When a rancher is deserted by his regular cattle drivers for the gold mines, he (Wayne) is forced to take on a collection of young boys as his drivers in order to cross the 400 treacherous miles to get his herd to market in time to avoid financial disaster. The boys learn to do a man's job under his tutelage, however, neither he nor the boys are aware that a gang of cattle thieves is stalking them.

The tale of two former Texas Rangers who leave the South Texas town of Lonesome Dove on an epic 2500-mile cattle drive to the lush ranch country of Montana. From the re-created towns to the vast plains to the expansive cattle drive and heart-stopping stampede, it is an inspiring and enlighting experience, certain to change your views of our American heritage.