The Dude Ranch Vacation: An American Tradition
Dude ranches, as they are known today, first gained marked
popularity in the 1920s, in large part due to the writings of
Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt spent some time working as a
ranchman, and herding cattle, and he urged Americans to explore
for themselves.
As more and more tourists started arriving from the east, and
overseas, many cattle ranches opened themselves up to
accommodate the visitors. Dude ranches have since become a
fixture in the U.S., as American as apple pie and baseball. The
dude ranch embodies the ideas of self-reliance, living off the
land, and wide opens spaces. Forget about the TV and the
Internet, and turn that cell phone off. Once on the ranch, these
distractions will happily be put aside.
Some working ranches allow visitors to get a true taste of the
cowboy life, with the opportunity to help with the chores
required for the daily operation of the ranch. Dude ranches have
also evolved with the times, and many boast every modern amenity
one can imagine. Horseback riding is offered for all skill
levels, and lessons are almost always available. Although it
varies from ranch to ranch, numerous other activities, such as
swimming, fishing, hiking, square dances and campfires are
usually offered.
Many tourists are drawn to dude ranches for the same reasons
they were at the beginning of the 20th century: a sense of
adventure, a desire to experience another way of life, and the
chance for a wholesome and healthy good time.
There are, of course, more modern reasons to spend time at a
dude ranch. Without the neon lights of the city, you can see the
stars at night. Without the noise of the highway, you can hear
the crickets and birds. And when you