Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
The historic Chisholm Trail led cattle from south Texas to northern states. It played a significant role in the development of the American West, driving millions of cattle through Oklahoma between 1867 and 1877. You can learn all about the iconic trail, named after trader Jesse Chisholm, at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, Oklahoma.
Take a trip back in time with interactive exhibits created for all ages and interests. Professional tour guides get you started on your adventure throughout the museum.
Exhibits
The 4D Experience Theater offers a multi-sensory adventure “on the trail,” where you can smell the wildflowers of the Oklahoma prairie in the springtime and watch a stampede in a thunderstorm. A visit to the Campfire Theater will have you eavesdropping on Jesse Chisholm and Cowboy Tex.
Visitors can rope a longhorn steer, ride a bronco or create their own brand at the Branding Station. Then head into the Duncan General Store for an interactive “shopping” experience.
Art Gallery
The Garis Gallery of the American West is located at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center and is considered one of the finest Western and Indian art galleries in the state. Works by renowned artists, including Frederick Remington, George Catlin, Charles Russell, Allan Houser and regional and local artists of note, are on display in the permanent collection.
Outdoor Sculpture
Be sure to visit the outdoor sculpture, On the Chisholm Trail, bronze by Oklahoma artist Paul Moore. It is the largest bronze dedicated to the Chisholm Trail in the world and is great for a photo opportunity!
Accessibility
The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center was designed as a multi-sensory adventure accessible to individuals and groups with many diverse needs. Wheelchairs are available for guest use as needed while visiting the museum. The Heritage Center can also provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation or a one-on-one docent-led tour with advance request. Service animals are allowed throughout the facility while on a leash.
The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center is a Top Western Museum as named by True West Magazine and on the TW Ultimate Western Destination list. Awarded the National Day of the Cowboy's "Cowboy Keeper" in 2016 and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association Redbud Merit for Outstanding Attraction.
In 2018, the museum, in its Chisholm Trail 150th Partnership (Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, Visit Enid, the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, and the Oklahoma Historical Society), was awarded three of the state’s highest honors given in the Oklahoma tourism industry. The partnership won the RedBud Outstanding Media Coverage Award and Merit Awards (category runner-up) for Best Partnership and Best Tri-Fold or Single Sheet Brochure or Publication. And in 2013, the Heritage Center was voted Best Museum in Chickasaw Country.
