Peer into pioneer prairie life during a tour of the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight historic home. Charles Goodnight built the breathtaking late-Victorian, two-story house for his wife, Molly. The house includes a room for the traveling minister and Charles’ famous sleeping porch peering out onto Goodnight Ranch. The Goodnight home was a hub for the town of Goodnight,  and kickstarted pioneer life in the panhandle.  

A tour takes guests back in time to discover how pioneers survived and thrived on the Great Plains of Texas. The visitor center and grounds are free to explore, and a tour of the house is approximately one hour. Furnishings are period-correct and original pieces depicting the life of the Goodnights and the Panhandle community they helped create. The visitor center has cultural exhibits and a gift shop. 

The Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site includes the J. Evetts Haley Visitor and Education Center, which offers exhibits about the Goodnights, bison, and the settlement of the area. A Quanah Parker Trail giant arrow marker on the grounds commemorates the friendship between Charles Goodnight and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker.  

Accessibility  

There is accessible entry into the ground floor of the Goodnight house. The pathways are decomposed granite and asphalt. The visitor center has accessible parking and pathways into the building.  

Museum Store 

Visit the museum gift shop for unique items curated for the Goodnight Ranch. 

Groups & Tours 

Reservations in advance are requested for school tours or large groups. Group tour times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Please submit a tour reservation form.  

Nearby Attractions 

While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites: 

For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: