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# Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association

To discover the Montana dude ranch that will be your vacation destination of a lifetime, explore the pages of this website and put yourself in our world!

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://montanadra.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://montanadra.com/blog/)
- [The Complete Guide to Planning a Montana Dude Ranch Vacation](https://montanadra.com/the-complete-guide-to-planning-a-montana-dude-ranch-vacation/) - Planning a Montana dude ranch vacation? Learn about costs, what's included, when to book, what to pack, and how to choose the perfect ranch.
- [Discover Your Montana Moment](https://montanadra.com/discover-your-montanamoment/) - Immerse yourself in Montana’s grandeur and history with an authentic western experience on one of our many ranches. Each ranch provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Watch this mother-daughter pair find their #MontanaMoment while exploring a few of Montana's spectacular, unspoiled places. The Rocking Z Ranch, just outside Helena, Montana, host a mother/daughter pair a
- [When is the Best Time to Visit a Montana Dude Ranch?](https://montanadra.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-a-montana-dude-ranch/) - Here's the truth: there is no single "best" month to visit a Montana dude ranch. The right time for your trip depends on a lot of things!
- [What to Expect: Your First Day at a Montana Dude Ranch](https://montanadra.com/what-to-expect-your-first-day-at-a-montana-dude-ranch/) - You've booked your trip, packed your bags, and you're heading to Montana. But what will your dude ranch experience actually look and feel like?
- [How Do Gratuities Work at a Dude Ranch?](https://montanadra.com/how-do-gratuities-work-at-a-dude-ranch/) - How much should I tip and who do I tip? Is it included or extra? The purpose of gratuity is for gratitude - plan ahead to be happy with your experience!
- [What Should You Pack for a Montana Dude Ranch Vacation?](https://montanadra.com/what-should-you-pack-for-a-montana-dude-ranch-vacation/) - Montana weather can be unpredictable, and dude ranch activities require some specific gear. Here is everything you need to know about what to bring (or not) .
- [What's Included in an All-Inclusive Dude Ranch Vacation?](https://montanadra.com/whats-included-in-an-all-inclusive-dude-ranch-vacation/) - What does All-Inclusive Include? It's one of the best parts of a Dude Ranch Vacation. Let's get clarity on what is included and what you should plan as extra.
- [How Much Does a Montana Dude Ranch Vacation Cost?](https://montanadra.com/how-much-does-a-montana-dude-ranch-vacation-cost/) - How much does a Montana Dude Ranch Vacation really cost? Lets look at real numbers and price it out. Honest, clear pricing. All inclusive vacation.
- [How Far in Advance Should You Book a Dude Ranch?](https://montanadra.com/how-far-in-advance-should-you-book-a-dude-ranch/) - The best weeks often fill up fast, and timing matters. Last minute vacations sometimes work out great, but planning ahead can get you exactly what you want.
- [What Is a Dude Ranch Vacation? Everything You Need to Know](https://montanadra.com/what-is-a-dude-ranch-vacation-everything-you-need-to-know/) - If you've never been to a dude ranch, you probably have questions. What do you actually do all day? Do you need riding experience? Is it just for cowboys and families, or is it for people like you? This post answers all of it. The Short Answer A dude ranch vacation is an all-inclusive, western-style
- [Montana Cowgirl Inducted into the Dude Ranchers’ Hall of Fame](https://montanadra.com/miller-hall-of-fame/) - Montana cowgirl and Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association member Linda Miller of the Elkhorn Ranch in Gallatin Gateway was inducted into the Dude Ranchers’ Hall of Fame during the 96th Annual Dude Ranchers’ National Convention held in Wickenburg, Arizona, January 17-20. Each year, this life-time achievement is given to individuals who have contributed to dude ranching
- [Montana's Cultural Treasures](https://montanadra.com/montanas-cultural-treasures/) - Montana has a wealth of cultural treasures, including guest ranches throughout the state. Ranch locations are usually within just a few miles of other cultural treasures such as art galleries, museums, book stores, towns and cities that host festivals and events as well as performing arts. Here are a few must-see cultural suggestions to add
