Ribs, beans, watermelon, and water are served at the annual Rib Rally, held every August in Moorcroft. But the town is more than its event calendar: the West Texas Trail Museum offers an introduction to regional history, while nearby Keyhole State Park offers activities on and in the water. Cultural history, summer events, and outdoor experiences each add a different dimension to planning a trip.
The History of the West Texas Trail
Moorcroft’s strategic location on the West Texas Trail made it an important livestock shipping point. This role shaped the town’s early economy and culture. The West Texas Trail Museum preserves and presents the history of the trail and its impact on the region.
Museum: Objects and Interpretation
The museum displays historical artifacts from the cattle trail, including saddles, brands, and cowboy equipment. These tangible objects bring the trail’s history to life and offer a way to explore the region’s cultural heritage. Visitors interested in history can learn about the subject through individual objects.
The West Texas Trail Museum offers educational programs, guided tours, and special events. The public is invited to the museum’s Heritage Round-Up for an evening of living history demonstrations. Visitors can explore the subject in different ways: by viewing historical artifacts and by attending an evening centered on living history demonstrations.
Summer Events
The annual Rib Rally is held every August, with ribs, beans, watermelon, and water on offer. Moorcroft Jubilee Days is a celebration of heritage and community spirit held every summer in Moorcroft. While the Rib Rally takes place in a specific month, Jubilee Days is part of the town’s summer calendar.
The Moorcroft Rodeo Club’s summer events aim to bring people to Moorcroft to enjoy the outdoors and the Western way of life, while supporting local businesses. Dates and program details for Jubilee Days may change; individual dates and admission information for club events may also change. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the specific dates and program information in advance.
Nearby Keyhole State Park
Keyhole State Park is located near Moorcroft, between Sundance and Moorcroft. Visitors can swim, hike, boat, water-ski, bird-watch, and fish. The options include activities on the water as well as hiking and bird-watching. The park adds a focus on outdoor recreation and nature to the area’s history.
Keyhole State Park can be reached via I-90 at Exit 165; from there, it is 6 miles north to the park headquarters. This describes the route to the park headquarters. When planning, you can weigh Moorcroft’s cultural attractions against activities in the nearby park as different interests for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Devils Tower, Hulett.
For the broader travel overview: Crook County.
