When you're looking for a unique Wyoming vacation, a dude ranch might come to mind! After all, we're the Cowboy State, and we got that nickname for a reason! If you want to get in touch with your wild west roots, plan a trip to this Wyoming dude ranch that was the first dude ranch in America.
Eaton's Ranch was founded in 1879 by Howard, Willis and Aiden Eaton, near Medora, North Dakota. Their friends rom the East began to visit and stay for months at a time.
Eventually, a friend convinced the brothers to charge for room and board so that visitors would feel welcome to stay for as long as they'd like. People came form all over to ride on the Eaton property, and the nation's first Dude Ranch was born.By the early 1900s, business was booming, and the Eatons moved to their current spot on Wolf Creek near Sheridan, Wyoming. This new location provided more suitable riding and raching terrain for their guests and for themselves.
Today, Eaton's Ranch is one of the most popular Dude Ranches in the country, and it is still owned by the Eaton family. Generations of hospitality have taught them how to run a truly great western resort.
There are 51 cabins on site, from smaller economy cabins to deluxe Gold Coast cabins along Wolf Creek.
Every stay includes breakfast, lunch and dinner - all home cooked in their Ranch kitchen. Rooms receive full bath and maid service, and every guest has use of a saddle horse. Cocktail hour from 5-6 p.m. is a great chance to mingle with other guests and meet fellow travelers.
Whichever cabin you choose, you'll have a beautiful view of Wyoming wilderness - whether it be a panoramic view of the mountains or the backwoods near Wolf Creek.
There's nothing quite like the peaceful and serene environment of a quiet dude ranch, where you're free to roam around thouands of acres of unspoiled land.
The main activity here at Eaton's Ranch is, of course, horseback riding.
Wranglers are always available to guide rides and offer instruction, but guests are free to saddle up and head out to explore the ranch on their own as well.
With over 220 horses living here at Eaton's, guests will be able to take out a trusty steed and enjoy the freedom of the west.
You can ride through the ranch unescorted, through hills and creeks and wide open fields. Head out in the morning, afternoon or evening Monday through Friday for a relaxing few hours in the saddle. All day rides will take you into Bighorn National Forest, or you can embark on a breakfast or dinner ride. On weekends, they offer two daily rides on Saturday, and a morning ride on Sunday. The horses take the rest of Sunday off.
For the more adventuresome rider, Eaton's Ranch even offers overnight pack trips. You'll go out with guides into the Bighorn National Forest on horseback and stay for the night.
Wranglers and guides will ensure your foray into the wilderness goes off without a hitch, and they'll even cook for you and help you set up camp.
There are plenty of other outdoorsy adventures to embark on at Eatons Ranch if you feel lie taking a day off from riding.
The pristine mountain waters of Wolf Creek offer amazing fishing, as do the other nearby creeks and treams. You can follow a fishing gudie or cast out on your own to catch rainbow trout, brookies, browns and large-mouth bass. You can also head out trap shooting, or enjoy the ranch's archery opportunities. When you're looking for some entertainment, track down the Wranglers roping at Gentry Field. The Howard Hall offers dances and recreation, and the Main House is great for socializing or playing board games. Before you wind down your say, grab a drink at the Apartment Bar.
So when you're looking for a relaxing vacation at a historic Wyoming ranch, head to Eaton's and you'll quickly understand why thousands of visitors fall in love with this place.
Eaton's Ranch is located at 270 Eatons Ranch Rd., Wolf, WY 82844. You can make reservations online here or by calling 307-655-9285.
If a Wyoming Dude Ranch is still too much socializing for your tastes, you might want to pack a bag and grab your tent, because camping in any of these 15 Off-The-Grid Destinations In Wyoming That Will Take You Away From It All - and you can't get more isolated than a Wyoming Wilderness Area.
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