The accommodations are quaint and full of country charm, and its pretty cool knowing that youre staying somewhere right on the historic Chisholm Trail (the route used to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas). It was founded in 1947 by Colonel John H. Lapham, a retired Air Corps colonel who built an airstrip and started his flight school at the 542-acre ranch. Cat Spring. 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. She is a native New Yorker who has lived in Italy, Australia, Canada, and California. We welcome your feedback. Be sure to reserve your activity at least 24 hours in advance though so that they can check the availability and secure your spot. Roomy cabins with bunk beds work especially well for families. For children ages 6 to 13 in the Range Riders program, rides are held twice a day. WebAll-Inclusive Family Nature Fishing Lake Cabins, Cottages, and Chalets Dude Ranch Holiday Outfitters View The Retreat at Balcones Springs Marble Falls, Texas, United The lodge is an industrial limestone ranch-style building with a steel roof and 40-foot windows in the main lodge, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with Mallard Lake views from each room. Cons: Alisal Ranch is expensive and there are similar options available elsewhere for less. It was lovely. 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. Guests sleep in glamping tents outfitted with electricity, luxurious bathrooms, claw foot soaking tubs with room for two, and cushy beds. Stay in the lodge rooms with their hilly views or in the individual rock cottages with one, two, or three bedrooms. Spanning an impressive 30,000 acres, Cibolo Creek Ranch is proof that a luxurious getaway and a dude ranch experience arent mutually exclusive. Powered by Mai Theme, 10 Best Texas Dude Ranches You Must Visit, 15 Best Luxury Cabins In Texas You Must Visit. In truth, we arent quite the prototype of cowboys and rodeos. And while roughing it is an option with overnight trail rides and cooking over an open fire a dude ranch vacation can just as easily include a full-service spa, swimming pools, culinary workshops, a round or two of golf and five-star accommodations. Though guest cabins have modern amenities, they manage to maintain the original homestead heritage. If youre staying overnight here (there is the option to just do a day visit), your activities are actually included along with all your meals for the day. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant, or drive into Graham for lunch and shopping on the square. The separate large marble showers, deep soaking tubs, and bathrooms can easily accommodate two or a family. The resort ranch has specials and promotions for every season, and because almost everything is included in the price, its a prime vacation spot. Western Pleasure Guest Ranchs quality ranch raised horses are perfect for the beginner or the experienced rider. At Wildcatter Ranch, theres a good amount of variety in accommodations depending on what youre feeling like and how deep youre rolling. Find the authentic dude ranch experience that meets all of your need the next time you plan a trip to Texas. Saddle up and go for a guided 45-minute trail ride or try not to get thrown from the mechanical bull. Related Read:11 Best Texas Swimming Holes to Beat the Summer Heat. Porches present panoramic views from the perch of comfy rocking chairs. We've broken our list into categories, with options for travelers on a budget, as well as families, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and active seniors. Western Experience in Texas Experience the authentic cowboy lifestyle by visiting a working ranch. These are the best dude ranches in the US, sorted by category and price. Theres horseback riding, ATV tours, clay and long-range shooting, and mountain tours just make sure you book your chosen activity at least 24 hours in advance! that focuses on family memories and cowboy adventure. The sunsets here are astounding, and every cabin has a different Texas theme, with related pictures on the wall. Rancho Cortez is also unique in that it offers two-week fitness programs for those who are trying to boost their health and fitness. The wranglers are very experienced. Some properties even provide transportation from major air or rail hubs, so theres no need for a rental car sitting idle all week. Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is an affordable getaway located only 90 miles from New York City. 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. My brother lives in San Antonio, Texas. Why you should stay: Positioned on a historic cattle trail, this ranch is a more affordable way to get the full Texas ranch experience. Sitting by the poolside is, of course, not the only activity to keep you entertained here. WebA dude ranch is an establishment orientated towards visitors and is considered a type of agrotourism. She speaks fluent Italian. Cibolo Creek Ranch. Pros: Excellent cuisine is a hallmark of the resort. 