The whole world knows Neverland as Michael Jackson’s famous ranch. For his sons, Prince and Bigi, it’s also the place they grew up.
Michael bought the 2,700-acre ranch in Los Olivos, California, in 1988. He named it after Neverland in “Peter Pan,” and he filled it with things that would make any child’s jaw drop. It had rides, a train station, a movie theater and a zoo.
Michael often opened the gates to children’s charity groups, too. That part of Neverland’s story is exactly what his boys are thinking about now.
Prince Jackson is Michael’s oldest son. He’s 29 today, and giving back is already a big part of his life. In 2016 he co-founded the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, which helps young people and families in underserved neighborhoods of LA. If you want a feel for the kind of work he does, this report shows one of Heal LA’s programs taking place at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family home.
Prince Jackson’s charity hosts an event at the Jackson family home
Here’s the hard part. Neither Prince nor his younger brother Bigi owns Neverland anymore. Businessman Ron Burkle bought the ranch in 2020, and the brothers have no ownership or control over it.
But they still have a wish for it.
A source close to the family told Page Six that Prince “really appreciates the history of Neverland and would love to see it have a charitable purpose again, especially when it comes to helping sick and underprivileged children.”
The same source said the brothers care most about one thing. “At the end of the day, they want their father’s legacy respected, and they know how much it meant to him to create a place where kids could just be kids and forget about whatever difficulties they were going through.”
Bigi sees it a little differently. The insider says he’s “much more private” and doesn’t want the ranch to turn into “some big tourist attraction.” Still, he’d support bringing “some of that magic back for children.”
It’s always nice to hear Prince talk about his dad in his own words. In this interview with KTLA earlier this year, he talks about the “Michael” movie and what his father left behind.
Prince Jackson talks about his father’s legacy
So what does Ron Burkle think?
This is where the story gets good. His spokesperson gave Page Six a statement on the record, and it starts with respect. Burkle “has tremendous respect for the history of Neverland and the special meaning it holds for Michael Jackson’s family.”
Then came the promise. “Since acquiring the property, he has welcomed Michael’s children and family to spend time there whenever they wish, recognizing the personal connection they have to the home.”
In other words, the door is open to Michael’s kids whenever they want to come home.
There’s a hopeful note for the brothers’ wish too. “While Neverland remains a private residence, Ron continues to welcome opportunities to host charitable events there.”
Prince has called Neverland “your own personal Disneyland,” according to EntertainmentNow, which quoted his chat with Australia’s “Sunrise.” In this sit-down with FOX Soul, he opens up about what it was like to grow up with Michael as his dad.
Prince Jackson remembers growing up with Michael
And if you’ve never seen the ranch for yourself, this HLN tour gives you a look around the place Michael built for kids to enjoy.
A tour of Neverland Ranch
Nobody knows yet whether children’s groups will be back at Neverland. But Michael’s sons know they’re welcome there, and the man who owns it says he’s open to charity events. Two brothers who grew up behind those gates can still go back, and for now that’s a happy answer.