Largest Ranches in the U.S.
- Craig Kaiser
- May 29
- 5 min read
Spanning millions of acres across vast landscapes, the largest ranches in the United States are more than just parcels of land- they’re iconic symbols of America’s heritage, culture, and industrious spirit. From breathtaking natural beauty to fascinating histories and operations, each ranch has a unique story to tell. Discover the grandeur and significance of these enormous ranches in this captivating exploration of America’s most remarkable ranch properties.
Largest Ranches in the U.S.
The largest ranches in the U.S. are King Ranch, Babbitt Ranch, Diamond A Ranch, Vermejo Park Ranch, and Waggoner Ranch. These massive properties span over thousands of acres and have a rich history dating back to the 1800s.
1) King Ranch
King Ranch is the largest ranch in the United States, covering an awe-inspiring 825,000 acres in Southern Texas. Founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, a visionary steamboat captain and entrepreneur, it has become a cornerstone of American ranching history. Renowned for pioneering advancements in modern ranching, King Ranch played a key role in developing the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed, uniquely suited to thrive in Texas’s challenging climate.
Operating as a vast agricultural enterprise, the ranch raises cattle, manages wildlife, and cultivates crops such as citrus and cotton. Its immense scale spans four counties and stretches over 1,200 square miles, a testament to its extraordinary reach. Stories of King Ranch frequently underscore its pivotal influence on cattle drives and the broader evolution of the ranching industry. Today, King Ranch has embraced its legacy by opening its gates to tourism. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that explore its vibrant history, diverse ecosystems, and innovative agricultural operations, offering a glimpse into the enduring spirit of this iconic American landmark.
2) Babbitt Ranch
Babbitt Ranches, spanning 750,000 acres of high desert and grasslands in northern Arizona, is the second largest ranch in the U.S. Babbitt Ranch has been a cornerstone of the region for over a century. Established in the 1880's by the Babbitt brothers, this family-owned operation is renowned for its rich history and dedication to sustainability. The ranch is home to approximately 5,000 grass-fed, free-range Hereford cattle, which graze across its expansive range lands.
Known for its strong commitment to conservation, Babbitt Ranches collaborates with environmental organizations to safeguard wildlife habitats and preserve the natural beauty of the American West. Beyond its environmental efforts, the ranch serves as a cultural landmark, hosting community events and celebrating the traditions of cowboy life. Through its sustainable ranching practices and dedication to preserving open spaces, Babbitt Ranches embodies the enduring spirit of the West.
3) Diamond A Ranch
The Diamond A Ranch, encompassing over 725,000 acres in Arizona, is the third largest ranch in America and stands as a testament to the rugged beauty and resilience of the desert Southwest. Commonly referred to as The Big Boquillas, this sprawling ranch near Seligman is renowned for its innovative approach to cattle ranching. Specializing in raising cattle uniquely suited to arid environments, it stands as one of the largest contiguous cattle operations in the United States. The ranch is home to an impressive herd, managing 6,000 cows and over 400 bulls, ensuring sustainable and efficient operations on a grand scale.
Steeped in history, the ranch is deeply connected to the evolution of Arizona’s cattle industry and the ongoing challenges of resource management in a dry climate. Tales of cowboys traversing its vast, untamed landscapes reflect the enduring spirit and traditions of ranch life in one of the nation’s most unforgiving regions.
4) Vermejo Park Ranch
Nestled in the heart of northeastern New Mexico and southern Colorado, Vermejo Park Ranch is a sprawling 560,000-acre natural haven. Owned by media mogul Ted Turner, one of the largest landowners in the U.S., the Vermejo Park Ranch is celebrated for its dedication to conservation and ecological restoration. Its breathtaking landscapes range from rolling plains to rugged mountains, providing sanctuary to a rich array of wildlife, including bison, elk, and black bears.
With origins tracing back to the late 1800's, Vermejo has evolved from a cattle ranch into a premier eco-tourism destination under Turner’s stewardship. Visitors can immerse themselves in activities like fly-fishing, hiking, and enjoying luxurious accommodations—all while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. Vermejo’s legacy includes remarkable achievements such as the reintroduction of the endangered Rio Grande cutthroat trout and its pivotal role in protecting the American bison.
5) Waggoner Ranch
The Waggoner Ranch, spanning an impressive 535,000 acres in northern Texas, stands as one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States. Founded in 1849 by Dan Waggoner, it boasts a storied history rooted in cattle ranching and oil production. Renowned for its exceptional horse-breeding program, the ranch has produced some of the finest quarter horses in the nation.
In 2016, the Waggoner Ranch made headlines when billionaire Stan Kroenke, one of the nation’s largest landowners, acquired the historic property for $725 million. Despite concerns within local communities about the ranch’s future under new ownership, Kroenke has largely maintained its operations, ensuring the preservation of its rich legacy. Under Kroenke's stewardship, the ranch has seen little disruption in the daily lives of those who rely on it for their livelihoods. Kroenke Ranches appears committed to safeguarding the ranch's heritage, refraining from significant changes to its operations, workforce, or traditions.
Stories of the Waggoner Ranch often highlight its pioneering spirit, such as the construction of private railroads in the late 19th century to efficiently transport cattle- a testament to its innovative roots. Today, the Waggoner Ranch stands as a model of balance, blending its storied history with modern advancements, and continues to thrive as a vital pillar of American agricultural land.
Where is the Largest Ranch in the World?
Anna Creek Station, located in Southern Australia, is the largest ranch in the world. Anna Creek Station Ranch is over 5.8 million acres, which is over 7 times larger than the King Ranch, which is the largest ranch in the United States. Anna Creek Station, renowned for raising Santa Gertrudis cattle developed on King Ranch, thrives in Australia’s challenging hot and arid conditions. These resilient cattle are well-suited to the station’s environment, making them an ideal choice for the region. Spanning vast pastoral lands, Anna Creek Station has been owned by the Williams Cattle Company since December 16, 2016. The family business acquired the property from S. Kidman & Co., doubling their total holdings under pastoral leases.
Located near the remote township of William Creek, which is surrounded by the station, the nearest major town for freight is Coober Pedy. Originally established in 1863, Anna Creek Station relocated to its current site in 1872. While it initially focused on sheep farming, repeated losses from dingo attacks prompted a switch to cattle, a move that proved more sustainable for the property.
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