13 Gorgeous Log Cabins with Private Hot Tubs Across the U.S. Turn onto the property from County Road 2013 and drive for 2 miles along a winding, one-lane road, and youll see it looming at the end. With 25 miles of lightly-tread riding trails rambling across the ranch, couples may have a trail all to themselves. In fact, golf in Texas is spectacular. High ceilings and porches with panoramic views accentuate the sense of space. Family activities include horseback riding, putt-putt golf, basketball, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and playgrounds. The popular Barn Buddies program gives up-close access to the horses while teaching grooming and saddling skills, while tractor rides, a petting zoo, horseshoe pit, and s'mores by the campfire offer nostalgic fun. Cindy Brzostowski is a freelance writer focusing on travel and other lifestyle content. The kitchen takes pride in utilizing produce sourced from nearby farms and hearty main courses are served with freshly baked bread and retro desserts like Jell-O and chocolate pudding. My horse-obsessed child was so happy to start each day with a ride and never skipped a chance to get back on. Related read: 12 Must-Visit Texas Hill Country Towns. 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. Trade your skirt for blue jeans, your tie for a red bandana, and your stress for a peaceful Hill Country sunset at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch near Bandera. Additionally, a stellar children's program includes riding, a weekly rodeo, hayrides, and lots of opportunities to play with barn animals. Rides are as short as one hour and as long as a full day with lunch served lakeshore. Mount your horse for the popular lunchtime ride to Cottonwood Grove and soak in the majesty of the desert horizon. You can reconnect with nature on a private horseback ride with the ranch cowboys, who will tell you tales about the Old West. 10 Best All-Inclusive U.S. Resorts for Families. Select a region using the map to your right or pick one from the drop down below. Sugar & Spice Ranch is a mother-daughter experience that features Western style horseback riding at its heart. Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and wrap-around porches grace many cabins. The comprehensive children's program gives parents plenty of kid-free time to enjoy that massage. We operate independently from our advertising team. A dude ranch is a western-style resort with horseback riding, fishing, campfires, BBQs, and more. Pros: The standard trail ride lasts for 45 minutes, which is an excellent length for beginners and rusty riders. Dixie Dude Ranch, situated just an hour west of San Antonio in Bandera, has been a go-to getaway for familiesand dudesfor 75 years. If you want to fully lean into the Western experience, you definitely need to book a chuck wagon dinner and show here, which includes an all-out barbecue dinner, live country music, and dancing. Whats the Deal With All-Inclusive Dude Ranches? Weekly rodeos are held in town during the summer months, and a number of the ranches host their own rodeos throughout the year, too. 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. The Mayan Dude Ranch 350 Mayan Ranch Rd, Bandera, Texas; phone: 830-796-3312 Rates: Rooms start at $170/day and include meals and horseback riding. Discounts are given for in-state residents visiting Tanque Verde. We included a variety of locations across the US, but all offer wide-open spaces and stunning scenery. For something homey and a bit more family-friendly, the Homestead is a nice, spacious option. Be sure to ask about riding instruction and guided rides versus free rides, too. Finally, a water park, nightly entertainment, and arcade ensure kids are never bored. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. 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. My favorite getaway is Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, about 90 miles southwest of the DallasFort Worth area near Glen Rose. Also, there are no televisions or telephones in guest rooms. What you actually do on your family dude vacation will depend greatly on the time of year. The town of Banderra is the Plus the ranch is home to a border collie rescue, so be prepared to see lots of cute pups too! Others are more simplistic affairs, offering a down home way to unplug and reconnect with nature. