In May 2009, a transformative tale, from struggles to success began when Neal Wanless, a 23-year-old rancher from South Dakota, claimed an astounding $232.1 million Powerball jackpot—one of the largest individual prizes ever awarded in American lottery history. Like a parched field finally receiving rain, this windfall brought relief to a family drowning in financial hardship. Yet Wanless proved exceptional among lottery winners, demonstrating wisdom beyond his years. Rather than letting wealth uproot him from his heritage, he used it to deepen his connection to the land and lifestyle he knew. Through calculated decisions and mindful investments, he transformed his sudden fortune into a lasting legacy. His story stands as a testament to how unexpected wealth, when guided by strong values, can nurture rather than destroy one’s fundamental character.
A Humble Beginning Meets a Monumental Win
Before fortune smiled upon Neal Wanless, he shared a modest 320-acre ranch near Mission, South Dakota, with his parents, Arlen and Janet. Their home sat in Todd County, a region where poverty cast long shadows over its residents’ dreams. The family worked tirelessly, tending to their horses, sheep, and cattle, yet financial stability remained elusive. Like many American farming families, they watched helplessly as their mobile home slipped into repossession and property taxes threatened to devour their ranch. Arlen, displaying the grit typical of prairie folk, gathered and sold scrap metal to keep the wolves from their door. Their neighbor, Dave Assman, who had witnessed their struggle firsthand, noted with a heavy heart, “They’ve endured financial hardship for years. Their means have always been extremely limited.”
Then came the day that would rewrite their story. During a routine trip to Winner, South Dakota—a town whose name would prove prophetic—Wanless made a $15 investment in Powerball tickets, choosing numbers that honored family birthdays. The next morning brought news that would shatter their world like a summer storm breaking drought. As Wanless scanned the lottery results, time froze. “I experienced complete shock,” he later recalled, his voice carrying the weight of that moment. “My words escape me now.” His father remembered clearly when Neal quietly announced, “We won.” Showing remarkable restraint, the family harbored their secret for a month, methodically crafting plans to shepherd their newfound wealth.
When Wanless stepped forward to claim his prize, like a rancher surveying his land at dawn, he chose the practical path of a lump sum payment—$88.5 million after taxes. At the award ceremony, his authenticity shone through like prairie grass catching morning light. He stood there in his trademark jeans, cowboy hat, and Western shirt, as grounded as the day he bought those fateful tickets. His words, simple yet profound, echoed the values of his upbringing: “I express my deepest thanks to the Lord for providing this opportunity and blessing me with this tremendous fortune,” he declared with quiet conviction. “I pledge to use it wisely.” Like a well-trained horse responding to gentle reins, Wanless would guide his fortune with steady hands, building a life that honored both his past and his potential.
Investing in a Dream: The Bismarck Trail Ranch
Rather than chase the glittering lights of luxury, Wanless poured his resources into the soil that had shaped him: ranching. He acquired the historic Bismarck Trail Ranch near Vale, South Dakota, a magnificent spread roughly 50 miles north of Rapid City. The property, named for a prominent trail from the Black Hills Gold Rush era, unfolds like a painting come to life. Rolling hills stretch endlessly toward the horizon, while emerald meadows embrace the serpentine Belle Fourche River. “The ranch reveals its beauty in various ways,” observed Robb Nelson, the property’s listing broker. “Visitors can witness the majesty of the Black Hills and Bear Butte, a landmark steeped in cultural and historical significance.”
Starting with a solid foundation of 7,000 acres, Wanless demonstrated the sharp instincts of a seasoned rancher, methodically expanding the property over time. Through strategic acquisitions, he grew the ranch to an impressive 50,000 acres—41,822 deeded acres plus leased land. This wasn’t merely an investment; it was the manifestation of a lifelong dream. He enhanced the property’s infrastructure with purpose, constructing two elegant homes that married comfort with functionality. His 6,400-square-foot main residence stands as a testament to his success, while a 5,200-square-foot home built for his mother reflects his enduring family bonds. Both structures showcase refined Western elements and premium finishes, honoring his cowboy heritage while embracing modern comfort. He added two smaller, well-appointed homes for ranch staff and guests, fostering a thriving community within the working ranch.
