She writes for CNN, USA TODAY 10 Best, USA TODAY Go Escape, Travel Channel, HGTV, Shermans Travel, Travel Squire, Emirates Open Skies Magazine and numerous other publications. They dont serve lunch or dinner, but there are plenty of restaurants in Bandera to enjoy, or you can grill outside or use the microwave in the lodge. Save room for the warm Texas pecan pie with vanilla bean ice cream and molasses bourbon sauce! We dont know about you, but getting your heart pumping by tackling a cowboy boot camp, obstacle course, and horseback riding sound a whole lot more fun than attending your average gym class. Plus, activities are included in rates. Many dude ranches in Colorado offer discounts in the month of June, while other properties offer discounts around holidays. Located in North Texas near Dallas Fort Worth metro area, the resort is spread over 700 acres and even has a private lake. Many dude ranches are all-inclusive resorts where all meals, drinks, and activities are included. However, other guest ranch stays have a la carte options. Some dude ranches require minimum stays of anywhere from two nights to a week, but others allow you to book just one night. How much does a dude ranch vacation cost? Drowsy Water Ranch Granby, Colo. In researching various ranch vacations, I wondered what is a dude ranch in particular. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Whats the Deal With All-Inclusive Dude Ranches? Dude, when used in the context of dude ranching, is a term of respect for those experiencing a lifestyle they dont otherwise know or understand, and there are basically two kinds of dude ranches. When we visited, it was entirely too cold to swim in the pool but we did adventure along the Medina River one afternoon (where my little guy jumped right in!). Why you should stay: Home-cooked, family-style meals and horseback rides are part of the package during your stay at this working ranch. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Texas is home to romantic getaways every couple will love. Fly-fishing, hiking, a dip in the soothing natural hot springs, and evening campfires are also all on the daily schedule. Check out one of these awesome dude ranches in Texas. Idaho, Arizona and California also have a decent concentration of guest ranches. Operated by the Hicks Family for the last 50 years, this Texas ranch is quintessential for a dude ranch Texas style experience: lots of open space, horseback riding, and BEEF!! Why you should stay: Four-star hotel amenities meet welcoming, down-home vibes at this ranch resort with its own steakhouse. On the East Coast, there arent as many options, though you can find one or two in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York and Georgia. Rocking Horse Ranch Highland, N.Y. Pros: Many guest rooms and casitas have panoramic views that exploit the desert location. For children ages 6 to 13 in the Range Riders program, rides are held twice a day. Cons: Alisal Ranch is expensive and there are similar options available elsewhere for less. There are several ways to plan your stay at the Grand Canyon - camping or lodging in the park itself offers the most authentic, immersive experience, but staying nearby also has its perks. We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers experience, user reviews and more. Also, it wouldnt be a lie to say that the horses at this Bandera ranch were some of the most beautiful horses weve ever ridden. Also called a guest ranch, dude ranches can be 100% operational (or working dude ranches) or strictly cater to luxury dude ranch guests. Youll receive a deluxe hotel room, award-winning three-course dinner by Chef Gerard Thompson, Rough Creeks signature breakfast, and all on-site activities for a set price per person for double occupancy, weeknights, or weekends. Related Read:The 11 Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit This Year. Plan your trip to Texas Select a region using the map to your right or pick one from the drop down below. Every dude ranch offers plenty of activities and outdoor fun to keep you busy, whether you want to head out on a trail ride or lounge poolside back at camp. 3 Day & 2 Night Hunts - $1,500 Additional non-hunting guests $400/night. You can also get a deal by asking for non-rider discounts if someone in your family is not able to or would prefer not to ride. These are the best dude ranches in the US, sorted by category and price. Our top picks are based on our own travel experiences, as well as incorporating feedback from trusted review sites like. Whether youre an ol cowpoke or a little buckaroo, youll be at ease immediately. Flying L Ranch Resort, BanderaPrices & Photos. For those wanting all your modern amenities in a dude ranch, Flying L Ranch Resort is the ranch forMayan Ranch, BanderaPrices & Photos. Mayan Ranch is perfect for families, located in Bandera and is surrounded by the Medina River. LodgingDixie Dude Ranch, BanderaPrices & Photos. Located on 725 acres, the Dixie Dude Ranch is still a working ranch in Bandera that raises cattle, 13 Gorgeous Log Cabins with Private Hot Tubs Across the U.S. Additional horsemanship activities include team penning and lessons on equine behavior. While there is limited availability for a breakfast-only rate, most guests opt for the full American plan, with three daily meals and round-the-clock snacks included in the nightly rate. Guest rooms feature adobe walls and time-honored Southwestern accents such as beehive fireplaces. The weather is mild and sunny, and the cold, crisp nights are perfect for campfires. from $1,999. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Grab your jeans, boots, and hat and experience this full-scale resort with one-to-four-room villas, five restaurants, a general store, a water park with a lazy river, an 18-hole golf course, and a business and conference center. The Bandera texas dude ranch is an all-inclusive resort in Texas where visitors can sleep comfortably in the charming, cozy cabins. It has been operating for over 75 years now and offers an idyllic setting where the visitors can relax and experience the western lifestyle. Theres also the on-site spa where you can unwind with treatments like a deep tissue massage plus a restaurant with themed dining nights. Janie H. Pace is a travel writer and photographer based in Fort Worth, Texas. Other on-site activities include horseback riding, catch and release fishing, and paddleboarding. Ride the hayride to the cowboy breakfast, the riverside gazebo, the little Western town, or out under the starry skies for a campfire and sing-along. travelers continue to lean towards remote, domestic trips, How we selected the best dude ranch vacations, Read our full hotel review of Alisal Ranch, The best US mountain resorts for all seasons, Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Rooms have faux-log furnishings, cowboy-themed bedding, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen cable TVs. In warmer months I heard you could drift downriver in inner tubes! Yoga, fly fishing, trap shooting, hatchet throwing, and a zip line course are popular pastimes in addition to equestrian sports, and in cold weather, snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing round out the offerings. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Far from the West, Rocking Horse Ranch, offers a taste of the country on the East Coast. Over 100 horses call the ranch home and an extensive year-round riding program is at its core. Your email address will not be published. The whole family will love Buck Shannon, the cowboy balladeer who entertains with cowboy songs and stories of the ranchs history around the campfire. Dude ranches span a wide range and there are budget options available for under $200 per night all the way up to decadent luxury stays packed with amenities and perks that can start from over $1,000 per night. In summer, the sparkling waters of Bear Lake are a wonderland for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Not all art can be framed. Wooded valleys, tranquil lakes, winding rivers, and lesser-known white-sand Gulf Coast beaches give Alabama plenty to brag about. The family-owned business has 120 guestrooms, and guests can go horseback riding in the morning and can cool off at the indoor water park in the afternoon. Related read: 12 Must-Visit Texas Hill Country Towns. Location: Kerhonkson, New that focuses on family memories and cowboy adventure. The town of Banderra is the 10 Best Dude Ranches for Families Email us at reviews@insider.com. Mayan Ranch is perfect for families, located in Bandera and is surrounded by the Medina River. Sure, there are the usual suspects like horses, cattle, and deer, but there are also some interesting characters like miniature donkeys, ostriches, and peacocks. These are places with Wi-Fi (often included in rates), pools, hot tubs and hot toddies, maybe a tennis court or fitness center, but certainly an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. Pros: With the Gallatin River running through the property, the resort is a mecca for fly fishing. Ready to giddy up and get going? The first is a working dude ranch. Nestled in a wisp of a valley in the San Juan Mountains, explore your inner cowboy and a taste of the Wild West along the banks of the Rio Grande River. Related Read:9 Best Texas Lavender Farms for Getting Your Fragrance Fix. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. Pros: The steakhouse serves some of the finest hand-cut beef in the Lone Star State. Spanning an impressive 30,000 acres, Cibolo Creek Ranch is proof that a luxurious getaway and a dude ranch experience arent mutually exclusive. Dude ranches, often called guest ranches, are located in some of the most intriguing parts of the country adjacent to national parks, along historic pioneer trails and near charming little communities that feel like the Old West. A variety of guided rides are scheduled, from fast-paced trots to gentle walks where riders and wranglers have time to appreciate the flora and fauna. We have horses and farm animals on our 350-acre working guest ranch, as well as activities and adventures that are sure to entertain guests of all ages. If youve ever watched the movie City Slickers, you might what it feels like going on one of our familydude vacations. And the Mayan Dude Ranch, our kids got plenty of those. Its rustic elegance all around at The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, which has 16 cabins plus 16 guest rooms. To get up close and personal with the animals, you can book a guided safari. These are the best places to saddle up, or not. While not for those watching their wallets, the all-inclusive model and high-end accommodations and meals still mean it offers strong value. Family activities include horseback riding, putt-putt golf, basketball, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and playgrounds. WebOR CALL 830-275-7991. Whether you're an experienced hunter or brand new to game hunting, 4 Amigos Ranch offers a wide