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Once a historic homestead, the property was transformed into a guest ranch that oozes low-key western hospitality. Typical starting/peak prices:$957/$1,112. Instead of uselessly flipping the switch of your burned-out bulb, 1998 - 2023 ResortsandLodges.com All rights reserved. Children ages 5 and under in the Buckaroos program are led on smaller horses in a pen. Related Read:9 Best Texas Lavender Farms for Getting Your Fragrance Fix. Her culinary, wine, and travel photography adventures have led her across Peru from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu; up the Canadian Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff and Jasper, indulging in Fairmont luxury hotels; and to the four largest islands of Hawaii. Far from the West, Rocking Horse Ranch, offers a taste of the country on the East Coast. The Wildcatter Steakhouse offers hand-cut mesquite-grilled steaks, petite filets, seafood specials, and chicken-fried steak. Infants and toddlers have their own age-appropriate nursery while older siblings may attend day camp. by Cindy Brzostowski 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!! Beginning riders may enjoy a leisurely walking ride while experienced riders walk, trot, and lope. WebWelcome to Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas. If youre here in the summertime, youll appreciate that theres a swimming pool for cooling off in. Though horseback riding is the main attraction at our favorite dude ranches, you'll also enjoy a wide slate of additional activities to keep non-equestrians busy, from fishing to hiking to roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Aside from food, Flying L activities include wagon rides, creekside fishing, putt putt, horseback riding, and more. Some of the amenities include king-sized beds with luxury linens, handcrafted wooden rocking chairs on the balconies, in-room refrigerators, safes, and even boot brushes. Texass dude Whether youre an ol cowpoke or a little buckaroo, youll be at ease immediately. Theres plenty to do at Mayan Ranch all year long, including a pool and river to swim in. Why you should stay: Get wild in West Texas at this historic ranch with posh accommodations. 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. Oh my goodness, so much great food. We looked for options to suit a wide range of adventurers. Mayan Ranch is perfect for families, located in Bandera and is surrounded by the Medina River. Have you always dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl? Accommodations at the Mayan Dude Ranch include brick cabins scattered throughout the property and a two-story lodge right next to the main house. From sunset trail rides to jeep tours to tomahawk throwing, you and your travel companions definitely wont be bored here. Not all art can be framed. But dont expect all the dude ranches in Texas to look and operate the same way. Additional horsemanship activities include team penning and lessons on equine behavior. All trips include food, lodging and transportation around the ranch. Another fun activity? In warmer months I heard you could drift downriver in inner tubes! Flying L Ranch Resort. The next time you are planning a Florida vacation, opt for a cozy cabin over a beachside cabana you can thank us later. All Material 2023 Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. All the ranches have strict COVID-19 policies in place, which we've highlighted. Related Read:15 Romantic Getaways in Texas for Adventurous Couples. WebGuests can also enjoy bullwhip and shooting demos, fossil hunting, hiking, buckaroo rides, stargazing, ranch animals, lasso lessons, a playground, and more. Resort features: All-Inclusive. Its a better experience for the rider and horse. Today, four all of which are all-inclusive continue to open their gates to city slickers. Home, home on the range! You wont have much cell service while youre here, but who needs it given the many different activities at your fingertips. ResortsandLodges.com is a trademark of, Big Bend Texas (2), Gulf Coast Texas (1), Hill Country Texas (15), Piney Woods Texas (1), Prairies and Lakes Texas (4), Flying L Hill Country Resort & Conference Center. Rooms and suites feature cozy wood-burning fireplaces, plus tasteful accents like reclaimed barn wood paneling, and fine linens covering the pillow-soft beds. Just two hours outside of Denver, Drowsy Water Ranch has been doing business since the 1920s. So we packed up our best cowboy gear and got ready to visit a highly rated Texas dude ranch all-inclusive with the perfect mix of luxury and rugged Bandera ranch appeal. The manyaccommodation options make this dude ranch for families an obvious choice. WebTexas guest ranch, Texas family reunions, Texas barn wedding venue, corporate retreats, team building, shooting range, horseback riding, archery, tomahawk throwing. The first time we visited him from Southern California, the weather was absolutely magical. The property's two 18-hole golf courses and six tennis courts offer a range of clinics and lessons and the top-notch spa is worth the splurge. We use cookies to improve your experience and to analyze the use of our website. The propertys 19th Hole Grill serves breakfast and lunch, grab-and-go items, beer, wine, coffee, and more. We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers experience, user reviews and more. Then a ranch vacation in Texas should be on your list. It was seriously so, so good. Her latest adventure