Lucky 7 Chuckwagon will be serving up a 10 oz. T-Bone Steak, Scalloped Potatoes, French style Green Beans, Salad w/Ranch dressing, Biscuits and Apple Cobbler for dessert! Live music will accompany your meal. Price: $35/plate.
Click here to purchase your tickets in advance.
Ride through history on horseback! Experience the trails used by Empire Ranch cowboys for over 145 years while taking in the lush rolling hills and wide open spaces surrounding the Ranch Headquarters. Rides are available on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am, 11:45 am, 1 pm, 2:15 pm, and 3:15 pm.
The 45-minute Trail Ride is $50. Riders must be age 8 or older; 18 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.
On May 3, 2023, middle school students from Patagonia and Elgin enjoyed Legacy Day at the Empire Ranch. They learned about reata rope braiding, horse care, adobe brick repair, roping, and range management. ERF Board members cooked up and served a great chuckwagon lunch to the students and instructors.
Two Eagle Scout candidates from Tucson troops recently completed projects on the Heritage Discovery Trail (HDT) at Empire Ranch Headquarters. Ethan Fouts, Troop 141, installed 13 bird nesting boxes in trees along the trail. Paige N. Bullis, Troop 739, constructed
and installed 10 benches in the area along the trail that formerly housed the Chiricahua Leopard frog refugia.
Ride through history on horseback! Experience the trails used by Empire Ranch cowboys for over 145 years while taking in the lush rolling hills and wide open spaces surrounding the Ranch Headquarters. Rides are available on both November 4 & 5, starting at 10:30 am. Last ride of the day is at 3:15 pm.
The 45-minute Trail Ride is $50. Riders must be age 8 or older; 18 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited and may not be available the day of the event.
Plan to attend the 22nd annual Cowboy Festival on November 4-5, 2023. It promises to be a fun-filled two days for the whole family featuring western music & entertainment, history & culture demonstrations, ranch life exhibits, 45 minute trail rides, kids activities, skilled artisans and speakers, silent auction and food.
Click here to view the 2023 preliminary program.
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’re reducing 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.
By 1879 the Empire Ranch was supporting 1,500 head of cattle and the original 1870s four-room house was no longer adequate to meet the needs of the growing operations. A building expansion was essential.
Read more about the expansion of the original Ranch House on p.2 of the June 2023 ERF Newsletter.
Over 200 film buffs enjoyed the showing of Night of the Lepus, on Saturday, September 23rd at the Historic Empire Ranch. Special thanks to the Loft Solar Cinema program for making this free event possible.
Click here for more information about the film.
On July 22nd over 300 excited visitors attended the 2023 National Day of the Cowboy celebration that featured music and cowboy poetry, western skills demonstrations, horses, donkeys, and pack goats. Fifty riders enjoyed the trail rides on Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. Western wares and other goods were on display at the vendor and non-profit booths. The chuckwagon breakfast and lunch offerings hit the spot.
Click here to view the 2023 program. Click here to see photos of the 2023 celebration.