- [Montana Ranch Vacation Gift Guide](https://montanadra.com/ranch-vacation-gift-guide/) - It's the season of giving and if you are planning, or considering, a Montana dude ranch vacation in 2022, nothing is more perfect than giving your travel companions a gift that can be used while on your ranch vacation. To provide a little assistance, we’ve put together our top seven gift ideas for the 2021
- [Welcoming the World to Montana](https://montanadra.com/welcoming-the-world-to-montana/) - Many of the Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association members have had guests from around the world for many years. Part of this is due to the world’s interest in the popular western television shows and movies that have been in existence since the early 1900’s (IMDb). The western way of life enthralled an international audience and
- [Montana’s Indian Country](https://montanadra.com/montanas-indian-country/) - Many visitors to Montana don’t realize that twelve tribal nations living on seven Indian reservations located throughout the state call Montana their home. Also located in Montana is the Little Shell Chippewa Indians whose tribe is state-recognized. Their tribal headquarters is in Great Falls and is the epicenter of the Little Shell tribal programs. Their
- [There’s A New Ranch in Town!](https://montanadra.com/a-new-ranch-in-town/) - The Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association is excited to welcome our new member, the Circle Bar Ranch, located in Hobson, MT. It is a historic guest ranch that dates back to the 1800’s in Central Montana. First, let’s explore the area and the ranch’s history. You may have heard of Meriweather Lewis and William Clark who
- [A Glamping Experience and More at the Bar W Guest Ranch](https://montanadra.com/a-glamping-experience-and-more-at-the-bar-w-guest-ranch/) - You probably already know that the word “glamping” is a combination of the words glamorous and camping. But did you know that you can experience glamping right here in Montana? I recently visited the Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, Montana and my accommodation was in a glamping tent! What a wonderful experience. This large
- [Wild West Adventures – For Ladies Only!](https://montanadra.com/wild-west-adventures-for-ladies-only/) - I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Wild West Women’s program at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch near Emigrant, Montana. This program books months in advance and I was fortunate to get in when they had a last-minute cancellation from May 11-16. There were two other dates offered this month as well, from May
- [Montana Wild](https://montanadra.com/montana-wild/) - Montana is blessed with lots of room to roam. After all, we are the fourth largest state in the nation, following Alaska, Texas and California. The state encompasses a total of 147,040 square miles of land, with the actual land area of 145,470 and water area 1,570 square miles. With a population of 1,069,000 and
- [Fossils, Flowers, and Fish – Oh My!](https://montanadra.com/fossils-flowers-and-fish-oh-my/) - Montana has designated nine official state symbols, represented below, all promoted by school children, garden clubs, legislators, and others. These treasures are not necessarily unique to Montana, but each one has a distinctive story to tell about our much-loved state. Montana’s State Animal: Grizzly Bear The State Animal Project was launched in 1982 to impress
- [Lights, Camera, Action! Montana on the Big (and small) Screen](https://montanadra.com/lights-camera-action/) - If you have seen movies such as “A River Runs Through It”, “The Horse Whisperer”, “Always” and more recently “The Revenant”, you have had a glimpse of the beauty of Montana. Since the 1897 feature “The Tourist Train Leaving Livingston” Montana has been the backdrop for numerous productions including films, television movies and series as
- [Falling into a Montana Autumn Adventure](https://montanadra.com/falling-into-a-montana-autumn-adventure/) - So, how’s your summer been so far? The calendar tells us that the season officially ends on September 22 and autumn arrives on September 23, leaving just a few days to enjoy our beautiful Montana summer. That being said, autumn is a glorious season here in Big Sky Country. As temperatures gradually fall to the
- [A Winter Ranch Vacation](https://montanadra.com/a-winter-ranch-vacation/) - When winter arrives in Montana we don’t hibernate, we recreate! There are many winter activities available in Montana. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, sledding, snowboarding, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice climbing, and yes – mountain biking! And of course, the perennial family favorites – building snowmen and having friendly snowball fights.
