Tucked away off State Road 135 South less than five miles from the Village is a place called Rawhide Ranch. Driving along the twisty State Road, you’d never know that just up the paved driveway, beyond the trees is an over 50-acre haven for relaxation, reconnection, and fun. That’s right, with its three sprawling horse pastures, two vacation homes, a unique “Horsetel,” Tipi village, zip line course, and two ponds, Rawhide Ranch is its own oasis.
The only dude ranch around, you won’t find anything else like it in Brown County or anywhere else in the state for that matter! Its one-of-a-kind lodging accommodations, rustic Western-inspired atmosphere, and big-hearted staff will make you feel like you’ve left all your cares behind…trading them instead for an escape to the country.
The Wild West meets Brown County, Rawhide Ranch packs quite the cowboy punch! Between the many pastures and over two dozen horses on site, you’ll find plenty of Western charm in Rawhide’s eclectic ranch-style décor. In fact, you can even stay in an old horse barn that has been turned into a hotel!
Don’t worry, even if you’re not all about cowboys and horses, Rawhide Ranch is still a great place to visit. Bordered by protected forest on one side and the Brown County State Park on the other, not only are their gorgeous views but there’s a whole lot of natural serenity. And, with no TVs or computers in any of its rooms, Rawhide is the perfect spot to relax, unplug from daily life, and reconnect with each other! All the perks and comforts of an escape to Big Sky Country, with all of Brown County’s scenery, attractions, and offerings just on the other side of the hills.
With several different types of lodging accommodations on the property, you can customize your stay into whatever you want it to be. Make it a staycation and never leave the Ranch or hangout with some fellow vacationers on the Horsetel’s beautiful deck. Rawhide Ranch has a little bit of everything and something perfect for everyone!
Stay in one of the two complete vacation homes that sit on the property and you’ll feel like you own your own slice of paradise. The Brouse House, which is a cozy one-bedroom cabin, is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway. Overlooking one of the horse pastures and located on the highest hill on the property, the Brouse House offers the best view of the Ranch. Spend some time together inside where you have everything you need for your visit (including a full kitchen) or take in the stunning view on the deck. Either way, the Brouse House is the perfect private cabin just for the two of you!
Coming with a larger group? Rawhide’s other vacation home, the Ranch House is a roomy 3 bedroom, 2 bath sanctuary, complete with full kitchen, fireplace, wrap-around deck, laundry, private fire pit, and probably the biggest couch you’ve ever seen! Bring the whole family or a group of your closest friends and take it easy. Not only does this full-size house offer great views as well, but its rustic style atmosphere is guaranteed to make you feel right at home.
If you’re wanting something a little smaller than a whole cabin…and a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else, stay in the Horsetel, also known as the Buck Inn. Originally a 32-stall horse barn, this space has been completely transformed on the inside, while still maintaining its classic barn structure.
Downstairs (or ground level), you’ll find an open entertainment space perfect for weddings, family reunions, retreats, or events. The first floor’s newest addition is the Saloon, a great spot for unwinding with some drinks.
Also on the first floor is the Banded Rooster, Rawhide Ranch’s very own on-site restaurant. This quaint restaurant may be a little small in size, but definitely not in taste! Breakfast is served up daily at 9 a.m. sharp! Be sure and get there on time and dig in to a mouthwatering buffet of all your breakfast favorites. The Banded Rooster also does lunch! Whether it’s the bison cheese steak, a burger, or a portabello sandwich, your taste buds are in for a treat. Call ahead and make a reservation so your food will be hot and ready when you get there or let the chef know your order and take a stroll around the Ranch while you wait. Even those not staying at Rawhide are welcome to come grab a bite!
Head upstairs at the Buck Inn and you’ll discover an 11-room hotel. Named after the Wild West’s famous gunslingers and their guns, these rooms will leave you feeling like you’re staying right in the middle of outlaw country! Some have two big beds, some have bunk beds, all have a private bathroom…whatever layout you’re looking for, Rawhide Ranch has you covered. You’re sure to love the Western-themed decorations too! Wood floors, log furniture, even horse stirrup hand towel holders. There’s definitely no shortage of cowboy charm at the Buck Inn.
Upstairs at the Horsetel, there also are two common lounge areas and kitchens. Not only are these lounge areas chock full of comfortable couches and chairs, they each have a grand fireplace perfect for kicking back and relaxing. You’ll even find old antiques scattered around, a mounted moose, and a large deck outside for taking in the gorgeous views!
Another Rawhide Ranch original is its Tipi Village. That’s right, for those wanting an adventure, two large tipis sit in the distance, waiting for your camping pleasure. With their sandy floor and built in fire pit, you’ll be one with nature. A unique spin on primitive camping, Rawhide’s tipis offer a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll only get on the Ranch!
Of course, you can do more than just stay at Rawhide…you can play too! Bask in the beautiful surroundings as you hit the trails on the property for a Brown County horseback ride! Even the little ones can get in on the action too during a pony ride in the round pen.
Need an adrenaline rush? Check out Rawhide’s Holler Hoppin’ Zip Lines! Soar through the woods as you zoom over ravines anywhere from 25 to 50 feet deep and 120 to 300 feet long! No need to be scared…your take off points aren’t high at all. Fun for everyone, Rawhide’s zip lines are great for the whole family, no matter what age. They even have night zips so you can take in forest by moonlight!
As if that wasn’t enough, Rawhide Ranch also has outdoor fire pits, cowboy games, a recreational basketball court, and ponds for fishing. All of Rawhide’s outdoor offerings are open to the public so you can take advantage of all the fun even if you aren’t an overnight guest. Take all that and pair it with Rawhide’s friendly staff and you’ve got a recipe for a great vacation! It won’t take long at the Ranch and you’ll feel like family. In fact, Rawhide’s staff may love their job more than you’ll love visiting, which means they’ll go above and beyond to make your stay a memorable one.
So, the next time you’re needing a break from reality, escape to the Ranch, Brown County’s very own hidden haven in the hills!