Although admission is free, donations are welcome. Ponderosa Ranch 100 Ponderosa Ranch Rd. The saga of the Cartwright family became the most popular TV series ever, producing some 430 episodes during its 13-year run. Since 1967, the ranch has been a popular tourist attraction, with about 40 of its 400 total acres open to visitors. Of particular interest is the variety of horse-drawn vehicles casually parked everywhere, as if their owners were in town shopping for the day.
Antiques abound in the stores and in the streets because the ranch owners are avid collectors.
The highlight of the ranch is the massive log structure used as the Cartwright family home, where many interior scenes for the series were filmed. You can test your skill at the Moonshine Shootin' Gallery, make new friends at the Pettin' Farm, pan for gold at the Lucky Bonanza Mine and ride a horse at the Pony Rides. Or you can start the day with a haywagon breakfast of Ben's Scrambled Eggs, Hop Sing's Sausage, flapjacks and beverages. Since much of the activity at the ranch is outdoors, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring along a jacket if the weather is questionable. Built in 1909, the Watson Cabin Living Museum is the oldest building in Tahoe City.