- [Taste Our Place | Montana](https://montanadra.com/taste-our-place/) - Montana is known for many things – mountains, prairies, stunning landscapes, wildlife, Native American culture, western heritage, dude ranches, cattle and sheep ranches and more. What remains in the background is the unique cuisine found throughout the state, much of which is grown locally. The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development has created a
- [Riding the Range](https://montanadra.com/riding-the-range/) - Western movies have long inspired folks worldwide to take a western ranch adventure vacation. Westerns date back to the early 20th century through the 1960’s and beyond. The films have commonly centered on the life the cowboys and cowgirls who ride the range to watch over their land and cattle. Although the “wild west” depicted
- [Gems of Montana](https://montanadra.com/gems-of-montana/) - Montana sapphires and Montana agates have shared honors as the state's gemstones since 1969. A distinctive sapphire is mined here and is known as the “Yogo” Sapphire. This name refers to sapphires found in Yogo Gulch near Lewistown, MT. The first sapphires were discovered in Montana in 1865 in alluvium along the Missouri River about
- [Scenic Montana Drives and the Ranches along the Way](https://montanadra.com/scenic-montana-drives-and-the-ranches-along-the-way/) - I’d like to share a quote which is written on the back of our Montana state map. “Montana’s nearly endless roads will lead you to some of the most special places in the world. The rivers, streams, mountains and plains you’ll find under our wide-open skies truly make Montana the Treasure State. We hope you’ll
- [Montana Rolls Out the Welcome Mat June 1st](https://montanadra.com/montana-rolls-out-the-welcome-mat-june-1st/) - Montana will enter Phase II of COVID-19 on June 1. What does this mean for you? Let’s look at some facts and guidelines first. Montana has less hospitalized cases per capita in the USA with only 22 active cases (as of this writing). The number of cases is low, but the virus is still with
- [Unlikely Discovery on a Montana Dude Ranch](https://montanadra.com/unlikely-discovery-on-a-montana-dude-ranch/) - A Montana dude ranch might not be the place you expect to find archaeological treasures, but there are pieces of Montana’s rich Native American history found on the property of one of our member ranches. These treasures remained untouched, or secret, for quite some time until discovered by Bill Jarrett in 1972. Bill was in
- [A Tip of the Hat](https://montanadra.com/a-tip-of-the-hat/) - I bought my first cowboy hat in 1979. I am not a cowgirl, nor did I live on a ranch or a farm. My home was in a middle-class suburb of Cincinnati, nowhere near a dude ranch. But at the time, it was very cool to wear a cowboy hat, no matter where you grew
- [Hope Amidst Uncertainty](https://montanadra.com/hope-amidst-uncertainty/) - I can think of no better way to begin this blog than with the Facebook post by one of our member ranches, Bonanza Creek Ranch:  Thank you to Bonanza Creek Ranch for the very comforting and inspiring words. With all of us either in quarantine, self-quarantine or honoring social distance, it’s a new world
- [Hey Dude!](https://montanadra.com/hey-dude/) - I have often wondered - what is the strict definition of the word dude? The term is used often and in various circumstances, but what does it really mean? According to J.J. Gould, who in his 2013 article entitled "A Brief History of Dude" published in The Atlantic, a "dude" is one of the following as
- [A Christmas Carol – Dude Ranch Style](https://montanadra.com/a-christmas-carol-dude-ranch-style/) - When I was a kid, one of my fondest memories is of my family plunging headfirst into the Christmas season. Just about every room in the house was adorned with Christmas decorations; a fresh tree was purchased every year and was covered with tinsel, ornaments, and a star for a tree topper. Decorating the tree
- [75 Years, 4 Generations, Same Western Authenticity.](https://montanadra.com/75-years-4-generations-same-western-authenticity/) - For a single idea to permeate a culture, or to retain the original intention, it takes a strong, clear message. Around here at the Flathead Lake Lodge, that message was established in 1945, and the message was “family.” In Bigfork, Montana, on our ranch, family isn’t just the Averill’s, whose patriarch, Les Averill, founded the
- [Giving Thanks](https://montanadra.com/giving-thanks/) - It’s November. Where did the time go? Most of our dude ranches are closed for the season, yet they are already preparing for the 2020 season. Some ranches are still in operation and welcoming guests throughout the year. This month includes a day for the special purpose of our country celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. The
- [Learning to Ride Horses Can Help You better Navigate Life](https://montanadra.com/learning-to-ride-horses-can-help-you-better-navigate-life/) - Learning how to ride horses has a number of benefits, but one benefit you may not have been aware of is that the skills you learn while working with horses can translate into your everyday life. Learning horsemanship skills and riding skills is unique in one very specific way, and that is that you are
