The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum; Big Bear Native American Museum, Cleburne

About The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum; Big Bear Native American Museum

The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum preserves the heritage of the historic Chisholm Trail cattle drive era in Cleburne, Texas. Visitors explore outdoor exhibits including Johnson County's original 1854 log courthouse, a working blacksmith shop, a restored stagecoach station, and a stage station and saloon. The museum also features the Nolan River School, an 1855 building reopened to demonstrate 1800s education, and the Sheriff's Office and Jail with original 1855 jail doors and 1885 metal cell bars. A life-size cattle drive silhouette and authentic teepees showcase the era's history. The Big Bear Native American Museum displays artifacts spanning over 13,000 years of Native American history in North America, compiled from donations by Leonard "Big Bear" Beal and supplementing collections. Free docent-led tours run Thursday through Sunday. The museum grounds overlook Lake Pat Cleburne and include an eighty-foot stone wall landmark. Families and history enthusiasts can attend Pioneer Days demonstrations featuring re-enactments, cannon fire, and period activities.