Historic O'Keefe Ranch
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A must-see North Okanagan heritage attraction 🌾
Experience pioneer history, heritage buildings, and seasonal events at Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM. We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Syilx Peoples. Ranch History:
Cornelius O'Keefe was a man with a tremendous drive to make something of his life. Not content to just raise cattle, he was the first rancher in the North Okanagan to open a general store on his property. His ranch became a gathering place for newcomers to the Okanagan Valley and soon was being called "Okanagan." So it is no surprise that, once British Columbia had joined the Canadian confederation in 1871, the man who rallied the few settlers in the area to ask the Canadian government for a post office was Cornelius O'Keefe. As a result of the petition organized by O'Keefe, the chief postal inspector announced in the Victoria Colonist on August 6, 1872 that he "had made temporary arrangements with Mr. Barnard for a weekly mail service to Kamloops and the Okanagan." On August 14, 1872, the post office was establilshed with Cornelius as postmaster, a position he held for the next 40 years. Once the post office was established at the ranch, the BC Express Stage Lines ran a weekly stagecoach from Cache Creek to the O'Keefe Ranch on the new wagon road from Fort Kamloops. While there were several ranchers who settled ahead of O'Keefe, his is the only ranch that was still being lived in by the original family 100 years later. Today some of the oldest buildings in the valley are still being used and preserved as part of the O'Keefe Ranch heritage site.
10/03/2026
Petition To Save O'Keefe Ranch
https://c.org/kR68qP5xqQ sign the petition
For generations, O'Keefe Ranch has been a cherished cornerstone of the North Okanagan, a place where families have gathered, children have explored our rich history, and countless visitors have experienced the vibrant tapestry of our heritage. With the unwavering dedication of volunteers, this historic landmark has remained a living testament to the past, offering invaluable educational and cultural experiences to our community and beyond.
However, on October 1, 2026, the Historic O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society received devastating news: the City of Vernon, through its Chief Administrative Officer, announced plans that could lead to the permanent closure of this beloved institution. This shocking development threatens not only our local history but also the cultural fabric and the very essence of what makes Vernon unique.
The potential closure of O'Keefe Ranch comes at a time when we need to protect and preserve our historical sites more than ever. O'Keefe Ranch is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a sanctuary of learning, a haven of community spirit, and a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. Its loss would be irreplaceable, severing future generations' connections to the past.
We call on the City of Vernon to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the Historic O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society to explore viable alternatives. Solutions such as increased funding opportunities, community partnerships, or preservation grants should be pursued to ensure O'Keefe Ranch remains a vital part of our community.
Help us keep the history alive in Vernon. Let your voice be heard by signing this petition to safeguard O'Keefe Ranch for our children and grandchildren. Stand with us in this fight to preserve a legacy that belongs to us all.
For generations, O'Keefe Ranch has been a cherished cornerstone of the North Okanagan, a place where families have gathered, children have explored our rich history, and countless visitors have experienced the vibrant tapestry of our heritage. With the unwavering dedication of volunteers, this historic landmark has remained a living testament to the past, offering invaluable educational and cultural experiences to our community and beyond.
However, on October 1, 2026, the Historic O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society received devastating news: the City of Vernon, through its Chief Administrative Officer, announced plans that could lead to the permanent closure of this beloved institution. This shocking development threatens not only our local history but also the cultural fabric and the very essence of what makes Vernon unique.
The potential closure of O'Keefe Ranch comes at a time when we need to protect and preserve our historical sites more than ever. O'Keefe Ranch is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a sanctuary of learning, a haven of community spirit, and a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. Its loss would be irreplaceable, severing future generations' connections to the past.
We call on the City of Vernon to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the Historic O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society to explore viable alternatives. Solutions such as increased funding opportunities, community partnerships, or preservation grants should be pursued to ensure O'Keefe Ranch remains a vital part of our community.
Help us keep the history alive in Vernon. Let your voice be heard by signing this petition to safeguard O'Keefe Ranch for our children and grandchildren. Stand with us in this fight to preserve a legacy that belongs to us all.
https://c.org/kR68qP5xqQ sign the petition
Sign the Petition Keep O'Keefe Ranch safe from closure
Press release O'Keefe Ranch
VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS
Historic O’Keefe Ranch to Close Permanently?
