The Nation's First Dude Ranch Is Right Here In Wyoming And You'll Want To Stay

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.