Home to big hair, big feuds, and big cliffhangers (“Who shot JR?”), Southfork Ranch is the famous filming location for the epic “Dallas” television series.
Today, Southfork Ranch still welcomes visitors who come to see where “Dallas” was filmed, remember their favorite “Dallas” moments and enjoy the beautiful Texas ranchland.
While diehard fans faithfully trek to Southfork Ranch from all corners of the globe, some are disappointed to learn that the interiors of the house were not featured on the show. The cast of “Dallas” only came to the ranch in the summer, when they filmed all the outdoor shots they would need for the year. The interiors of the ranch were never used (those shots were filmed in LA), so there’s no sweeping staircase or grand dining room.
The exterior of the house, however, is just as you remember it with the beautiful white mansion, the pool, the grounds, the barns and the driveway. It may seem a little bit smaller in person (after all, television magic makes everything bigger), but you’re free to wander the house at your leisure and take as many pictures and video as you like.
Relive your favorite “Dallas” episodes in the “Dallas Legends” exhibit, featuring a variety of memorabilia from the series. See the gun that shot J.R., Lucy’s Wedding Dress, J.R.’s boots and cowboy hat, Jock’s Lincoln Continental and many more Dallas props. The exhibit also includes a Dallas family tree, interviews with cast members and clips from memorable episodes.
Before you leave, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Miss Ellie’s Deli and shop the two gift shops (Ranch RoundUp and Lincolns and Longhorns) that offer a wide variety of “Dallas” and Texas-themed clothing, accessories, and gifts.
Groups of 20 or more can also enjoy a special “Dallas” evening that combines the best of contemporary Texas with the Old West. After touring the “Dallas” exhibit and house, guests are then transported back in time on Southfork’s Texas Tram to the Old West. At the dinner camp, guests will enjoy an authentic “Chuckwagon” dinner, complete with a campfire, singing cowboys, and ranch hands retelling Old Western stories.
Today, Southfork Ranch is also famous for its big hospitality. A three-time winner of the “Facility of the Year” Award from the DFW Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, Southfork Ranch has more than 63,000 square feet of indoor event space, including ten ballrooms. Perfect for your next special event, Southfork Ranch is a popular destination for weddings, holiday events and family reunions. Southfork Ranch is also a great location for corporate events.
After all, a company picnic at the ranch sure beats boring meetings in a conference room!
Southfork Ranch is located near Plano, Texas, about a 40-minute drive from downtown Dallas. If you don’t have a car, you can reach Southfork from Dallas by taking the DART Redline to Parker Road Station. From there it’s a short taxi ride that should cost around $20.
Southfork Ranch is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The last tour begins at 4:00pm. Southfork Ranch is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and closes at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve. General admission (excluding tax) is $9.50 for adults, $8.00 for senior citizens and $7.00 for children (ages 5 to 12). For groups of 15 or larger, there is a flat charge of $7.00 per person. Due to private events, Southfork Ranch does occasionally close early, so if you plan on a late arrival, call ahead (800-989-7800) to confirm hours.