If you are looking for a family summer vacation that your family will talk about for years to come, read on!
With our state’s wide-open spaces and under our big blue skies are some of America’s finest dude ranches ready to share adventures of a lifetime with you and yours.
From the Flathead Lake Lodge in the northwest corner of our Treasure State, to one of the oldest dude ranches in America at Nine Quarter Circle Ranch to the south, the dude ranches in Montana promise everything you envision.
If living life on a ranch or a lakefront home in Montana is a vision you’d like to see and experience, contact our family at Hollinger Real Estate in Northwest Montana, we would be honored to show you some of the finest homes and land for sale in northwest Montana.
Top Dude Ranches in Montana
Flathead Lake Lodge
(Photo above courtesy of Flathead Lake Lodge)
Bigfork, Montana
Voted in the “Top Ten Dudes Ranch in America” by USA Today, the Averill family has been welcoming guests to their all-inclusive dude ranch on Flathead Lake since 1945. With nearly 2,000 acres of beautiful Montana landscapes, their guest ranch runs from the shore of Flathead Lake to the top of the Swan Mountains with one of the nation’s “top-rated” and largest off-ranch activities program. Flathead Lake Lodge does have some availability for this summer, particularly the weeks of May 31, August 23 and August 30 so book soon!
Nine Quarter Circle Ranch
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
One step on Nine Quarter Circle Ranch and you will feel like you have stepped in back time. Its roots date back to 1912 when homesteaders consolidated their properties and formed a working ranch. Today, it’s still as peaceful as its past with classic adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Think: hayrides, horseback riding, square dancing and legendary fly-fishing opportunities that are an angler’s dream.
Covered Wagon Ranch
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
As their website sets the scene best: “From the moment you call the ranch, to the moment you pull out our gate – it’s personal. We can help direct you in any venture you want to pursue. Part of your family riders and part of them are hikers? You want to ride with your kids and eat with your kids? So be it! ” This is your family vacation to do what you want to do … tossing around horseshoes, fly-fishing on Taylor Fork Creek, or just listening to the sounds of Mother Nature from your cabin porch – unplugged.
The Resort at Paws Up
Greenough, Montana
Welcome to luxury meets the wild —where the spirit of a true dude ranch meets a touch of five-star comfort. Out here, life slows down with options to slip into the Spa, saddle up and ride into the West, float down the crystal waters of the Blackfoot or fly-fish to your heart’s content. This is a place where you can kick up a little dust, breathe in that fresh mountain air, settle into a simpler way of living and experience a dude ranch in style.
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
Paradise Valley, Montana
For those who prefer to blend a little ranch life with a lot of luxury, here’s another option. While there’s no doubt you’ll admire the breathtaking views, the Ranch’s fine food, amenities and luxury environment is a bit uncharacteristic of a classic Dude Ranch, yet you can still get your boots dirty. Those who like the links will be surprised by the golf options, hikers can get their heart rates up and sharpshooters will appreciate the opportunities to take in a little clay shooting and archery.
Elkhorn Ranch
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Recharge by horseback riding into rugged Montana backcountry, fly fishing on blue-ribbon fishing streams, or heading a mile down the road into Yellowstone with the welcoming staff at Elkhorn Ranch. You’ll never be bored at Elkhorn Ranch unless you want to be. Fly fishing, hiking, kids’ programs, whitewater rafting, wildlife watching, and more. One final important: note: Elkhorn Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Go find out why!
Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch
McLeod, Montana
First: Unplug. Then, remember that cell service only exists in the lodge — and you will get used to that. We promise. It’s here where you can step away from the noise, reconnect with nature, and rediscover what it feels like to truly get away. Days are filled with horseback rides through alpine meadows, fly fishing on clear mountain streams, guided hikes and more. Share your adventures in evenings at the lodge, or sometimes around a crackling campfire under the Big Sky in Montana!
Bar W Guest Ranch
Whitefish, Montana
At the Bar W, you’ll saddle up with good folks, great food, and good times to come. Between trail rides, hearty home-cooked meals, and country dances, you might just make friendships that last a lifetime. Here, days are for riding, roping, relaxing, and reconnecting — with nature, with others, and maybe even alone. When your boots dry, try out some archery, clay shooting, and get into the new trend of hatchet throwing! Whatever you choose to do, the staff at Bar W will make you feel right at home with their Western hospitality.
LIVE IT. LOVE IT. MONTANA.
When the time comes when you might want to live a life like this, contact the Hollinger Team who can share stories and recommend adventures – be it around a campfire, fishing a crystal-clear mountain stream, or a tour our through your next ranch or lakefront home in Northwest Montana!
