The work and traditions of ranching life are on full display at the annual event.
The National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) on the Texas Tech University campus will host the 57th annual Ranch Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
Made possible by The CH Foundation, Ranch Day is the NRHC’s longest-running tradition, inviting families to experience ranching through hands-on activities and live demonstrations. This year marks the NRHC’s 50th anniversary.
Across the center’s 19acre historical park, visitors can interact with cattle, sheep and horses; watch horsemanship demonstrations; and try skills like roping, branding and leather stamping.
Children can become “ranch hands” for the day and complete activities across the park to earn wages. Those who finish six stations can collect currency and redeem it for prizes.” Additional activities include horseback rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., live birds of prey from the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a “ snake oil” magic show by Barry Moffitt at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Ranch Day volunteers in period attire will share the stories and daily life of early ranching families inside the park’s historic structures. Visitors can also tour the Barton House.
Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation per family. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day.
More than 150 volunteers, ranch hosts, student organizations and industry partners support Ranch Day each year.
For more information, visit ranchingheritage.org.