Southfork Ranch gets pretty busy on Mother’s Day weekend. Almost a quarter-century after the original Dallas dropped from the TV listings, the Ewings’ home 25 miles north of Dallas continues to attract women (and men) of all ages.
Nearly as hallowed as Memphis’ Graceland, Southfork’s legions of fans come to tour the house and grounds. More than 50% of those who arrive are international visitors. After all, the show appeared in 96 countries and 55 languages.
The house was built in 1970 as a horse ranch when Hollywood discovered its idyllic setting. The owners reluctantly agreed to allow filming only outside and during the summer. When commentator Phyllis George mentioned the house’s location during a football game, the owners’ anonymity disappeared. The house became an instant tourist attraction.
The two-story home is smaller than it looks on TV, but it’s still a good-sized living space. Most of the ranch’s 340 acres are covered in horse pens, aluminum buildings once used as sound stages, and a giant hall popular with conventions and weddings. Even if you’re not a fan of the soap opera, the ranch is a fun museum of big hats, big hair, and big budgets that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Southfork Ranch is at 3700 Hogge Rd., in Parker. After a succession of owners, the ranch was purchased by Forever Resorts, the same company that operates Chisos Mountains Lodge in Big Bend National Park. For more information, go to www.southforkranch.com.
1,243rd in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips,” is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in May 22 • 2015.
