Who Currently Owns Badlands Ranch
Badlands Ranch is owned by Sue Hendrickson, the renowned explorer and collector whose 1990 discovery of Sue the T. rex stands as one of the most complete and significant Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever found. The property is held under her privately operated entity, STH Holdings, with recorded land titles confirming her as fee-simple owner. Hendrickson maintains the site as a working ranch and educational venue, balancing fossil stewardship, conservation grazing, and public programming while exercising full operational control and long-term stewardship of the land.
Key Ownership Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Current Owner | Sue Hendrickson | County land records, verified interviews |
| Legal Entity | STH Holdings (private) | Business filings, deed references |
| Property Use | Ranch, fossil conservation, education | Site materials, public statements |
| Location | South Dakota, USA (Pennington County) | Assessor parcel maps |
| Notable Asset on Site | Sue the T. rex fossil | Field reports, museum records |
History and Context of Badlands Ranch
Badlands Ranch occupies a portion of the Hell Creek Formation in southwestern South Dakota, an area world-renowned for its dense concentration of Late Cretaceous fossils. The ranch itself predates Hendrickson’s purchase and has long been used for cattle grazing. Hendrickson acquired the property to protect significant paleontological resources and to manage the land in a way that supports both scientific research and sustainable agriculture. Her ownership aligns with a broader commitment to preserving the integrity of the fossil record while enabling responsible ranching activities.
Property and Facilities Overview
The ranch comprises multiple parcels totaling several thousand acres, featuring mixed-grass prairie, badlands topography, and active grazing infrastructure. Key facilities include barns, corrals, vehicle access roads for fieldwork, storage for equipment, and dedicated spaces for fossil preparation and short-term educational visits. The layout supports ongoing field seasons, permitting researchers and partner institutions to conduct methodical excavations and surveys under controlled conditions. Conservation practices such as rotational grazing help maintain soil health and native plant communities across the property.
Relationship to Field Museum and Scientific Work
Sue Hendrickson’s connection to the Field Museum in Chicago is widely recognized, given that the museum houses the Sue T. rex and displays her name in associated educational materials. While the fossil resides in Chicago, Hendrickson retains ownership of the ranch where the specimen was recovered and continues her fieldwork on adjacent lands. This arrangement separates the museum exhibition from the ranch operations, ensuring that curation, study, and public access to the fossil are handled by museum professionals while Hendrickson manages site-level stewardship and land-based research.
Ownership Structure and Business Operations
Ownership is vested personally in Sue Hendrickson, with related activities channeled through her private holding company, STH Holdings. This structure provides clear title to the land and associated improvements, streamlining decision-making for conservation, repairs, and permitted research activities. The business model emphasizes sustainable ranching and long-term fossil custodianship rather than short-term extraction. Income is derived primarily from agricultural operations, educational programs, and selective partnerships, avoiding reliance on speculative commercial arrangements that could complicate site integrity.
Public Access and Stewardship Practices
Badlands Ranch operates under a framework that balances public interest with responsible land management. Access for fossil hunting is limited and typically requires advance coordination, while educational visits are scheduled in controlled formats. Hendrickson emphasizes stewardship practices that protect fragile badlands soils, preserve native grasslands, and minimize disturbance to ongoing paleontological resources. These measures ensure the ranch remains a valuable site for science and education without compromising the long-term health of the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Badlands Ranch still owned by Sue Hendrickson? Yes, land records and public statements confirm Hendrickson remains the owner as of the latest available information.
- Does the Field Museum own the ranch where Sue was found? No, the Field Museum owns the fossil specimen and its exhibition rights, but not the ranch property.
- Can the public visit Badlands Ranch? Access is generally by appointment for educational or research purposes; casual visitation is not typical.
- Are there plans to sell Badlands Ranch? There are no publicly announced plans to sell; Hendrickson’s focus remains on conservation and long-term stewardship.
- What other activities occur on the ranch besides fossil work? The property supports cattle grazing, prairie conservation, and occasional field expeditions by partner institutions.