Photo Credit: O'Keefe Ranch
Get your cowboys and cowgirls gathered up and head on out to Historic O'Keefe Ranch, just minutes from downtown Vernon. The whole family will enjoy stepping back in time and experiencing life in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The entire ranch is open from early May to late September, with special events year round.
Wander the grounds, or take a hay ride through the property and learn about this ranch that became its own little town. Back in 1867, the O'Keefe Ranch was a normal ranch located at the end of a wagon road. Then they added a post office, a blacksmith shop, and a grist mill for grinding grains. Some days the blacksmith still comes to work here. As you explore you'll see their church and the cemetery. Many of the buildings that were here way back then are still standing. As you wander through the main house, you may even feel the presence of the O'Keefe ghost near the nursery. There's also a model railway display.
There are animals at this farm; however, you are asked not to feed them. At O'Keefe they breed Jacob Sheep, an ancient and rare breed that can have up to six horns! They also have Shetland sheep. Look out for Thomas the turkey as he is the ruler of all the birds includes peacocks, geese, pheasants and chickens.
The Historic O'Keefe Ranch holds several events throughout the year, that you will find on their events and activities page.