About Us

In the 1970s, two ranchers, Harry Blair and Edgar “Slim” Gardner, together with other area ranchers, were concerned that the story of the settlement of the High Plains would not be preserved. After years of work, they raised enough money to purchase land and build the first structure, and a grand opening ceremony for the High Plains Western Heritage Center took place on September 1, 1989.

The Heritage Center is a five-state regional museum that honors the Old West pioneers and American Indians of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. A variety of High Plains history and artifacts were chosen to be honored at the center, including Pioneering, Cattle & Sheep Ranching, Rodeo, Transportation, Native Americans, and Mining.

In addition to the various indoor displays, visitors will find outdoor exhibits, including a furnished one-room school and a log cabin in a 40-acre pasture.

On-site theater and meeting spaces are used for entertainment and education, and are available for rent by the public.

We welcome thousands of visitors each year to come and learn the stories and legacy of our unique American Western Heritage.