- [Summer Lovin' – A Working Ranch Vacation](https://montanadra.com/summer-lovin-a-working-ranch-vacation/) - Summer has arrived in full bloom in Montana. A diversity of wildflowers display a myriad of colors throughout the state; the skies are blue and dotted with puffy white clouds, rivers are flowing with cool, clear water, and the much-anticipated warm weather has finally arrived. Hundreds of guests from the United States and beyond are
- [The Mystique of Montana](https://montanadra.com/the-mystique-of-montana/) - Montana has been bestowed with nicknames such as Big Sky Country, The Last Best Place, God’s Country, and The Treasure State. All appropriate designations, and for all of us who live and work here, we agree. For those of you who don’t reside in the nation’s fourth largest state, a visit to Montana will instill
- [Choosing a Ranch Type](https://montanadra.com/choosing-a-ranch-type/) - Welcome to the Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association inaugural blog! Thanks for checking in. Have you planned your 2019 vacation yet? Do you dream of a western vacation on a dude ranch? Have you been inspired by the old west as shown in movies or on TV, or by stunning images of the Rocky Mountains, abundant
- [Are You Game for a Unique Ride in the Wilderness?](https://montanadra.com/are-you-game-for-a-unique-ride-in-the-wilderness/) - Have you ever thought of taking a wild ride into a mountainous wilderness? Our Pinzgauer, an Austrian military vehicle, has provided many people with such an adventure. Our guests here at Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch have a hard time believing that the Pinzgauer can travel on some of the very difficult terrain it encounters. Crossing
- [Authentic Montana Experiences](https://montanadra.com/authentic-montana-experiences/) - In 2013, a good friend in Ohio requested assistance for her son’s class project. To complete the assignment, he was to collect postcards from around the country. In addition, I was tasked to report back on what is so special about Montana. Choosing a postcard that exemplified Montana was a tough choice; there are thousands
- [Disconnect to Reconnect](https://montanadra.com/disconnect-to-reconnect/) - There are many different ranches and each ranch has a unique personality, but one thing all Montana Dude Ranch Association ranches have in common is a time-tested recipe for a life-changing vacation. Whether you decide on a dude ranch, resort ranch, or a working ranch, there are three connections you’ll experience firsthand at all of
- [Experience Spring on a Montana Ranch](https://montanadra.com/experience-spring-on-a-montana-ranch/) - In just a few days the Spring Equinox will occur, ringing in spring. As I write this, we have about a foot and a half of snow on the ground and more snow is falling. Montana has had a tough February and March, experiencing record snowfall and frigid temperatures. A low of 46 degrees below
- [The Ultimate Getaway: Cowgirl Retreats with a Twist](https://montanadra.com/the-ultimate-getaway-cowgirl-retreats-with-a-twist/) - Are you looking for great horseback riding, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to see life differently? On ranch vacations, this just happens, but with the Cowgirl Retreats at Bonanza Creek, we have added a whole new dimension. Life coaching with a horse is not only fun, but life changing. It is an adventure like no
- [ING the Thing in Montana](https://montanadra.com/ing-the-thing-in-montana/) - As you search the web or peruse state and regional guide books and brochures for that perfect ranch vacation, you may request information on activities provided onsite, in addition to local opportunities. That’s a good question to ask. Activities are the cornerstone of life on the ranch. Although many of our ranches offer similar activities,
- [Some Things Just Don’t Go Out of Style](https://montanadra.com/some-things-just-dont-go-out-of-style/) - We have been looking through our photo archives as we approach the 100th anniversary of dude-ranching at the Elkhorn Ranch! Whether it is epic all-day rides, delicious meals cooked outdoors, or relaxing with family and friends in the breathtaking Montana wilderness-- some things just don’t go out of style. Here is a 1963 view, climbing
- [How to Pack for Your Ranch Vacation](https://montanadra.com/how-to-pack-for-your-ranch-vacation/) - That summer ranch vacation you booked will be here before you know it. We’re here to prepare you for what you need to take and why; your destination ranch will also provide a list of items to pack. There may be opportunities on your arrival or during your stay to grab some of the necessities
- [5 Reasons a Ranch Vacation is Good for You](https://montanadra.com/5-reasons-a-ranch-vacation-is-good-for-you/) - 1. Revitalize & Refresh – it's good for your health Life is so busy. We run from sunrise to sunset and our mind, body, and spirit get worn down from multitasking and so much engagement with technology. Spending some time living “life unplugged” is a great way to hit the reset button. Purposely setting aside

## Pages

- [Home](https://montanadra.com/) - On our dude ranches, breathtaking adventures await in some of the most pristine areas of Montana! Activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, & more.
- [Request Ranch Information](https://montanadra.com/request-ranch-information/) - Fill out a short form and we'll send you information on any Montana ranches you are interested in.