was a Viking Cruise to the Norwegian Homelands. Pick up the daily schedule the night before to plan your day! And no matter what time of year it is, the hot tub is open. When youre not in your room, youll probably be out enjoying one of Wildcatter Ranchs many thrilling experiences. Theres also the on-site spa where you can unwind with treatments like a deep tissue massage plus a restaurant with themed dining nights. of acres of land offering plenty of wide-open spaces and on-site trails, ponds, lakes, and more. Tip: Horses are the central focus of any dude ranch experience. Cons: You'll need to change out of your riding clothes for dinner, which has an upscale dress code. The wide variety of accommodations and activities also makes it popular with multi-generational vacationers. Why you should stay: From the romantic to the quirky, this dude ranch has different accommodations to suit varied tastes and lots of different animals roaming the property. WebWe've partnered with dude ranch vets Bob & Karen Foster, and anointed them our dude ranch concierge consultants to help dissect and pinpoint a perfect ranch vacation for And dont leave without a loaf of your favorite bread all of the resorts handcrafted bread is available for purchase. Why you should stay: Youll have your peace and quiet at this small property by the Palo Pinto Mountains. Our team of parents and travel experts chooses each product and service we recommend. Wine trails, outdoor adventures, swimming holes and luxurious resorts await. 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. The was a heater and an old TV set, but the true beauty of the ranch was just outside the doors on the land and in the daily program of activities so we werent actually in the room very often at all. Of course, much of the fun of a dude ranch comes from the experiences available, and boy, does this one have some interesting ones. Related read: Cowboy & Western Name Generator, 11 Best Resorts in Texas for a Rejuvenating Getaway, 9 Incredible State Parks with Cabins in Texas, 9 Awesome Cabin & Cottage Rentals Near New Braunfels, Texas, The 6 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Texas, 10 Luxury Cabin Rentals in Texas for a Pampered Getaway. Mayan Dude Ranch was at the top of the list for working dude ranches in Texas! Sitting on 348 acres, its not hard to understand why Mayan Ranch is one of the best dude ranches for families. If youre a true jet setter, youll be excited to hear that this ranch resort has its own private airport (just make sure you make the necessary arrangements beforehand). Email us at reviews@insider.com. We enjoyed the rocking chairs on the back porch and the views across the valley to the Brazos River below. Food options can also range from casual barbecues to gourmet meals depending on the ranch. Her work has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Thrillist, TripSavvy, Food & Wine, The Infatuation, and more. Guided horseback rides showcase the area's beauty and the wranglers are so genuinely friendly, you'll feel like they're your country cousins by the end of your stay. The Marble Mountain Ranch has been family-owned since 1968. Nine individual cabins snuggled beside the creek offer lodging for families. 10 Best All-Inclusive U.S. Resorts for Families. As travelers continue to lean towards remote, domestic trips, dude ranches make for a particularly compelling choice. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Every cabin is standalone and there's no main lodge, making this an especially attractive choice for social distancing. The childrens program is unstructured, but comprehensive. The best US dude ranches include options for families, couples, seniors, and those on a budget. Cons: Cabins are grouped fairly tightly, so you may hear your neighbors. Enjoy the activities included in your stay: twice-daily horseback riding, family-style meals, fishing, campfires, an outdoor pool and To get in touch with your inner buckaroo without making a big dent in your wallet, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is an affordable getaway located only 90 miles from Manhattan. Also called a guest ranch, dude ranches can be 100% operational (or working dude ranches) or strictly cater to luxury dude ranch guests. Activities that require an additional fee include golf; paintball; skeet shooting; a rifle range; pheasant, dove, turkey, and deer hunting; and spa treatments. For a western-themed adventure that doesn't sit on its high horse, consider a dude ranch vacation. If youre just after a low-key meal, dont worry they have you covered there too with their restaurant, Branding Iron Bar and Grill. Our Mayan Dude Ranch vacations in Bandera, Texas are some of the best families memories weve made in Texas. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. WebOur Top Pick: Our choice for the best all-inclusive resort in Texas is the Lake Austin Spa Resort. Youll find upscale amenities at this romantic getaway, with 41 guest rooms located across the 1,500 acres in the lodge, cabin suites, OTs Cabin and Homestead, and estate. 