An Inside Look at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch

An examination of the subdued state of the icon’s famous property.

Photo: Getty Images Phil Walter, Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

Michael Jackson was a larger than life personality, so it’s no surprise that his home matched his life. The superstar’s Neverland Ranch was famous for being a massive 2,700 acre area with its own zoo, carnival rides, a movie theater and a huge mansion. The King of Pop basically built his own private theme park, complete with a train station. Following his death in 2009, the property was left silent and vacant, as many of the animals and rides were removed. With fans remembering the peak of Jackson 5 popularity, it’s time to examine where Sycamore Valley Ranch, f.k.a. Neverland Ranch is now.

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The Main Entrance

Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

Neverland was meant to resemble a theme park and it certainly does with the huge train station entrance.

Train Station

Screenshot: HLN/YouTube Screenshot: HLN/YouTube

A real train carried guests around the property to the movie theater and zoo.

Sycamore Valley Ranch

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Before it was Neverland, it was called Sycamore Valley, a name it returned to. There were sycamore tree symbols throughout the property as a nod to its origins.

Living Room Fireplace

Screenshot: HLN/YouTube Screenshot: HLN/YouTube

The centerpiece of Michael’s huge fireplace was a rotating pedestal that showcased the “Gone With the Wind” Best Picture Oscar he purchased for $1.1 million.

Eat In Kitchen

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Like any other home, the giant kitchen was the gathering spot for Michael, his family and friends. He had a big, round table located next to the windows.

Cedar Closet

Screenshot: HLN/YouTube Screenshot: HLN/YouTube

For his unique, vibrant wardrobe, MJ had a full cedar closet in his private living space.

Safe Room/Extra Closet

Screenshot: HLN/YouTube Screenshot: HLN/YouTube

Hidden within his closet, behind where his clothes would be was a secure second closet, which he may have used as a safe room in case of emergency.

Primary Bath

Screenshot: HLN/YouTube Screenshot: HLN/YouTube

In his private quarters, the singer had not one, but two bathrooms.

Pool and Diving Board

Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

On a property like this, the outdoor space is going to be beautiful. The huge pool included a diving board perched high above the water.

Movie Theater

Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

Michael Jackson couldn’t exactly go to an actual movie theater, so he had a full theater on the grounds.

Neverland Zoo

Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

He also had his own zoo, though the animals were removed in 2009. A few roaming cattle can occasionally be seen grazing on the property.

Carnival

Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

The grounds once came alive with multiple theme park rides, but the carnival area now sits empty.

Neverland Legacy

Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube Screenshot: TruDroneVideos/YouTube

No matter what it’s called or what becomes of it in the future, Neverland Rach will always be closely associated with Michael Jackson.

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