Subsequently, the Bismarck Trail Ranch evolved into a living testament of Wanless’s innovative vision and unwavering dedication. Like a master craftsman shaping raw material, he methodically developed the property’s infrastructure, building a state-of-the-art barn equipped with modern stalls and comprehensive veterinary facilities. The indoor arena, tailored for his performance horses, stood alongside an outdoor arena featuring professional roping installations. He added a specialized calving barn, dedicated sheep facilities, a solar-powered workshop that hummed with efficiency, and other vital structures. These calculated improvements transformed the Bismarck Trail Ranch into a dynamic, multifaceted agricultural enterprise. Proving his business acumen, Wanless secured a profitable agreement with the Bureau of Land Management to pasture a thousand wild horses, diversifying the ranch’s revenue streams. “He developed multiple aspects of the operation,” Nelson observed, highlighting Wanless’s comprehensive approach to ranch management.
Initially, Wanless handled all ranch operations himself, running a successful cow-calf operation while leasing grazing land to neighboring ranchers. As his responsibilities expanded, he adapted his management style, transitioning to a model where he leased land and cattle to qualified tenants while maintaining oversight through a professional ranch manager and dedicated team. This hands-on involvement, even after his wealth grew substantially, revealed an essential truth: despite his millions, Wanless remained authentically connected to his ranching roots.
A Life of Purpose and Passion
Wanless’s dedication to ranching challenged common perceptions about lottery winners squandering their fortune. “The lottery win simply enabled me to pursue my ranching dreams,” he reflected during an interview. “Though I could have chosen retirement and leisure, I genuinely love this work. While ranching demands tremendous effort, passion makes it feel effortless.” His former English teacher, Deana Brodkorb, reinforced this view, noting, “He remains remarkably grounded. Everyone always recognized his generous spirit.”
Love found him naturally amidst his ranch endeavors. At a hunting convention in Las Vegas, Wanless met Jody Gilson, a Canadian who shared his passion for country living and outdoor pursuits. Their relationship flourished organically, rooted in shared values and future aspirations. They celebrated their wedding at the Bismarck Trail Ranch, creating a memorable event that embodied their mutual love for ranch life and nature. As their bond deepened, they divided their time between three locations: their extensive South Dakota ranch operations, a strategic Arizona property offering varied terrain and climate, and Jody’s family cattle ranch in picturesque British Columbia. This lifestyle pattern ultimately shaped Wanless’s next major business venture.
Selling the Ranch and a New Chapter
In 2020, Wanless made a calculated decision to list the Bismarck Trail Ranch after careful market analysis. The property commanded an impressive $37 million in December 2022, more than doubling his initial investment and shattering local real estate records. This landmark transaction stood out as one of South Dakota’s most remarkable ranch sales, both in terms of its premium valuation and expansive acreage.
“This sale represents an unprecedented milestone for ranch properties in the state,” declared Robb Nelson, underscoring the deal’s historic significance. The transaction highlighted Wanless’s sharp business instincts; unlike many lottery winners who frittered away their newfound wealth, he had shrewdly invested in land that appreciated substantially.
The decision to sell emerged from natural life transitions. As Wanless and his wife balanced their time between properties in Canada and Arizona, their presence at the South Dakota ranch gradually diminished.
“Love led him to Canada,” Nelson reflected, “and now they alternate between British Columbia and their Arizona home.” Yet rather than marking an end to his ranching legacy, this sale exemplified another astute move from a man who consistently demonstrated financial wisdom and adaptability.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Gratitude
Neal Wanless’s story reads like a modern Western, where grit meets good fortune without corrupting the soul. Through his metamorphosis from a struggling rancher to a prosperous landowner, he remained steadfast in his cowboy identity, still preferring his trusty Wrangler jeans and weathered boots to designer attire. His tale exemplifies that rare blend of genuine modesty and determined vision. The quiet moment he shared with Eleanor, his horse, after his lottery win—whispering about dreams of “a longer ride on a bigger ranch”—captures the authentic simplicity of his ambitions. Wanless not only realized this humble dream but crafted a lasting impact on both the land he stewarded and the community he cherished.
While he kept his charitable works private, his initial pledge to give back, made during the lottery ceremony, hints at broader community benefits. What shines through unmistakably is how Wanless used his $88.5 million windfall not to escape his roots, but to deepen them. His journey stands as testament that even immense wealth couldn’t alter the essence of a true cowboy’s heart.
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