Why a dude ranch vacation?

A trip to a dude ranch offers a unique and immersive family vacation experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and education....

Published on 5/16/2025 (13 days ago) Blog

 

bar-w-honemoonmain.jpg

The Perfect Honeymoon Destination

The Bar W Guest Ranch provides an idyllic setting for a romantic honeymoon, offering stunning natural beauty and serenity that create the perfect backdrop for newlyweds....

Published on 5/16/2025 (13 days ago) Blog

 

Guest Spotlight Feature Story: Cheryl Cooper

At Bar W Guest Ranch, we believe a vacation should be more than just a getaway—it should be an experience that stays with you long after you leave. That’s why we’re so proud to share a recent guest’s story, Cheryl Cooper, about how her time at the ranch changed her life....

Published on 2/7/2025 (111 days ago) Blog

 

John-Thomas-Williams.jpg

Get to Know John-Thomas Williams, Assistant Head Wrangler at Bar W Guest Ranch

John-Thomas Williams embarked on his Bar W Guest Ranch adventure in 2022. He initially arrived in Whitefish, Montana, during the winter, seizing the off-season to contribute to the ranch's construction projects and engage with the horses....

Published on 8/27/2024 (275 days ago) Blog

 

Why you should visit Northern Montana!

TheBarW.com | Northern Montana is a destination of unparalleled natural beauty, offering vast landscapes that captivate visitors. The region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States, with Glacier National Park as a crown jewel. This park is home to rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife, providing countless opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a famous scenic drive, offers breathtaking views and is a must-see for any traveler....

Published on 7/15/2024 (318 days ago) Blog

 

Great Family Vacation

TheBarW.com | We wanted to share this recent review which really encapsulates the Bar W Guest Ranch....

Published on 7/15/2024 (318 days ago) Blog

 

Get to Know Cowboy Joe Head Wrangler at Bar W Guest Ranch

Joe moved to Montana from Tennessee and was looking for work as a wrangler. He first started working inside Glacier National Park doing trail rides in 2018. He heard about Bar W and stopped by one day to check out the ranch in 2019. Bar W Guest Ranch offered Joe a full time wrangler position and he couldn’t pass it up. He’s been at the ranch ever since!...

Published on 5/6/2024 (1 years 23 days ago) Blog

 

Why visit Montana?

TheBarW.com | Montana, with its rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness, offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sprawling plains and pristine lakes, the state boasts unparalleled beauty and serenity. Visitors can explore iconic national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone, where they can witness breathtaking vistas, spot diverse wildlife, and experience the raw power of nature. Whether it's hiking through lush forests, fly-fishing in crystal-clear streams, or embarking on a scenic road trip along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration....

Published on 4/5/2024 (1 years 54 days ago) Blog

 

Best Places to Horseback Ride in Montana

TheBarW.com | Montana offers a captivating landscape for horseback riding enthusiasts, with its vast open plains, rolling hills, and rugged mountains providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable equestrian adventure. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a novice, Montana's diverse terrain offers something for everyone. Imagine trotting through pristine wilderness areas, crossing crystal-clear streams, and winding through lush forests, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you....

Published on 4/5/2024 (1 years 54 days ago) Blog

 

Meet the New Bar W Guest Ranch General Manager – Jami Phillips

Jami comes with an impressive background in the hospitality industry with over 25 years of experience. Jami thrives on providing optimal guest experiences and ensuring everyone at Bar W feels connected, including staff and guests. Jami is very passionate about Montana, the Flathead Valley area and everything those magnificent regions have to offer. Jami and her husband have a lovely family which includes six wonderful children! Bar W is beyond thrilled to have Jami leading the Bar W Guest Ranch family and wanted to take the opportunity to get to know her better....

Published on 3/6/2024 (1 years 84 days ago) Blog

 

One of the most scenic and spectacular vacations in the U.S.A.

TheBarW | Nestled in the heart of the picturesque countryside, the Bar W Guest Ranch stands as a haven for those seeking a genuine Western experience. With sprawling landscapes and rustic charm, this dude ranch invites guests to immerse themselves in a world of adventure. The Bar W boasts a perfect blend of modern comfort and cowboy nostalgia, creating an atmosphere that captures the essence of the Wild West....

Published on 2/8/2024 (1 years 111 days ago) Blog

 

The Family Vacation of a Lifetime

TheBarW | Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, the Bar W Guest Ranch promises a family vacation like no other....

Published on 2/8/2024 (1 years 111 days ago) Blog

 

What are people saying about The Bar W Guest Ranch?

TheBarW.com | July 17, 2023We asked our social media friends the following question, “If you've visited our ranch before, what was your favorite part?” Here are their responses. “I loved the whole experience! The staff was great. Meeting new friends on the cattle drive" ( and continue to be friends, from California to Pennsylvania) I would love to come back.” -Royann “Love to the Glamping tents, and the rides were awesome.” -Kathy “Family style meals! My kids loved ringing the bell for meals!” –Chrissy “Very hard to choose, loved all of it. The staff is absolutely wonderful and accommodating! Coming back this year for the week long cattle drive! Would recommend it to anyone who loves horses and making new friends!” -Margaret “My favorite part was everything. The staff was amazing. If I had...

Published on 7/17/2023 (1 years 317 days ago) Blog

 

Horse Riding 101

TheBarW.com | July 17, 2023 1. Stay alert: Riding is super fun, and when you’re first learning, it’s easy to get distracted. You are dealing with a living, breathing animal who might behave unpredictably. You’ll learn to understand “horse talk” better as you progress, but keep your eyes open and be aware of your horse, other horses around you, and the surroundings. Your toes (and pride) will be happier for it. 2. Protect your feet: Speaking of toes, proper boots are a must. You don’t need to purchase new ones for your first riding experience make sure to wear close toed shoes for sure. 3. Greet your horse: Keep in mind that your horse is a living creature, not a vehicle that you can control at your will. The horse could also be nervous, tired or even scared to have someone new riding him....

Published on 7/17/2023 (1 years 317 days ago) Blog

 

What is a Dude Ranch and how did they become popular?

 Photo: Dude Ranch AssociationA dude ranch is (in the western US) a cattle ranch converted to a vacation resort for tourists. Guest ranches arose in response to the romanticization of the American West that began to occur in the late 19th century. While there were guest ranches prior to the 20th century, the trend grew considerably after the end of World War I. In the early 1920s guest ranching became popular in Texas.Photo: Dude Ranch AssociationThe Dude Ranch industry was growing so rapidly that in 1923 a dude ranch opened in Hawaii, modeled after those in Wyoming. In 1926, the Dude Ranchers Association was founded in Billings, Montana, to represent the needs of this rapidly growing industry. During the Great Depression the industry continued to expand, likely as an alternative income...

Published on 5/8/2023 (2 years 22 days ago) Blog

 

1 2

The Bar W Guest Ranch

2875 Highway 93 West
Whitefish MT 59937

Phone: (406) 863-9099
 

Receive the Latest Ranch News

*indicates required
The Bar W Guest Ranch - Whitefish Montana - Dude Vacation Ranch