In the past, Moore County averaged one windmill for every 900 sections of land; around Dumas, windmills used to pump water shaped the horizon. This history of the landscape meets ranch themes, art, and today’s recreational activities.
Museums, Art, and Ranch History
The Window on the Plains Museum moved to its permanent location in 2001. South of the museum stands an Aermotor windmill donated by the Charlie Jameson family. The “Ranch House” exhibit features artifacts from other ranchers, including Marshall Cator. The windmill and exhibit offer different perspectives: one leads to a specific feature of the area’s history, while the other showcases objects from ranching.
The Art Center opened in October 2004 and features monthly rotating exhibitions of works by regional artists. Alongside the historical perspective, it offers a changing art program. The Sneed Ranch tells another ranching story; it became the largest ranch in Moore County.
Historic Trails and Cultural Events
The Tascosa-Dodge City Trail was established in 1877 for cattle drives and freight transport. It also served as a stagecoach and mail route. Its history thus connects several of the route’s functions at the time: transporting cattle and freight, as well as carrying mail. Those interested in the region’s development will find a different perspective here than in the museum exhibits.
The historic Evelyn Theatre is a meticulously renovated two-screen cinema built more than 70 years ago. In addition to showing films, it hosts private celebrations, gaming events, and family nights. Its offerings therefore encompass both the theater’s history and a variety of event formats.
Events and Recreation
Dogie Days is an annual celebration in Dumas that dates back to 1946. The Texas Tumbleweed 100 is also held annually, as a cycling event with routes ranging from 12 to 100 miles. The two events offer different highlights: a festival with a long history and a cycling event with multiple route lengths.
During the Christmas season, the annual Christmas Open House at the Window on the Plains Museum features complimentary refreshments, holiday entertainment, seasonal exhibits, and visits from Santa. Another annual community tree-lighting event combines arts and crafts, food stalls, carriage rides, performances by local choirs and bands, festive lights, and visits from Santa.
Dumas Aquatic Park has sun umbrellas, winding slides, and a water play area. Its seasonal operating schedule may vary, so check current operating information before visiting. Dumas Family Fun Center offers bowling and miniature golf with glow-in-the-dark lanes. Its offerings may also change, so it’s worth checking in advance.
At Pheasant Trails Golf Course, the first nine holes follow a Scottish links style, while the back nine feature a West Texas-style design. The shift between the two design styles is a specific difference within the course; course details may change, so check them before your visit.
If an annual festival is the reason for your trip, check its current date first.
Discover more destinations: Dumas, Webb, Oldham, Hamilton County, Young, Castro County, Sutton, Wilson County.
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