Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
Trail Rides
Wrangler:
1 hour trail ride
Riders need no prior experience to enjoy this 1 hour long trail guided ride that is open to ages 8 through adult. This is a walk only ride that takes you through the beautiful Boardman River Valley. A Wrangler will assign horses and provide basic instruction prior to hitting the trails. The ride will take place along Ranch property as well as the surrounding State Forest, a large portion of the ride will be in a wooded area.
This is an authentic trail ride; you can expect varied terrain, some small hills, the possibility of low limbs or branches and many rides also cross the river when weather allows. Closed toe shoes are required. A scenic and memorable activity for the whole family to enjoy.
-our season and ride schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Rides Times:
These 1 hour trail rides are offered on a first come, first served basis (no reservations.) We suggest arriving at least 45 min before your desired ride time. Ride times are as follows:
10am
11:30am
1pm
2:30pm
-ride times can change without notice
Holiday Hours:
Memorial Day: 10am and 11:30am ride times offered
4th of July: All ride times offered between 10am and 2:30pm
Labor Day: 10am and 11:30am ride times offered
Weather Factors:
-Weather factors can change our ride schedule without notice
-We typically ride in a light to moderate rain, but will not go out in a heavy downpour or thunder/lightning
-Extreme heat/humidity can also change or limit our ride schedule
Bronco:
2 hour trail ride
Our 2 hour rides are offered by reservation only. We offer these rides on Tuesdays. At minimum they need to be booked two days in advance, but as space is limited, it is always best to reserve much before that. Riders need no experience to participate; they are walking only rides. Wranglers will provide basic instruction and assign horses. The ride will take place on Ranch property as well as the surrounding State Forest. A large portion of the ride will be in a wooded area.
This is an authentic trail ride. You can expect varied terrain, some small hills, the possibility of low limbs or branches and many rides also cross the river as weather allows. Closed toe shoes are required. Participants must be 8 years of age and older. A scenic and memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy.
2024 Dates and Costs
-please note, we will blend groups of riders together for these rides
2 Hour Private Ride: $98/person
-for these private rides it will be just your party and a Wrangler
Season:
– there may be additional availability on occasion, if interested in checking availability please EMAIL us at ranchrudolf@gmail.com
-our season and ride schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Rides Times:
These 2 hour trail rides are offered by reservation only. At minimum they need to be booked two days in advance, but as space is limited and rides often fill quickly, we suggest booking much before that-weeks ahead is a great idea.
– ride times vary by day, please call 231-947-9529 to inquire
-for late arrivals, ride times will be adjusted accordingly; if you are not here at least 30 min before your scheduled ride time you will not get a full 2 hour ride
-for late arrivals that arrive 10 min or more after the start of your ride time, you will lose your ride reservation and not be able to participate. No refunds.
-ride times can change without notice
– No refunds available once a ride has been booked
Refunds and Weather Factors:
-If we need to cancel a ride due to weather, staffing issues, etc we will contact you directly to do so. Keep in mind, we do ride in rain. Poor weather conditions that could cause us to cancel a ride include extreme rain/downpour, thunder/lightening, extreme heat, etc. Weather patterns can change quickly in Michigan, but we will make the best decision we can with as much notice as possible. Reserved rides are “on” unless you hear otherwise from us.
Buckaroo:
A barnyard ride
Our buckaroo ride is a parent led lead line ride for children ages 3-7 years old. Children will sit on their own horse while their parent or guardian (ages 18+) leads them around the barnyard. This is a walking ride. Only one person is allowed on the horse at a time. Both the child rider and the adult leading the horse must be in closed toe shoes to participate.
15 min barnyard ride: $15 (parent leads horse)
Season:
-our season and ride schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Rides Times:
These buckaroo rides are offered on a first come, first served basis (no reservations.) We suggest arriving at least 15 min before ride time to sign up at Ranch Rudolf main entrance. Ride times are as follows:
9:30am on each of the above listed days
Holiday Hours:
Memorial Day: Buckaroo rides available at 9:30am
4th of July: Buckaroo rides available at 9:30am
Labor Day: Buckaroo rides available at 9:30am
What To Wear
-
- Closed toe shoes are REQUIRED
- Shorts are okay for trail rides, but you may be more comfortable in long pants
- Riding helmets are required for those under 18 years old, they are provided
- Riding helmets are available upon request for riders over 18 years old
- We suggest leaving all backpacks, purses, water bottles, etc in your vehicle. You should have nothing with you that is strapped or hooked to yourself or your saddle or needs to be held. Things of this nature can be a distraction to riders and can also fall or spook horses.
- Cell phones are okay to bring along but we ask that you keep your ringer off and not let your phone interfere with your ability to pay attention and direct your horse. Putting reins down to get a picture will not be tolerated. You must also understand we ride in various terrain, most rides even cross water. Bring at your own discretion keeping in mind phones or unnecessary items can be dropped, lost or damaged during the ride.
Requirements to Ride
- Trail Rides
- You need no experience. We offer walking only rides and staff will provide basic, necessary instruction prior to the ride.
- Riders must be at least 8 years old. We do not allow double riding.
- We have a weight limit of 250lbs. Riders will need to be able to mount their horse from a 2-step mounting block.
- Closed toe shoes are required
- Riders must be able to follow all outlined rules and listen to their Wranglers throughout the ride
Buckaroo Rides
- For buckaroo rides (parent led barnyard rides) both the parent leading the horse and child riding the horse will need closed toe shoes.
- Parent/adult needs to be 18yrs+. This ride is offered to children 3-7yrs.
