Walmart Heir Becomes Largest Private Land Owner in U.S. With Montana Ranches

Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, has amassed over 225,000 acres across three Montana ranches.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Stan Kroenke, a Missouri native who married into the Walmart family, has become the largest private land owner in the United States by accumulating over 225,000 acres of land in Montana. Kroenke's holdings include the massive Broken O Ranch near Augusta, the Cedar Creek Ranch near Ennis, and the PV Ranch near Hysham, making him one of the most prominent figures in Montana's ongoing debate over land ownership and access.

Why it matters

The rise of wealthy individuals and companies purchasing large swaths of land in Montana has sparked concerns among residents about public access and the changing character of the state. Kroenke's vast land holdings make him a central figure in this debate, as his acquisitions represent a trend that is transforming the landscape of Big Sky Country.

The details

Kroenke, who also owns the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche, began building his Montana land empire by specializing in constructing properties around Walmart stores. His holdings now include the 124,000-acre Broken O Ranch near Augusta, the Cedar Creek Ranch near Ennis, and the PV Ranch near Hysham, for a total of over 225,000 acres in the state.

  • Kroenke started a construction company and began specializing in building properties around Walmart stores.
  • Over the last couple of decades, Kroenke has amassed over 225,000 acres of land in Montana.

The players

Stan Kroenke

The largest private land owner in the United States, who owns over 225,000 acres in Montana through his holdings of the Broken O Ranch, Cedar Creek Ranch, and PV Ranch.

Walmart

The retail giant whose expansion Kroenke capitalized on by building properties around Walmart stores, helping him accumulate his vast land holdings in Montana.

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What’s next

The ongoing debate over land ownership and access in Montana is likely to continue, with Kroenke's vast holdings serving as a focal point for discussions around the impacts of wealthy individuals and companies acquiring large tracts of land in the state.

The takeaway

Kroenke's rise to become the largest private land owner in the U.S. through his Montana ranch acquisitions highlights the growing trend of wealthy individuals and companies purchasing vast swaths of land in the state, raising concerns among residents about public access and the changing character of Big Sky Country.