General-

Seat of Bailey County, long a sparsely settled area of huge cattle ranches.  Early in the 20th Century the immense ranches began to break up, and farming was introduced to this area of the High Plains.  Town organized in 1926, named for muleshoe brand of famous early ranch.  Today a center for marketing and shipping of High Plains agricultural products.

Muleshoe Heritage Center, off U.S. 84, is in restored Santa Fe depot; offers museum and meeting place.  At the center is the "World's largest Muleshoe" at 22 feet high, and 17 feet  wide at at its widest point.  Good photo opportunity.   For information on events, accommodations, and area attractions, call the chamber of commerce office at 806/ 272-4248.

Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge - 

Founded in 1935, the oldest national wildlife refuge in Texas.  Established principally for migratory waterfowl, also home of native wildlife.  three small rainwater lakes, unusual features on the plains, attract the birds.  Hunting is prohibited, but photography permitted.  Among species wintering here is nation's largest concentration of sandhill cranes.  Greatest numbers of waterfowl may usually be seen between late August and March; a colony of prairie dogs is along the entrance road. 

Open daylight hours. About 20 miles south on Texas 214.

National Mule Memorial - 

What better place for a monument to mules than this uniquely named town?  Mules pulled the covered wagons west, plowed the first sod for pioneers, hauled freight, and built the first railroads and highways.  With the disappearance of mules from the American scene in recent decades, a group of Texas citizens determined to erect a memorial to those unsung beasts of burden.  Donations for the monument were received from throughout the nation; in fact, a gift of 21 cents was sent by a mule driver from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, U.S.S.R.  The memorial, unveiled on July 4, 1965, is near the intersection of U.S. 70 / 84 in downtown Muleshoe and is a popular picture taking site.

Today wagons and mule teams still can be seen on Mulehoe's main streets and Mule Day is celebrated Labor Day weekend, hosting mule rodeo, mule races, and other mule related activities.