Established in 1853, King Ranch gave birth to America’s ranching industry. The ranch ultimately yielded the first registered American quarter horse and produced the popular Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle
Now called “The Last Great Habitat,” King Ranch is home to more than 370 species of birds, 35,000 cattle, over 200 quarter horses, and an incredible amount of other mammals, reptiles, and insects. Founded by Capt. Richard King, it spans 825,000 acres — an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
King Ranch Tour
You can tour the ranch a number of ways. One option is to take the daily ranch tour by guided bus. The hour-and-a-half tour focuses on the history and gives an overview of the ranch as well as cattle processing.
Half-day wildlife tours and half-day to three-day birding tours are available. Special interest, historical, motorcoach, museum, feedmill, farm, and private tours also are offered.
The King Ranch Visitor Center is located at Texas 141 West near Kingsville.