News & Announcements

Spring Trail Ride, April 5, 2025

Over 100 riders joined us 4/5/25 to enjoy saddle time on the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area! Departing and returning to the Historic Empire Ranch Headquarters! The temperatures were perfect, the views were outstanding and the smiles will last for days!

Gift Shop Member Discount

Did you know ERF active members receive a 10% discount at our gift shop?   To join or renew your membership click on the READ MORE link below.

Join & Help Us

As 2024 draws to a close we hope you will consider making a charitable year-end donation to continue our important work.  If you are not a member, please join us! A strong and vibrant membership demonstrates to our partners that the Empire Ranch is meaningful to the community and worthy of investment.

Click below to make a secure donation via our website. For more information about legacy gifts or to arrange for monthly donations for the New Ranch House Fund please email us at admin@empireranchfoundation.org.

Christmas at the Empire Ranch

Over 375 guests and volunteers celebrated Christmas at the Empire Ranch on Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 2pm.  Click on READ MORE below for more information.

National Public Lands Day

On October 24, 2024, 137 students, 5 teachers, and 10 chaperones visited the Empire Ranch to celebrate National Public Lands Day. The students loved spending time in the Tack Room learning about chuckwagons, bridles, and saddle.

In the Hispanic Tradition: The Mexican Cowboy

Plan to visit the Empire Ranch to view an exciting photo essay by award-winning photographer Patrick Christman, In the Hispanic Tradition: The Mexican Cowboy. The photos are on display in Room 6 of the Empire Ranch House.

Filming of Red River

When the Boice family owned the Empire Ranch many Western movies were filmed at the ranch and nearby areas. One of the most iconic is Red River (1948) directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Joanne Dru, and Walter Brennan. Location work began in early September of 1946 and was projected to take about eight weeks.

Click here to read the full story.

Ulzana’s Raid

The Movie Under the Stars showing of Ulzana’s Raid on Saturday, May 18, 2024 was attended by 175 movie buffs.

Alan Nyiri Photography

A selection of Alan Nyiri’s remarkable images of the historic Empire Ranch buildings and the LCNCA landscape are on display and available for purchase in the Empire Ranch Gift Shop.

Alan Nyiri, Las Cienegas National Conservation Area site host and accomplished fine art photographer, is the first artist in residence appointed by the Bureau of Land Management—Tucson Field Office.

Updated 5/30/2024

ERF Membership Rate is Reduced!

The Empire Ranch Foundation is reaching out. This important historic site is capturing more and more hearts in the communities in the region. Ironically, most people don’t realize that it takes their support to achieve the worthy goal of preserving these ranch buildings. Foundation membership demonstrates that the Empire Ranch is meaningful to more and more people. The more members we have, the more matching funds we can earn from our partners.

The Foundation has made a big decision. We’ve reduced our basic membership to only $35.00. Now, honestly, we’d love to receive more financial support from everyone for this important piece of Arizona history, but we are taking a chance on you. We are asking you to encourage your friends and acquaintances to take advantage of this reduced rate. Financial support is the one thing you can do that doesn’t require time or energy. We urge you to help in this campaign. Membership means caring and caring means future generations will enjoy the beauty and history that is the Empire Ranch.

If you are not a member, please consider joining by clicking here. If you are a member we hope your membership is current.  If you’re unsure of your membership status contact send an email to admin@empireranchfoundation.org.