range of all-inclusive hunt trips, located in one of South Texas' most scenic and desirable places to hunt. Activities that require an additional fee include golf; paintball; skeet shooting; a rifle range; pheasant, dove, turkey, and deer hunting; and spa treatments. Enjoy the activities included in your stay: twice-daily horseback riding, family-style meals, fishing, campfires, an outdoor pool and The evening meal is a traditional affair, with men asked to wear collared shirts and sport jackets. Why you should stay: Its less stress and more fun when you book an all-inclusive package at this lakeside ranch and resort. by Cindy Brzostowski The cabins are definitely rustic, but well suited for our expectations and needs. A filling breakfast is including in the rate, and dinner at on-site McGill's leans local, with just-caught trout and bison on the menu. The Buckaroos childrens program is for kids ages 4 to 6, and the Wranglers is for kids ages 7 to 11; both include riding lessons and daily trail rides, educational nature programs and more. The manyaccommodation options make this dude ranch for families an obvious choice. The comprehensive children's program gives parents plenty of kid-free time to enjoy that massage. The 8 Best Airbnbs on Anna Maria Island, Florida, 15 Best Texas Water Parks to Cool Down & Get Wild. It was lovely. From sunset trail rides to jeep tours to tomahawk throwing, you and your travel companions definitely wont be bored here. Her latest adventure was a Viking Cruise to the Norwegian Homelands. The remote beauty of Big Sky country is easy to appreciate from the back of a horse. You can reconnect with nature on a private horseback ride with the ranch cowboys, who will tell you tales about the Old West. A network of interlocking trails provides ample room to walk, trot, or canter and wranglers arrange rides to suit first-timers and seasoned regulars. Situated in the Cowboy Capital of the World, Rancho Cortez lives up to its location with its dude ranch activities like horseback rides and hayrides. TripAdvisor Book Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. See our editorial policy to learn more. WebThe Sugar & Spice Ranch. While enjoying the surroundings of your countryside paradise, you can fill up your day by taking an ATV tour, horseback riding, or hanging out by the ranchs pool. Ask about programs that emphasize riding techniques, that partner the horse and rider for the duration of your stay, and that allow the guest to participate in choosing the horse right for them. The friendly, helpful staff will get you situated in a lodge room with a view of the lake and the resorts 11,140 acres of rolling prairie. Oh my goodness, so much great food. The supervised children's program is also top-notch. This loving and welcoming atmosphere put me at ease right away and my kids loved every second; absolutely one of the best dude ranches in Texas for families. If you thought Florida was nothing but spring breakers, early-bird dinner specials, and a certain black-eared mouse, welcome to one of the state's last wide-open tracks of wilderness. One of the more affordable options on this list, this spot was founded in 1947 and has played host to some famous guests like John Wayne and Willie Nelson. The resort ranch has specials and promotions for every season, and because almost everything is included in the price, its a prime vacation spot. I enjoyed a Jeep tour of the ranch, the overview, and the valley past the stockyards, all the way to the river. Pros: With ponies, horses, and all activities included in the modest price, it's a slice of the West without leaving the East. Stay in one of the newly renovated 14 cabins, each furnished with handcrafted cedar furniture, comfortable sleeping accommodations for four, a refrigerator, and all the comforts of home. You'll build up an appetite as well and three full meals are included in the daily rate. The ranch offers a variety of comfortable accommodations including lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, and decked-out tipis. All the ranches have strict COVID-19 policies in place, which we've highlighted. Embark on a cross country tour with the 50 coolest Airbnbs in the U.S. and see which is best in your state. Porches present panoramic views from the perch of comfy rocking chairs. The Dude Ranchers Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life You can do as much or as little as you want during your visit. For something homey and a bit more family-friendly, the Homestead is a nice, spacious option. Big Kids: 7-9 Tweens: 10-12 Teens: 13-17. As a guest at a dude ranch, youll have wide-open space to roam and a good amount of on-site activities that make it easy to live out your cowboy fantasies. While you can certainly book activities like fishing and hunting la carte, Cedar Cove also offers all-inclusive packages that cover meals, your choice of guided activities, and access to on-site amenities like kayaks and paddleboats. For a western-themed adventure that doesn't sit on its high horse, consider a dude ranch vacation. These Southern living icons are a keyhole-look into the past and, In a state known for its big hair, big hats and even bigger boots, its easy to forget that Texas rugged good looks hide some of the nations leading luxury hotels. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is located on 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River, and is one hour south of Orlando, making it an appealing add-on to a theme park vacation.