361-277-2866 | Hours & Admission | Health & Safety

Explore the Storied Cowboy Culture in Texas

We invite you to step back in time while visiting one of the Southwest’s finest historical tourism destinations. The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum in Cuero, Texas, tells the stories and preserves the memories of DeWitt County’s rich agricultural and cowboy histories. Discover how the early settlers lived and explore the local lore and history that link DeWitt County to the legendary Texas cattle drives of the late 19th century.

Exhibits Spotlight Facets of Western Heritage

Ride back in time with us, to the era of the Great Cattle Drives. Authentic artifacts – lassoes, saddles, a chuck wagon and more – tell the vivid story of the great cattle drive era, beginning with Thornton Chisholm and Crockett Cardwell’s epic 1866 cattle drive from Cuero to St. Joseph, Missouri. Our original movie narrates the true story of life on the trail, straight from the saddle. The Tinker Collection showcases the cultures of the Mexican vaquero, the South American gaucho, and American cowboys. A select series of photographs by explorer Edward Curtis documents late-19th century Native American culture, a central story of the American West. Recently installed, a showcase of spurs by well-regarded Texas craftsmen brings the story forward to present-day ranching and riding.

The Chisholm Trail in Texas: Ranching Heritage of the Guadalupe River Valle

Horsemen of the Americas: Tinker Collection

Edward S. Curtis: A Portrait of Native American Life

Celebrating the Cowboy Way with Signature Programs

Every other year, the Museum hosts the Taste of the Trail, our signature fundraising event with an array of activities, including an auction. Every summer, Cowboy Camp gathers local kids for hands-on experience – cowboy crafts, horsemanship and roping demos, a live Longhorn to see up close, camp cooking and good fun. In 2020, both events were held virtually due to the pandemic.

English German School

Friar Thomas Community Center

George Bishop Park

Proctor Green House

Event Spaces: Unique Settings for Social and Business Gatherings

The Museum offers several exceptional and distinctive rental options for special events ranging from intimate dinner parties to elaborate wedding receptions to catered corporate meetings. All are easily accommodated within the Museum campus’s distinctive spaces.