On October 1, 2026, the Historic O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society was informed by the City of Vernon’s Chief Administrative Officer that the current City Council has decided not to extend the lease agreement between the Society and the City beyond its expiry date of March 31, 2027.
The City of Vernon is the sole owner of O’Keefe Ranch, which was donated to the City in perpetuity by the Devonian Foundation. As a result of this decision, the future of the Ranch is uncertain. Unless an alternative arrangement is established, the Ranch may cease operations when the current lease expires.
Over the past several years, the Society has sought clarity regarding the City’s long-term plans for the property. To date, no information has been provided regarding whether the City intends to operate the Ranch directly, seek another operator, close the facility, or pursue another course of action. Before the lease expires on March 31, 2027, the Society will have to be dissolved and responsibility for the property will rest entirely with the City.
This decision affects many organizations, businesses, and community partners that are part of Ranch operations, including the Pioneer Power Club, the North Okanagan Model Railway Exhibit, Field of Screams, Hamming Farms, Rustler’s Table Restaurant, and local School District educational programs.
While this outcome is deeply disappointing, the Society respects the City’s authority as owner of the property. We must now begin planning for the orderly wind-down of operations and the disposition of Society-owned assets, including antique stoves, carriages, stagecoaches, farm equipment, and livestock.
For decades, tens of thousands of volunteer hours have helped transform O’Keefe Ranch into one of the region’s premier historical attractions, welcoming visitors from across Canada and around the world. The Ranch represents an important part of the history and heritage of the North Okanagan.
If O’Keefe Ranch is to remain open and accessible to future generations, community members who value this historic site are encouraged to share their views with current and future City Council representatives. The future of the Ranch now rests with the decisions that will be made in the months ahead.
Without a new operating arrangement, O’Keefe Ranch will close its doors on March 31, 2027.
Historical O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society
President
Douglas MacGregor 250 306 9530 [email protected]
10/02/2026
Come visit the O’keefe Ranch Family Friendly Corn Maze this October! We will be open by donation Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00am-4:00pm. Entrance to the corn maze is included with admission to the ranch.
10/02/2026
October is here and the O’keefe Ranch Kids Haunted House is Re-opening its haunted doors for another spooky season! The Haunted house will be open from October 3rd - November 1st, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Admission to the Kids Haunted house is $5 per child 5 and over, but parents and kids under 5 are free!
09/25/2026
Come Visit us this October 25th for our Vendor market! We will have an assortment of vendors at the ranch, our family friendly corn maze will be open, self serve mini golf is up and running and we will of course have our historic building tours and wagon rides! Mark your calendars and support both local history and local vendors!
Please support this fundraiser for the victims of the Bradley Creek wildfires.
Behind the scenes! 3 days left until we dance!
08/30/2026
Dust off your boots and pray for rain! Join us for a good old fashioned evening of live music, dancing, and some fun! Come dance the evening away under the lights of our Pavilion, enjoy the live music, soak up the beautiful historical surroundings, and make some memories with loved ones. Canapes by Rustlers Table included in the ticket price. Cash bar onsite.
$55.00 Per Person
Including fees & charges
https://www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/event/rain-dance-at-the-ranch
08/29/2026
We are still on for our OK Family Day! Make sure you pop on by.👀😁
Family Picnic Weekend Pt. 2!
Our Family Picnic Weekend will be happening this upcoming weekend!
Make sure you come on by and enjoy the Ranch and fun; you cannot miss it.👀🤠
08/28/2026
Fun Fact Fridays! 🐎🎠
Did you know, we are going to be at IPE this year? 👀
Make sure you come on down to Armstrong and check us out in our booth!
As well, as our OK Family Picnic Day is happening this weekend!
We will be having wagon rides, building tours, mini golf, animal petting, and lots of fun!⛳⛪
Make sure you don't miss out on this weekend!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
9380 Highway 97 North
Vernon, BC
V1H1W9
Opening Hours
| Saturday | 10am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 4pm |
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