Big Sky Ranch, Movie ranch in Simi Valley, California, US
Big Sky Ranch is a large filming property in Simi Valley covering about 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) of rolling hills, valleys, meadows, and oak trees within the Los Angeles Studio Zone. The property includes multiple production locations such as ranch house sets, a church building, seasonal ponds, and more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of roads for filming crews.
The property began in 1903 as agricultural land spanning about 12,500 acres operated by Patterson Ranch Company until oil magnate J. Paul Getty purchased it in the 1930s. After Getty's acquisition, the land was gradually transformed into a filming location that remains in use by the entertainment industry.
The ranch served as a filming location for numerous television series including Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, Dallas, and contemporary productions like Westworld. Visitors can see the different sets that were constructed for these well-known shows.
The property has various specialized areas accessible depending on production needs, including natural terrain and constructed sets. Visitors should be prepared for varied landscape conditions, as some areas may have seasonal accessibility limitations.
Several buildings on the property received designation as County Landmark #71 by the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board in 1981. This recognition highlights the structures' importance to the region's history and cultural development.
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