Following my post on Russia, this probably sounds like a pretty crazy 'dream vacation' for me, but every time I think about this place, I find I can't wait until our son is a little older so that we can enjoy everything it has to offer (not that a 3 year old wouldn't enjoy this trip - but it seems like the kind of place I really want him to remember... plus we need to get beyond the napping stage so we don't miss out on any of the activities offered).
Wolf Lake Ranch is located in western Michigan in the heart of the Manistee Forest. The ranch, originally known as Wolf Lake Station, was built in 1890 and turned into a guest ranch in 1945. The 35 acre property offers cabins, hot tub, playground, volleyball courts, rodeo corral, pavilion (for cookouts, games and dances), 50+ horses, twice daily trail rides, a sandy beach on a crystal clear lake, canoeing and paddle-boating, softball, tennis, archery, basketball, ping-pong and horseshoes. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hunting and ice fishing.
Of course, not everyone out there is a seasoned horseback rider... including yours truly. But I'm assured that the staff is ready for anything, from those with years of experience riding to those beginners (big and small) that want to try their hand at something new.
And if their website doesn't have you convinced that this is a great family vacation destination, check out their facebook page and read through some of the amazing things their guests have to say about it. So many people have commented on their annual visits to Wolf Lake Ranch, which is one thing that impresses me greatly... I don't know that I've ever taken a vacation that I couldn't wait to repeat the following year. Guests have said it's the most relaxing vacation they've ever taken and that the scenery can't be beat. To top it off, there are nothing but kind words to describe the ranch's owners, Pete & Marlena Libby.
Another selling point for my husband and I: guests have wonderful things to say about all of the friends they make during their stay on the ranch. We love trips that allow us to meet new people!
As far as their pricing is concerned, one of the great things about it is that their rates are based on age, making it a little more affordable for those with young ones and, even better, kids 5 and under are free. Their rates are posted here. Your cost includes meals, riding and all ranch activities, making it an "all-inclusive" sort of vacation and saving you from having to figure out how much spending money you'll need once you're there. All meals are all-you-can-eat and numerous guests have raved about their menu.
If I'm being totally honest with myself, I'm not sure what I find most appealing about Wolf Lake Ranch: the laid-back atmosphere, the evening campfires, the home-cooked meals or the fact that I might finally have a place to wear my cowboy boots and hat. Regardless of the reason, I can't wait to check it out first-hand.
If you've ever been to Wolf Lake Ranch, please comment and share your experiences below.
Happy traveling!
My husband and I have been going to the ranch for over 25 years now. We both worked there, met there, were engaged there, and now bring our four children back to enjoy the family friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of safe and fun things for kids to do and parents can hang out together and lounge on the beach, ride horses and enjoy campfires once the kiddos are down. There's nowhere else in the world we would want to take the kids for vacation-and they agree!
ReplyDeleteWe have been going for almost 20 years. Love every moment everytime! It is a priceless vacation that we now have three generations coming on. There are activities all day and a beautiful beach. The riding trails are really some of the best in the US. The meals are fabulous and filling. The accommodations are spacious and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been going for almost 20 years! My dad found this charming place and started bringing myself and my daughters as they hit the required riding age. I now have a college daughter, a senior in hs, and a 6th grader. We count down the days until it's RANCH TIME! We actually start that countdown when we get home from our weekend! The people we've met are absolutely amazing. The owners are the most wonderful people ever. They love their ranch and it shows! The food....well....not enough great things can be said! As hard as it may be to "get in" since regulars usually roll their deposit and go on the same dates year after year, I highly recommend this wonderful ranch for your next relaxing, yet fun, weekend adventure!
ReplyDeleteWe have gone for a girl's week-end for the past three years on the recommendation of a friend who has been going for "years". It is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable times I have had on a getaway week-end. A week-end I look forward to every year.
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