Western Montana often conjures up images of cowboys, dude ranches, the Wild West and horseback rides through alpine forests and sweeping mountain valleys. For those looking to take the reins on their own cowboy or cowgirl adventure, Glacier Country can deliver. Our region is chock-full of resorts and ranches that have harnessed Montana’s history and packaged it for your pleasure. Grab your cowboy hat and saddle up in Western Montana.
WILD WEST WEEKEND AT BAR W GUEST RANCH
The Bar W Guest Ranch, near Whitefish, is ready to welcome you any time of year with warm hospitality and packages for the “western hearted.” The Wild West Weekend offers a one-night package that includes a trail ride; wagon ride; skeet, archery and hand gun shooting; and a steak dinner as well as full breakfast. For a longer stay, ladies only are invited for Cowgirl Up!—a weeklong all-inclusive getaway. Relax and soak in the splendor of nature while you ride horseback, rejuvenate with the spa package and bond during a cattle drive.
DREAM HAVEN
A horseback riding adventure awaits at Dream Haven Ranch. Outside of Marion, Dream Haven Ranch offers three-day or six-day all-inclusive getaways at the rustic and intimate bed-and-breakfast ranch home. Daily trail rides, roping and arena games will help you carry out your cowboy dreams—you’ll even learn to crack a whip. Try your hand at skeet shooting or archery, then end each night with a western home-cooked meal. Western adventures continue in the winter, with trail riding, snowshoeing and sledding excursions.
MCGINNIS MEADOWS CATTLE & GUEST RANCH
The McGinnis Meadows Cattle & Guest Ranch is an authentic working cattle ranch in Libby. The ranch teaches a horsemanship and cattle program, for all levels of riders, in the Buck Brannaman style—a leading philosophy of horse handling that looks at horse training from the horse’s perspective, ensuring the animal feels safe, which forms a true bond with the rider. The McGinnis Meadows Ranch owner, Shayne Jackson, has traveled with Buck to more than 400 clinics over 20 years, and brings his knowledge back to the ranch creating the only Buck Brannaman program in a live ranch setting. The program is taught daily in a clinic style for the duration of your stay; you’ll practice working, driving and roping cattle, as well as trail riding.
THE WILDERNESS CLUB
Saddle up at the Wilderness Club in Eureka. Take a trail ride or carriage/sleigh ride, and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Kootenai National Forest. Then tee up at the Wilderness Club golf course, designed by golf legend Nick Faldo and ranked the No. 1 golf course in Montana by Golfweek and Golf Magazine. All 18 holes offer stunning vistas and a scenic swing. Who says cowboys don’t like golf? At the end of the day lay your head down in a deluxe cottage.
BEAR CREEK RANCH
You won’t find a more down-home family-friendly feel than Bear Creek Ranch in Essex. Experience warm western hospitality at one of their cabins and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast in the main lodge daily. Immerse yourself in cowboy culture, gathering and herding cattle for the Indian Summer October cattle drive. Some riding experience is needed, as you’ll hit the trails right away. Prepare for long days in beautiful country adjacent to Glacier National Park. Each season at Bear Creek Ranch offers a unique horseback riding vacation.
It’s not hard to find a Wild West experience in Glacier Country. Click here to explore more.
September 30, 2019
Related: Essex, Eureka, Fall Fun, Family Fun, Guest Ranch, Horseback Riding, Libby, Marion, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Outfitters, Vacation, Whitefish
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