Cleveland Amory’s Black Beauty Ranch
Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison is a hidden gem just outside the Cedar Creek Lake area—and one of the most meaningful ways to spend a day. Spread across 1,400 acres, this sanctuary is home to more than 800 rescued animals including elephants, chimpanzees, horses, bison, and more. It was founded by author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory and is now operated by the Humane Society of the United States.
The ranch isn’t a zoo—it’s a forever home for animals saved from testing labs, roadside attractions, and other unsafe conditions. Public visits are available by guided bus tour only, so be sure to book ahead. You’ll learn the stories behind the animals and see them living peacefully in wide-open pastures. It’s beautiful, powerful, and something your heart won’t forget.
Phone: (202) 577-6290