the ranch! The entire staff were so friendly and accommodating. The young lady that checked us in was so sweet. It is kept neat and orderly. Wonderfull gallery filled with information on the Goodnights. We took the tour of their home and the guide was also delightful. The home is beautiful with nicely groomed grounds. If you love history this place is for you. Thanks to all!"
Dian Carpenter
"We stopped here for about 90 minutes to break up a drive from DFW to the Oklahoma panhandle. Everyone in my family (2 adults and 2 boys (8 and 12)) loved the tour and history. Such a great part of TX and western history and everything is so well preserved and recreated. I would highly recommend."
Cameron Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Charles Goodnight Historical Center is located in Goodnight, Texas. The new visitor center is situated directly on the highway. Ample free gravel parking is available there, with paved parking at the old visitor center location. It's a significant stop for those interested in Texas history and cattle ranching.
Yes, the new visitor center is conveniently located on the highway, making it easy to spot. Look for the green metal building that was formerly a hardware store.
Goodnight, Texas, is accessible by car. It's often visited as a stopover point for longer road trips, such as from DFW to the Oklahoma panhandle. Check your GPS for the most direct route from your starting location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are purchased at the new visitor center, which is a green metal building located directly on the highway. Be sure to check their operating hours before your visit.
Tours of the historic house are offered at specific times: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. It's advisable to confirm these times directly with the center, especially if traveling during off-season or holidays.
Information on admission fees is best obtained directly from the visitor center upon arrival or by checking their official website if available. The reviews suggest a positive experience for the cost.
While the house tour is a primary attraction, visitors can explore the grounds and see the descendant bison herd. The Goodnight Cemetery is also easily accessible across the highway.
It's recommended to check the center's official channels for any announcements regarding special events or unexpected closures, such as those due to heating issues mentioned in a review. Social media updates may not always be immediate.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a guided tour of the beautifully preserved Goodnight home, learn about Charles Goodnight's life as a prolific cattle rancher, see bison descended from his herd, and visit the Goodnight Cemetery with its endless views.+1 There's also a gallery with information on the Goodnights.
Unfortunately, the historic house tour is not recommended for those with disabilities due to stairs to enter and within the house. However, the grounds and visitor center are generally accessible.
Most visitors spend around 90 minutes to break up a drive or explore the site thoroughly. This allows time for the tour, viewing the bison, and visiting the cemetery.
Charles Goodnight was a legendary Texas cattle rancher and one of the most famous figures in Western history. He was instrumental in the development of the cattle industry and the preservation of the American bison.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the visitor center. One reviewer noted they were great.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive grounds offer beautiful scenery, especially the views from the Goodnight Cemetery across the highway. The historic house itself and the descendant bison also make for great photographic subjects.
Photography policies inside the historic house may vary. It's best to ask your tour guide or check with the visitor center staff for specific guidelines regarding interior photography.
Generally, outdoor photography of the grounds and exteriors is permitted. Be mindful of any private areas or specific exhibits that might have restrictions. Always respect the historical nature of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the historic house tour involves stairs, which might be challenging for very young children or those with limited patience. The tour itself is engaging, but the focus is on historical detail. Consider if your children have the attention span for guided historical narratives. The visitor center restrooms are noted as being good.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The new visitor center location on the highway makes it convenient to access, and the free parking is a plus. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about a significant figure in Western history and see a living piece of that past with the descendant bison herd.
🤠 History Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to learn about Cornelia Goodnight's crucial role in bison conservation and to see the descendant herd.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Charles Goodnight
Goodnight's life spanned a transformative era, and his experiences reflect the challenges and triumphs of frontier life. His partnership with his wife, Cornelia, was also significant; she played a crucial role in saving the last free-roaming herd of Texas bison, a herd that is the ancestor of the bison seen at the historical center today.
His story has even captured the imagination of modern storytellers, with actors like Taylor Sheridan making appearances that highlight Goodnight's legendary status.
Visiting the Charles Goodnight Historical Center offers a tangible connection to this influential Texan and the era he shaped.Experiencing the Historic Home
Important Note: The home features stairs to enter and steep stairs within the house, making it inaccessible for individuals with mobility challenges.
Beyond the house itself, the surrounding grounds are well-maintained and offer a pleasant environment to explore. The gallery within the visitor center also provides additional information and context about the Goodnights' lives and their impact on Texas history.
The Descendant Bison Herd
The bison are typically visible in the pasture adjacent to the new visitor center, making them easily accessible for viewing. While they are wild animals, observing them in their natural habitat provides a glimpse into the plains that Charles Goodnight once traversed. It's a poignant experience that underscores the historical significance of the Goodnight ranching empire and Cornelia's dedication to preserving wildlife.
Seeing these bison is often a memorable part of the visit, adding an element of wildlife appreciation to the historical exploration. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of the Goodnights' commitment to the land and its creatures.
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