- [Montana Ranches](https://montanadra.com/montana-ranches/) - Like historic dude ranches of old, these Montana dude ranches offer gracious western hospitality with a bit of adventure.
- [Useful Links](https://montanadra.com/useful-links/) - If you are planning an adventure to one of the Montana Dude Ranches, these links may be useful as Montana Dude Ranch Guests.
- [Montana Dude Ranch Dining](https://montanadra.com/food/) - The meals at a Montana dude ranch aren’t just food, they are always a vacation highlight and you won’t be disappointed.
- [Montana Dude Ranch Activities](https://montanadra.com/activities/) - On your Montana ranch vacation, the days will never be long enough for all that you want to do or everywhere you want to go.
- [Montana Dude Ranch Accommodations](https://montanadra.com/accommodations/) - Life on the ranch should be anything but rough. Montana dude ranch accommodations are always clean and comfortable.
- [Montana Dude Ranch Employment](https://montanadra.com/ranch-employment/) - Montana dude ranchers seek employees who are mature, outgoing, have an excellent work ethic and good communication skills with a love of the outdoors.
- [Membership](https://montanadra.com/membership/) - Membership in the Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association is open to any person, company, or association who owns or operates a ranch property in Montana.
- [Learn More About Montana Ranches](https://montanadra.com/learn-more-about-montana-ranches/) - Our “Big Sky”, open land, majestic mountains and friendly people combine to make a dude ranch vacation unlike any vacation you’ve ever taken.
- [How to Choose a Montana Dude Ranch](https://montanadra.com/how-choose-ranch/) - With so many great options, how do you choose a ranch? We’re convinced that each Montana ranch has something special to offer.
- [Explore Ranch Vacation Experiences](https://montanadra.com/explore-ranch-experiences/) - Each of our Montana ranches promote the Western way of life and every guest leaves with unforgettable memories.
- [Thank You For Your Employment Interest](https://montanadra.com/ranch-employment/thank-you-employment/)
- [Thank you For Signing Up](https://montanadra.com/thank-you-newsletter-signup/)
- [Saddle Bag](https://montanadra.com/saddle-bag/)
- [Ranch Comparison Chart](https://montanadra.com/montana-ranches/compare/)
- [Detail](https://montanadra.com/montana-ranches/detail/)

## Views

- [Ranch Listings and Map](https://montanadra.com/view/ranch-listings/)
- [Ranch Details Front-End Editing](https://montanadra.com/view/ranch-details-front-end-editing/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://montanadra.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [blacktail-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/blacktail-ranch/)
- [covered-wagon-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/covered-wagon-ranch/)
- [hawley-mountain-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/hawley-mountain-guest-ranch/)
- [deep-canyon-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/deep-canyon-guest-ranch/)
- [rocking-z-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/rocking-z-guest-ranch/)
- [nine-quarter-circle-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/nine-quarter-circle-ranch/)
- [elkhorn-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/elkhorn-ranch/)
- [richs-montana-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/richs-montana-guest-ranch/)
- [63-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/63-ranch/)
- [dryhead-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/dryhead-ranch/)
- [bonanza-creek-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/bonanza-creek-guest-ranch/)
- [sweet-grass-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/sweet-grass-ranch/)
- [hubbards-six-quarter-circle-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/hubbards-six-quarter-circle-ranch/)
- [mountain-sky-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/mountain-sky-guest-ranch/)
- [averills-flathead-lake-lodge](https://montanadra.com/category/averills-flathead-lake-lodge/)
- [horses-n-courage](https://montanadra.com/category/horses-n-courage/)
- [blog](https://montanadra.com/category/blog/)
- [Trail Rides](https://montanadra.com/category/blog/trail-rides/)
- [parade-rest-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/parade-rest-guest-ranch/)
- [circle-bar-guest-ranch](https://montanadra.com/category/circle-bar-guest-ranch/)

## Tags

- [Montana](https://montanadra.com/tag/montana/)
- [Montana ranch vacation](https://montanadra.com/tag/montana-ranch-vacation/)
- [Montana dude ranch](https://montanadra.com/tag/montana-dude-ranch/)
- [ranch vacation](https://montanadra.com/tag/ranch-vacation/)
- [dude ranch](https://montanadra.com/tag/dude-ranch/)
- [Made in Montana](https://montanadra.com/tag/made-in-montana/)
- [Montana Made](https://montanadra.com/tag/montana-made/)