GOODWELL, OKLA.—No Man’s Land Museum is one of four stops on the exciting Passport to the Panhandle contest, which wraps up August 15.

Tucked beside Oklahoma Panhandle State University in the quiet town of Goodwell — stands a surprising gem: a 17,500-square-foot museum brimming with stories, artifacts, and the spirit of the High Plains.

The museum’s roots are traced back to the university, where Dr. Fly, a soil science professor, began curating a quirky collection of student projects. Among the earliest contributions? Taxidermy assignments—like the pelican that still greets visitors today.

In 1934, Dr. Fly left the college, and the newly formed Historical Society, in partnership with OPSU, took over the museum’s stewardship. Over time, the institution evolved from the Panhandle Museum into what is now known as the No Man’s Land Museum. Today, it’s overseen by a board that includes representatives from Beaver, Texas, Cimarron County, and the university president.

Museum director Sue Weissinger, who has been with the museum since 2001, finds it hard to pick a favorite piece. But one artifact—a beaded necklace—stands out. At first glance, the necklace appears to be made of round and triangular beads. A closer look reveals the triangles are actually bull snake vertebrae. Weissinger believes the woman who crafted it in the 1920s embodied the resilience and creativity of early settlers who found beauty in the stark landscape of the Panhandle.

The museum’s collection spans centuries, from Plains arrowheads and dinosaur tracks from the Kenton area to everyday items used during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. Each room offers a window into the lives of those who came before.

Perhaps the most beloved exhibit isn’t the rarest, but certainly the most memorable: a two-headed calf, preserved by students as a last-minute taxidermy project for the museum’s opening day. Generations of families return to see it, sharing the wonder with their children.

Members participating in the Passport to the Panhandle must fill out a “passport” at each museum location, from which prizes will be drawn for participation at each location.  Members completing all four museum tours before August 15 will be entered to win the grand prize.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a meaningful way to spend an afternoon, the No Man’s Land Museum invites you to linger, learn, and return. As Weissinger puts it, “The museum is a great repository of knowledge about this area,” even after more than two decades, she’s still discovering something new every day.