Discover Muleshoe: History, Recreation and Nature

Muleshoe offers several options to consider when planning your trip: early West Texas buildings and recreational activities; nearby, the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge adds a connection with nature. You can choose between architectural history, water activities, disc golf and wildlife watching.

Cultural History and Virtual Tour

The Muleshoe Heritage Center gives visitors the opportunity to tour early West Texas buildings. These include the original Muleshoe Santa Fe Depot, which is also among the early buildings offered there. For a tour, a visitor post dated February 20, 2025, lists the phone number 806-272-5873. Check booking details before your trip.

The Muleshoe Heritage Foundation offers a virtual tour of its historic buildings. If you are interested in architectural history, you can include this digital offering in your plans.

Notable Names and Measurements

Muleshoe’s National Mule Memorial, also known as “Ol Pete,” was invited to and attended President George Bush’s first inauguration in 2001. The object described as the “World’s Largest Muleshoe” is 22 feet high and 17 feet wide. At 22 feet high and 17 feet wide, it is five feet taller than it is wide. Comparing the two measurements makes them easier to picture.

Recreational Activities

The Muleshoe Water Park has a swimming pool with a zero-depth entry, swimming lanes, a water slide, a diving board and a lazy river. The facilities include both swimming lanes and other water attractions. Some offerings may be seasonal; check what is currently available before visiting. The park can also be rented for private parties.

Disc golf was introduced in Muleshoe in 2011. The disc golf course is maintained jointly by the Muleshoe Parks and Recreation Department and the Muleshoe Disc Golf Club.

Nature Nearby

The Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge offers nature trails for observing sandhill cranes, waterfowl, reptiles, pollinators, mule deer and quail. The refuge lies along the Central Flyway and is home to one of the largest concentrations of lesser sandhill cranes in North America. In a year with sufficient precipitation, more than 100,000 sandhill cranes may be there during the winter.

The refuge also has a designated basic campground nearby, with restrooms, grills, picnic tables and parking.

Travel Dates by Interest

If you plan your trip around a particular theme, the timing varies: Mule Days Festival takes place every year in August. By contrast, the possibility of more than 100,000 sandhill cranes being at the refuge in winter depends on sufficient precipitation. If you are traveling for the festival, check the specific event dates.

For the broader travel overview: Bailey County.