Founded in 1867, a vivid representation of the Okanagan Valley's early ranching days. This site, once a busy hub at the end of the wagon road, tells the story of Cornelius O’Keefe, one of the area’s earliest settlers, and offers a glimpse into the past through its well-preserved buildings, artifacts, and hands-on experiences. Today, the Ranch operates as a historical site, welcoming visitors to explore its storied grounds, meet the resident animals, and learn about life in the 19th century.
The History of O’Keefe Ranch
The Historic O’Keefe Ranch was once a thriving, self-sustained community complete with its own post office, blacksmith shop, mill, and even a stagecoach depot. In the late 1800s, this ranch was a central part of the Okanagan economy, with Cornelius O’Keefe managing vast tracts of land and growing his cattle empire. The original buildings, many of which still stand today, offer visitors a chance to see what life was like during the early ranching era.
The Ranch grew to 12,000 acres by 1900, but as times changed, so did the economy. O’Keefe sold much of his land in 1907, and the family eventually turned the remaining property into a heritage site. Today, the Ranch is owned by the City of Vernon and managed by the O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society.
Mansion Tours and Historic Buildings
One of the standout experiences at O’Keefe Ranch is the guided tour of the O’Keefe Mansion, a grand home that has been carefully maintained to reflect the opulence of the era. Visitors can walk through the period rooms, each adorned with original family artifacts. A highlight of the tour is the rare 1905 music box, still operational, alongside an impressive collection of Victorian-era clothing, including Elizabeth O’Keefe’s silverware. The mansion provides a detailed look into the personal lives of the O’Keefe family, offering an authentic glimpse of life during the peak of the ranching days.
Beyond the mansion, the ranch also features a recreated General Store, dating back to 1870, which offers a hands-on look at daily life in the Okanagan during that time. Visitors can explore a post office setup from the era and pick up traditional candies or souvenirs.
The Collections and Archives
O’Keefe Ranch boasts an extensive collection of over 10,000 artifacts and historical documents, preserving the rich history of both the O’Keefe family and the early ranching community in BC. The archives include over 1,500 documents detailing ranch operations and BC ranching history, alongside personal items like a 114-piece Meissen porcelain set from 1860 and a wide range of family memorabilia. The library houses a special collection of books once owned by the O’Keefe, Greenhow, and Schubert families. This includes first edition Zane Grey novels, religious periodicals, popular literature from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and school textbooks on subjects like geography, history, literature, and more from the early 1900s.
The artifact collection extends beyond the family’s history, with an impressive array of items donated by local residents. The collection includes textiles such as O’Keefe family dresses and formal wear, a rare Royal Battenburg lace wedding dress from the late 1800s, and flapper dresses from the 1920s. Additionally, the ranch boasts one of the largest antique stove collections in Canada, featuring models dating back to 1790, including a unique stove made for the 1904 St. Louis World Fair.
Gardens and Antique Equipment
The grounds of O’Keefe Ranch are open daily from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to stroll through the scenic gardens. The mansion’s rose garden is a stunning attraction, especially when the roses are in bloom, making it a popular spot for photography. The heritage garden located between the General Store and Log House showcases native and heritage plants, preserving the botanical history of the area.
O’Keefe Ranch is also home to one of Canada’s largest collections of antique stoves, displaying a wide range of styles that reflect the ingenuity and craftsmanship of historic kitchen equipment. Visitors can also explore farming implements used by the O’Keefe family and local farmers from as far back as the 1860s. Restored tractors and machinery demonstrate the technological evolution from horse-drawn equipment to early mechanized farming, sparking interest in both history buffs and younger generations alike. For transportation enthusiasts, the Carriage House showcases an array of stagecoaches, buggies, and wagons, providing insight into how people navigated the challenging terrain of the time.
Saint Anne’s Church and Cemetery
Saint Anne’s Church, built in 1889, stands as a significant part of the ranch’s history. Funded by donations from local residents of various faiths, this Carpenter Gothic-style church hosted its first Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve of 1889. While regular services ceased in the 1940s, the church remains a preserved historical site, complete with its original structure.
Adjacent to the church is the cemetery, which was established either at the same time or shortly before the church. Although officially closed to new burials, the cemetery still allows for descendants of the O’Keefe family to be interred there, maintaining a strong connection to the ranch’s storied past.
Resident Animals and Ranch Life
Visitors of all ages will enjoy meeting the animals that live at O’Keefe Ranch. From Jacob Sheep to Zebu, the Ranch maintains a variety of heritage breeds. The goats, in particular, have become a favourite attraction, participating in outdoor goat yoga sessions.
O’Keefe Ranch’s animals are more than just a feature for kids—they play a part in educating visitors about early ranching life. Whether it's learning about sustainable farming or simply enjoying a moment with a friendly animal, the Ranch offers an interactive way to connect with its agricultural past.
Events and Experiences
The Ranch hosts several events throughout the year, including festivals, ghost tours, and murder mystery dinners. These events are fun and are a big draw for both locals and tourists. For those seeking a more personal experience, O’Keefe Ranch offers unique activities like glamping on the grounds and planning special events, such as weddings, against the historic backdrop of the Mansion and gardens.
The Ranch also features Rustlers Table, an on-site restaurant offering family-friendly meals. With lunch and dinner menus, visitors can enjoy a meal after a day of exploration, supporting the Ranch through their dining experience.
Conclusion
Historic O’Keefe Ranch is more than just a place to learn about the past—it’s a living history that continues to engage and inspire. With its rich collection of artifacts, carefully preserved buildings, and immersive experiences, it offers something for everyone. From history buffs to families looking for a fun day out, O’Keefe Ranch is a destination that brings BC’s ranching history to life.
