Working ranch vacations offer much more than just horseback riding.  As we move through our ranch seasons, you have different opportunities to see and participate in our way of life on a working cattle ranch.  Fifteen Montana ranch families work cooperatively to provide guests with a unique agri-tourism vacation opportunity on a personalized level.

A real experience with real people.  Interact with authentic Montana ranch families. The ranch tour is a good place to start. View pine-covered hills, deep scenic draws and meadows of open grass and wildlife. Learn about seasonal ranch activities, conservation practices and sustainable ranching practices in the Rocky Mountains. Not just a seminar in ranching, we invite you to be part of the family.
 

Spring calving and lambing is often thought of as the perfect combination of nature and nurture.  You can make a difference, watch expecting mothers, read the weather and lend a hand.  Something vital fills each and every day in the springtime.


Explore with the ditch riders. Water is the life blood of the farm and ranch.  Learn about the watershed and water rights   Early mornings in the summer are the best times to hop on the 4-wheeler and join in on this century-old tradition.
 

Branding.  It is a tradition for ranch families to get together and help each other at branding time.  There is a branding on most weekends (weather dependent) in May.  You will enjoy the camaraderie and appreciate the skill involved in roping and wrangling.  Live the old west experience.


Cattle Drive.  Experience a part of the Old West that still exists.  Everything from cattle drives, day rides and hourly rides with lessons in natural horsemanship tailored to suit your preferences and abilities.


Rodeo. There is nothing like real rodeo action in a small town setting and we’d like to share the fun with you. Calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bronc and bull riding. Eight seconds does not sound like much until you imagine 8 seconds strapped to a 2000 pound bull with an attitude!  You can watch these athletes test their skill most weekends in the summer.


A World Class Fly Fishing Destination. The streams run cool and cut through beautiful landscape. Our ranches offer prime trout fishing … everything from small secluded streams and creeks to the blue ribbon Boulder River and the magnificent Yellowstone River. Specializing in unique unguided fishing opportunities.


Hunting. Fall hunting opportunities include elk, deer and antelope with appropriate hunting license. You may prefer ranch hunting or guided hunts into remote areas.  And you may want to bring your hunting dog and hunt migratory birds or go pheasant hunting on one of the ranch’s hunting preserves.


Weddings, Reunions, Retreats. Planning for a romantic wedding in a rural setting?  Choose a historic working ranch and let us be your host. The WD Lodge and Cooney Brothers Ranches are available for wedding parties, receptions, reunions or meetings from mid-May to mid-September. 

Nature Discovery

Birding and Nature Discovery Hikes.  Observe a variety of birds in their natural setting. In the spring you can see water fowl nesting.  Travel the Bluebird Trails and watch the “Jewels of the Sky” who are making a come back in Montana. Don’t be surprised if you also find newborn antelope and deer along the way. In every season you will see a large variety of birds and wildlife and dramatic scenery.


Hiking is a down-to-earth back-to-nature experience for those who want to get away and enjoy peace and quiet.  Let local historians guide you on walks in the footsteps of the Montana Pioneers.  Join ranch wives on nature hikes to scenic panoramas of breath taking beauty on a myriad of interesting and beautiful trails. A soaring eagle, the songs of the coyote, a deer bounding across the path, and horses grazing in the pasture.
A blend of the past and the present.


Photography. Join a professional photographer for a shoot out in the Far West.  Bring your camera and plenty of film and we will make sure you are at the right place at the right time for memorable photography.


Excursions.Nearby you’ll find places to visit with things to do that take from a couple of hours to a full day.  Consider the ranch as your home base as you explore:

• Yellowstone National Park,
• Glacier Park
• Little Big Horn Battlefield
• Local Museums
• County Fair

Cultural Heritage