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 horseback riding isn't your thing, there's also skeet shooting, tennis, fishing, swimming, line dancing, and archery. The first is a working dude ranch. At one point, Grand County had 17 operating dude ranches, more than any county in the United States. 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. Many dude ranches do not offer an all-inclusive option. Cons: 4UR Ranch is a digital detox with no cell phone service, in-room telephones, or televisions. My daughter didnt miss a single ride. Many dude ranches are all-inclusive, providing three meals a day and snacks for the entire family. If soaking up the sunshine on sugar sand beaches, catching fabulous Gulf sunsets, and eating all the fresh seafood in sight sounds like your kind of vacation, look no further than Anna Maria Island. For a dude ranch vacation with ample charm, pack your Stetson hat and escape to Wildcatter Ranch Resort in North Texas Hill Country ranch, just 90 miles from Dallas. Experience an authentic Western experience the next time you travel to Texas at a bona fide dude ranch. At Getaway Ranch Texas, you may just be an hour from the big city of Fort Worth, where Big Jim Courtright once prowled, but youll feel a world away thanks to its secluded nature dont expect any WiFi here! What Type of Dude Ranch Should We Visit? Guest rooms feature adobe walls and time-honored Southwestern accents such as beehive fireplaces. Pros: With three daily meals, early morning coffee served on the porch, and a bottomless cookie jar brimming with just-baked treats, there are ample opportunities to sample the delectable cuisine. How Can We Get a Deal? A stay at BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch is what you make of it with diverse accommodation options that include romantic suites, a quaint farmhouse, a covered wagon, and a safari tent. 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. Web8 Romantic Texas Getaways. Dude ranch vacation costs can vary quite a bit. Well, he stays prepared for whatever adventure I throw at him! Overnight stays are unavailable December 16-26, 2023. The CDC has stated that travel within the US is safe for fully vaccinated travelers, and experts say hotels are safe with the proper precautions taken. TripAdvisor Book Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. All are equipped with refrigerators, heated bathroom floors, and Keurig coffee machines. Guest rooms have tiled floors, solid wood furniture, and private patios. The supervised children's program is also top-notch. This was our first time driving through Hill Country and, althoughI was a little nervous, wegot theresafely without any incident. Local artwork adds panache, and the sprawling five-bedroom hacienda is a good choice for groups. Meals are filling but by no means gourmet. Idaho, Arizona and California also have a decent concentration of guest ranches. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Shed your cosmopolitan persona and spend a few days at a Texas guest ranch. You know how the classic cowboy song goes. The guides were very kind, chatting with her and answering all her questions. Each day starts with a delicious Cowboy breakfast cooked on the open range, followed by so many activities to fill your time with endless fun. Cons: This rambunctious ranch is not the place to vacation if you're seeking tranquility. All activities are available exclusively for registered guests and must be booked in explore Resorts & Lodges in that Related Read:10 Best Hikes in Texas for Top-Notch Lone Star State Scenery. We participated in skeet shooting and archery and then relaxed in the infinity pool and hot tub. While not for those watching their wallets, the all-inclusive model and high-end accommodations and meals still mean it offers strong value. A short walk from the corral is Hicksville, a fun playground for the kids and a great place for photo opps. Sign up at the front desk! Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. 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? WebPlan your own all-inclusive getaway in the Lone Star State today! 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. Thats where you get out there and really get your chaps dirty, working with cattle, sheep and other livestock. Over 100 horses call the ranch home and an extensive year-round riding program is at its core. As soon as we started looking for a dude ranch near San Antonio, we learned about this special place in the Texas Hill Country. Pros: With ponies, horses, and all activities included in the modest price, it's a slice of the West without leaving the East. When not writing, reading, or eating, you can probably find her making an itinerary for her next adventure or dreaming about pizza.

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