Southfork Ranch

Nothing has epitomised slick southern charm quite like the television show “Dallas". Synonymous with wealth, greed and good looks, it became the symbol of a generation bent on success at any cost. Thankfully, Southfork Ranch has much more to offer than a sycophantic tribute to J.R. Ewing.

Located a mere 40 kilometres north of Dallas, and set in over 121 hectares of prime Texan land, this is the perfect escape from the packed tourist haunts of Dallas City. As you make your way up the long driveway, fans of the show and casual visitors alike will be impressed by the sheer beauty and scale of the property.

Southfork Ranch has an informative visitor’s centre as well as a museum, but the main attraction is definitely the historic mansion where the trials and tribulations of Dallas’ most famous family played out. Enthusiastic guided tours give visitors a voyeuristic glimpse into the inner lives of the Ewing family. See the gun that shot J.R., marvel at Lucy’s wedding dress or simply wander around the ranch grounds. Visitors can pick up a souvenir in the reasonably priced Ranch RoundUp gift shop before relaxing with a beer at Miss Ellie’s Deli.

If you’re feeling peckish, take the Southfork Texas Tram over to the Chuckwagon Diner for some traditional Texan fare. The delicious menu includes slow-smoked beef brisket and homemade tangy southern potato salad. After dinner, visitors can relax around a campfire where entertainment includes cowboy poetry and songs as well as old Western stories – very atmospheric and a truly unique experience! It's worth mentioning, however, that the Chuckwagon Diner requires a minimum booking of 20 people.

Southfork Ranch is the perfect antidote to the chrome and concrete of Dallas City’s main tourist attractions. So, if you are looking for a bucolic break, why not take advantage of the opportunity to relax in the most famous ranch in Texas, where a warm Southern welcome is absolutely guaranteed!