Special Programming

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn through experience about various topics through special events and workshops each year. These events often include Western artist-led workshops, teacher workshops, exhibit receptions with special guests and speakers, symposiums led by industry leaders, and special showings of documentaries that tell the story of ranching.

At a Glance:

Fall Trolley Tours –  August 25 – September 28 (weather permitting); Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sundays at 2 p.m.

Toddler Tuesdays – Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events
Cowboys: A Portrait Documentary Poster
Scott White addresses guests at 2022 SaddleUP Exhibit reception featuring photographer Joe Vitone

Upcoming Events

Ranch Life Learning Summit

The Ranch Life Learning Summit will bring together educators, ranchers, agricultural organizations, and community leaders to explore the future of ranching and agricultural education at the elementary level. 

Hosted by the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University, the Summit will focus on connecting classrooms to real ranch life — expanding agricultural literacy, strengthening industry partnerships, and inspiring the next generation to value land, livestock, and stewardship. 

“The Summit is more than a meeting — it’s a chance to strengthen the bridge between agriculture and education, ensuring that ranching’s story remains vibrant in classrooms and communities across the nation.”
— Julie Hodges, Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Education 

Date:
February 25, 2026

Time:
8:30 AM - 5 PM

Pricing:
Free

Purchase / Registration:
Registration is free, but space is limited
Register Here

Toddler Tuesdays

Explore Hank the Cowdog’s M-Cross Ranch with your toddler every Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center! Enjoy engaging activities each week, such as story time or crafts guided by NRHC staff and volunteers. As you explore the ranch, allow your children to immerse themselves in play at Sally Mae’s Ranch House, equipped with ranch-themed toys from the Happy Toymaker.

Toddler Tuesdays are free to the public.

Date:
January 7, 2025 - December 16, 2025

Time:
10 - 11:30 a.m.

Pricing:
Free

Fall Trolley Tours

Travel back in time through the National Ranching Heritage Center’s 19-acre historical park! Trolley tours provide a unique opportunity for guests to learn about the rich history of the park’s authentic ranching structures and the stories of people who left their legacies. The Foy Proctor Historical Park at the NRHC features 55 authentic ranching structures dating from the 1780s to the 1950s. They have been disassembled, relocated and arranged chronologically in the park to tell the story of the birth, growth and maturity of the ranching industry in the United States.

March 22 to May 16 (weather permitting)

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 PM
  • Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM
  • Sundays at 2:30 PM
Tours are free of charge and run approximately 30-45 minutes. Reserve your spot at the front desk when you arrive at the NRHC. Each trolley tour can seat 21 guests.
For more questions or additional information, visit ranchingheritage.org or call (806) 742-0498

Trolley tours are made possible by The CH Foundation for the donation of the trolley.

Date:
April 9, 2025 - May 31, 2025

Time:
Monday - Thursday | 11 a.m.
Friday & Saturday | 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday | 2 p.m.

Pricing:
Free

Purchase / Registration:
When you arrive to the NRHC, reserve your spot on the trolley at the front desk.