When most people think of Florida, they usually think of sunny beaches and amusement parks and not ranches and cattle. You might be surprised, then, when you discover that there is a resort in rural central Florida where you can stay overnight and partake in several activities alongside horses and farm animals. Polk County’s Westgate River Ranch is a family-friendly dude ranch where adults and children alike can put on their cowboy hats and have some good old-fashioned fun.
Westgate River Ranch is located 90 minutes south of Orlando on 1,700 acres of land in eastern Polk County in central Florida. The resort is dog-friendly so don’t leave your pet behind! Note, though, that there is a $150 pet fee and weight restrictions - be sure to check before you arrive that your furry friend doesn’t exceed the limit.
The most economical accommodation option, besides pitching a tent on one of Westgate’s campsites or bringing your RV, is booking a stay in one of the resort’s “lodge guest rooms.”
For as little as $129 a night, you get 279 square feet of space; sleeping area for four people; and amenities like a microwave, a 51-inch flat-screen TV, and a mini fridge. What’s also great about these rooms is that they are close to both the resort’s bar and rodeo arena. If you’re looking for a little more room, you have the option of upgrading to the lodge’s deluxe (382 square feet) or premium suites (611 square feet).
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If you want to splurge on your vacation, consider Westgate’s glamping options which include the Luxe Conestoga Wagon and Luxe Teepee accommodations.
Both of these options include "upgraded" amenities like coffee and pastries delivered each morning, use of a resort golf cart, and free rodeo tickets with VIP seating. As well, these rooms - while on the outside may seem somewhat primitive - are air-conditioned and heated and have full bathrooms with showers and baths. Both the teepees and the wagons also feature outdoor seating areas and grant lodgers access to a private fire pit with s’mores included.
You can even bring your lodging with you! For $45 or $109 a night, respectively, you can either bring and pitch a tent or bunk in your RV. There is even an option to sleep in a resort-provided tent on one of the property’s platform campsites for $89 a night.
All of these options include access to communal bathroom facilities with showers. There are also fire pits available if you choose either of the camping options.
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, you have several options to choose from. There are three standalone restaurants as well as a combined general store-cafe on the property.
The Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar is a new upscale steakhouse that offers menu options like filet mignon, ribeye steak, chicken fried steak, and braised short ribs. The Westgate Smokehouse serves burgers and other sandwiches, a selection of barbecue dishes, and a variety of appetizers and salads. The River Ranch Saloon boasts a full bar and puts on live country-western musical performances every Friday and Saturday night. Finally, the resort’s general store offers for sale items like groceries, cold beverages, and gifts, as well as serves simple items like bagels, pizza, and build-your-own sandwiches in the attached cafe.
Westgate River Ranch offers a variety of fun activities for its visitors to partake in while they’re on-property.
Go horseback riding on the resort’s trails; see how good of a marksman you are on the ranch’s air-rifle range; go for a ride in Westgate’s oversized swamp buggy; or see how long you last on the mechanical bull. Kids will enjoy the free petting zoo that includes animals like sheep, goats, pot-bellied pigs, and rabbits.
The main event at Westgate River Ranch, however, is the rodeo.
Every Saturday night at 7:30 visitors can take in the show at the resort’s 1,200-seat arena. Performers partake in trick riding (or, performing stunts while on a horse), barrel racing, and bull riding. This spectacle is sure to entertain visitors young and old!
Most people come to Florida to visit the state’s amusement parks or to soak up the Sun on the many beaches within The Sunshine State. However, Florida is more than theme parks and the coast. Dig a little bit deeper and you’ll find unique attractions like Westgate River Ranch, home to fun family-friendly activities like horseback riding and a rodeo. Be sure to check out this central Florida point-of-interest the next time you’re in America’s 27th state. And on your way back to the Orlando airport consider stopping at another unique destination – the world’s largest McDonald’s. To learn more about Westgate River Ranch check out the resort’s website or the property’s Facebook page.
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