Western Heritage Center

HISTORY

High Plains Western Heritage Center features a
5-State Regional Museum founded to honor the Old West Pioneers and American Indians of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. Western Artifacts, Western Art, Live Animals and Family History Displays are used as a determinant of Historical Events.

In the mid 1970's, area ranchers were concerned that the story of settlement in High Plains Region would not be preserved. Two ranchers, Harry Blair and Edgar (Slim) Gardner, are considered Founders of the High Plains Heritage Society d/b/a High Plains Western Heritage Center, a Non-profit Organization.

Through Donations and Fundraising efforts, monies were accrued to Purchase Land and start Building the Structure. On September 1, 1989, a Grand Opening Ceremony took place.

Six categories of High Plains History were chosen to be honored: Pioneering, Cattle & Sheep Ranching, Rodeo, Transportation, American Indians, and Mining.

Today, the Center provides over 20,000 sq. ft. of Presentation featuring a wide range of Western Artifacts. The Center has a spacious Theatre complete with state-of-the-art Sound System. The Transportation Room features a Concord Stagecoach, Chuckwagon, "Tally Ho" Wagon, Buggies, and Sleighs. Outside Displays include a furnished One-Room Schoolhouse, Homestead Log Cabin and Antique Farm & Ranch Equipment.

Staffed mostly by over 30 Volunteers who donate their time and talent assisting with Admissions, Bookstore, Clerical Work, Maintenance, Animal Care, and Special Events.

Many Individuals and Businesses from the area contribute time, labor, materials and funding. A cleared Drive in the Winter allows the Center to be Open Year-Round (9-5). Grain and Hay are donated to feed the live Longhorn Steers, which are displayed in the Front Pasture of a 40-acre site.

The High Plains Western Heritage Center currently provides a Community Forum for Entertainment and Education. The Mission is to oversee the On-Going Historical Preservation of this Region of the West.