National Cattle Trails Conference — Oct. 24-25, 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 National Cattle Trails Conference! Join us as we celebrate the rich history of cattle trails, with the participation of the Goodnight-Loving Trail, Inc.; the Great Western Cattle Trail Association; the International Chisholm Trail Association; the Shawnee Cattle Trail; the Texas Chisholm Trail Association; and the Western Cattle Trail Association.

Prepare for an exciting conference lineup that includes engaging speakers, insightful legislative updates, fascinating tours, delicious chuckwagon food, and a whole lot of Texas-style fun!

Interested in attending? Get on the list for updates, and to be notified when registration opens.

Trail Organizations

  • Goodnight-Loving Trail, Inc.
  • Great Western Cattle Trail Association
  • International Chisholm Trail Association
  • Shawnee Cattle Trail
  • Texas Chisholm Trail Association
  • Western Cattle Trail Association
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Formation

The Historic Cattle Trails Consortium was formed in Dodge City, Kansas on November 1, 2024, with a joint letter in support of a Cattle Trails Consortium signed by representatives from the Chisholm Trail, the Great Western Trail, the Goodnight-Loving Trail, the Shawnee Trail, and the Western Trail.

They said, "We the undersigned believe the pre- and post-Civil War cattle trails were and are a vital and valuable part of American history. On these trails in the late 1800s, millions of longhorn cattle were moved by drovers on horseback hundreds of miles from south Texas to markets in the east, north, and west. Not only did this trade have a significant impact on the nation's economy, it served multiple purposes such as meeting consumer demand for beef, stocking ranches in northern ranges, and providing crucial supplies for Native American tribes. Furthermore, the exploits of the daring young riders along the trails gave rise to the American cowboy, an enduring and globally recognized icon of our nation's strength, courage, independence, and bravery."

See the full letter here.