The allure of the American West has long captivated audiences, with sprawling landscapes, rugged terrains, and iconic ranches serving as the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. These ranches, often nestled in breathtaking locales, have become as much a part of storytelling as the characters themselves. From vast, untamed wildernesses to meticulously maintained sets, these properties embody the spirit of adventure and drama. Here are 10 ranches that have made their mark on screen, ranked by size, with details about their fascinating histories, interesting facts, and their roles in cinematic and television history.
#1: Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, Montana (200,000 Acres)
The Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, portrayed in the popular TV series Yellowstone, is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch, a working ranch in Darby, Montana. Spanning 200,000 acres in the show’s narrative, the real-life ranch covers a more modest 2,500 acres. Still, its cinematic depiction captures the grandeur of Montana’s Big Sky Country.
The ranch originally functioned as a homestead in the early 20th century before being transformed into a guest ranch in the 1920s. Interesting anecdotes from the set include the cast’s experiences living on-site during filming, where they bonded over horseback riding and ranch life. The show’s success has brought global attention to the ranch, sparking a surge in tourism in the area.
2. King Ranch, Texas (825,000 Acres)
King Ranch, located in southeastern Texas, is the largest ranch in the United States and has become synonymous with the idea of the “big ranch.” Spanning over 825,000 acres, it is a working cattle ranch with a rich history dating back to 1853. The ranch is so expansive that it is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. King Ranch was featured in the movie Giant (1956), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean, a film that explored themes of wealth, family, and the changing American West.
One of the most interesting facts about King Ranch is its pioneering role in cattle ranching. It was the birthplace of the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed, which thrives in the South Texas heat. Anecdotally, the ranch’s founders, Captain Richard King and Gideon K. Lewis, once famously decided to buy an entire village of peasant cowhands in Mexico to secure skilled labor, bringing them and their families to Texas. The ranch is still family-owned and continues to innovate in agriculture and livestock management. Visitors can take tours to explore its vast history and cultural significance.
#3: Waggoner Ranch, Texas (535,000 Acres)
The Waggoner Ranch, also in Texas, is another colossal ranch that has left its imprint on Hollywood. At 535,000 acres, it is the largest contiguous ranch in the United States under one fence. It was famously featured in the movie The Sundowners (1950), a Western drama exploring ranch life in the early 20th century. Established in 1849, the ranch has a storied history of oil discoveries and cattle ranching.
One notable aspect of the Waggoner Ranch is its enduring legal battles over ownership, which finally concluded in 2015 when it was sold to billionaire Stan Kroenke. Stories from the ranch include local legends about cowboys who claimed the land was so vast they could ride for days without seeing a fence. The property continues to operate as a working cattle and oil ranch.
#4: Parker Ranch, Hawaii (130,000 Acres)
Parker Ranch, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. and spans 130,000 acres. The ranch served as a setting for movies like The Big Bounce (2004), showcasing Hawaii’s unique blend of rugged landscapes and tropical beauty. Parker Ranch was founded in 1847 and has a fascinating history tied to Hawaiian royalty.
What sets Parker Ranch apart is its role in blending traditional Hawaiian culture with Western ranching practices. Stories of the “paniolo,” or Hawaiian cowboys, give insight into the cultural exchange that shaped the ranch’s operations. Parker Ranch remains an active cattle operation and a cultural landmark.
#5: Biltmore Estate, North Carolina (8,000 Acres)
While primarily known as the largest private residence in the U.S., the Biltmore Estate’s 8,000-acre property served as a location for films like Hannibal (2001) and The Last of the Mohicans (1992). The estate, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 19th century, includes a fully functioning farm and forests.
The estate’s cinematic appeal lies in its combination of opulence and natural beauty. Anecdotes include filmmakers marveling at the versatility of the location, from its pristine gardens to its dense woods. The estate is now a major tourist destination, offering wine tastings, tours, and outdoor adventures.
#6: Southfork Ranch, Texas (357 Acres)
Southfork Ranch, located in Parker, Texas, may not be the largest ranch on this list, but its cultural impact is monumental. Covering 357 acres, this ranch became a household name as the central location for the iconic TV series Dallas (1978–1991). The ranch, with its distinctive white mansion and sprawling grounds, symbolized wealth, power, and intrigue during the show’s heyday.
Southfork’s history as a filming location began when the show’s creators needed a setting that exuded opulence. Interesting anecdotes include the cast and crew filming long days under the blazing Texas sun while local fans crowded outside to catch glimpses of their favorite stars. Today, Southfork is a popular tourist attraction, where fans can tour the mansion, view memorabilia, and relive moments from the series.
#7: Circle Z Ranch, Arizona (6,500 Acres)
Nestled in the Sonoita region of Arizona, the Circle Z Ranch spans 6,500 acres and has appeared in classic Westerns like 3:10 to Yuma (1957) and Tombstone (1993). Known for its breathtaking desert landscapes and rugged charm, the ranch has been a favorite location for filmmakers capturing the spirit of the Old West.
The Circle Z Ranch was established in the 1920s as a guest ranch and has remained a family-operated business. Anecdotes from the set of Tombstone include stories of actors riding real ranch horses and staying in the original ranch lodges. Today, Circle Z Ranch continues to operate as a guest ranch, offering horseback riding and a chance to experience authentic cowboy life.
#8: Skywalker Ranch, California (4,700 Acres)
Owned by George Lucas, Skywalker Ranch is located in Marin County, California, and covers 4,700 acres. While not a filming location in the traditional sense, this ranch played a pivotal role in the post-production of films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The ranch is home to the legendary Skywalker Sound studio, which has been used for sound editing on countless blockbusters.
The ranch’s history began in the late 1970s when George Lucas purchased the property to create a creative haven for filmmakers. Interesting facts include its state-of-the-art facilities and a private fire station. While the ranch itself is not open to the public, its reputation as a hub of innovation in filmmaking is legendary.
#9: Spahn Ranch, California (55 Acres)
Spahn Ranch, located in the Santa Susana Mountains of California, is infamous for its connection to the Manson Family but was originally a popular filming location for Westerns like Bonanza and The Lone Ranger. Spanning 55 acres, the ranch featured rugged terrain and an old Western town that made it ideal for TV and movie sets in the 1940s and 1950s.
The ranch’s history took a dark turn in the late 1960s when it became associated with Charles Manson and his followers. Despite this, Spahn Ranch remains a notable part of Hollywood’s history, remembered for its early days as a thriving filming location.
#10: Iverson Ranch, California (20 Acres)
Iverson Ranch, located in Chatsworth, California, may be the smallest on this list at 20 acres, but it was once known as the most-filmed ranch in Hollywood history. From the 1930s to the 1960s, Iverson Ranch appeared in countless Westerns, including The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and Bonanza. Its rocky terrain and iconic “Garden of the Gods” made it a favorite for directors.
Founded by Karl and Augusta Iverson in the early 20th century, the ranch’s unique rock formations became iconic backdrops for action scenes. Anecdotes from its golden age include actors like John Wayne and Roy Rogers reminiscing about long days spent filming on horseback. Though much of the ranch has since been developed into residential areas, parts of it remain accessible to the public and are cherished by film history enthusiasts.
From the cinematic charm of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch to the historical significance of King Ranch, these properties have played starring roles in some of the most memorable films and TV shows ever made. Each ranch tells a unique story, blending history, natural beauty, and Hollywood magic. These ranches remind us of the enduring power of the American landscape to inspire imagination and storytelling, serving as timeless icons of the entertainment world. Whether grand in scale or modest in size, they have earned their place in cinematic history.