- Parent will need to be able to walk 15 min in a sandy barnyard
- Parent will need to be able to lead the horse independently, after getting basic instruction from staff
River Trips
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing or kayaking the clean waters of the Boardman is a great way to spend an afternoon, but these activities are not suggested for the extremely novice or those fearful of getting wet, as tipping over is a possibility. The current is more swift than slow and navigation is required, this is by no means a lazy river. We strongly discourage this activity for children 3 or under.
The trip itself is 4 miles and averages 1.5 hours. Canoes are meant to seat two people, with the option of putting a third (child) in the middle. All of our kayaks are single seaters and guests need to be 12 years old+ to kayak. The rental price includes paddles and cushions. You sign up at the Ranch and ride a shuttle up river, all trips end at Ranch.
Canoeing and Kayaking:
4 mile trip-averages 1.5 hours. This is our only trip length for canoeing and kayaking.
Rental Cost: $40 per canoe (2 person), $40 per kayak (single person)
Rental Cost for Overnight Guest: $35 per canoe (2 person), $35 per kayak (single person)
-all rentals must be off river and returned no later than 6pm; 4pm Sundays
Deposit: $20 per canoe/per kayak.
Deposits must be paid in cash.
-deposits will be forfeited for late returns (after 6pm; 4pm Sundays)
-deposits will be forfeited, and additional charges will apply, for lost or damaged equipment
Season:
-our season and rental schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Trip Times:
River trips run on top of the hour between 10am and 4pm on all rental dates except Sundays when trips end at 2pm. Please see specific dates above.
Trips happen on a first come, first served basis. We suggest arriving at least 20 min early to sign-up.
All rentals must be off river and returned no later than 6pm, 4pm on Sundays.
River trip schedules can change without notice.
Holiday Hours:
Memorial Day: No river trips available
(river trips are available Sat and Sunday of Memorial Weekend)
4th of July: River trips available 10am to 4pm, must be off river no later than 6pm
Labor Day: No river trips available
(river trips are available Sat and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend
River Tubing
River tubing is an adventurous activity where you are sure to get wet. You sit in an open bottom tube and float down the river. The current will move you along, but you’ll need to use your arms to steer or navigate along the way.
This activity is not suggested for children under 3 years old. Young children, 4-6yrs, can sit on a parents lap. Generally by about age 7 most kids are big enough to ride in their own youth sized tube.
River Tubing:
2 Mile Trip-averages 1.25 hours.
Rental Cost: $14 per tube
Rental Cost for Overnight Guests: $12 per tube
Deposit: $10 per tube. (deposits must be paid in cash)
4 Mile trip-averages 2.5 hours.
*latest time you can depart for this longer trip is 3pm
Rental Cost: $20 per tube
Rental Cost for Overnight Guests: $18 per tube
Deposit: $10 per tube (deposits must be paid in cash)
-deposits will be forfeited for late returns (after 6pm; 4pm Sundays)
-deposits will be forfeited, and additional charges will apply, for lost or damaged equipment
Season:
-our season and rental schedule could change without notice based on weather, staffing or various other factors
Trip Times:
Tubing trips run on top of the hour between 10am and 4pm (3pm is the last departure time for long trip.) on all rental dates except Sundays when trips end at 2pm (1pm is last departure time for long trip on Sundays.) Please see specific dates above.
Trips happen on a first come, first served basis. We suggest arriving at least 20 min early to sign-up.
All rentals must be off river and returned no later than 6pm, 4pm on Sundays.
River trip schedules can change without notice.
Holiday Hours:
Memorial Day: No river trips available (We do offer tubing on Sat and Sunday of Memorial Weekend)
4th of July: Tubing trips available 10am to 4pm, must be off river no later than 6pm
Labor Day: No river trips available (We do offer tubing trips on Sat and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend)
KIDS FISHING & FROG PONDS
Ponds are stocked with rainbow trout and fish are pellet fed, meaning even amatuer fishermen stand a good chance of reeling in a big one. No catch and release allowed. $11/ fish charge. Must have your own equipment. Ponds are open for public fishing daily June 14 through Labor Day between 9am and 5pm.
Sometimes our main grounds are closed for private events, and this schedule can change without notice. It’s encouraged to email ranchrudolf@gmail.com to check pond availability for your desired fishing date.
The Ranch is situated on the Boardman River, a nationally known blue ribbon trout stream. Anglers of all levels enjoy the serenity of the Boardman. Due to mid day canoe and kayak traffic, fly fishing is most appropriate in the early mornings or later evenings, or slightly downstream of the Ranch. Must have your own equipment including a fishing license. Only overnight guests can access the river from our property, thank you for understanding.
CHILDREN'S ARCHERY
Coming soon!
Hay Rides & Sleigh Rides
Our hay rides and sleigh rides are horse-drawn, pulled by our stunning team of belgian horses, Beau and Knox. These big boys joined our Ranch family in 2020 and are each about 2200lbs of beauty and grace-they are a sight to see.
We offer hay rides and sleigh rides where you sit in an open bed of hay. There is also one bench seat directly behind the driver’s seat. You should dress for the weather (snow gear and blankets are encouraged during the winter months) as you will be outside for the duration of the ride, which lasts approximately 40 minutes. Your ride will start and end at the Ranch and will circle around through some private property, seasonal roads and state forest throughout the ride.
Our most popular season for hay rides and sleigh rides is Fall to Spring, Labor Day through early March. This being said, we do also accommodate overnight guests and group events for hayrides at any time of year including Summer; this is an activity that is very popular with our family reunion guests in particular. Rides are offered by reservation only, please call 231-947-9529 or email ranchrudolf@gmail.com with any questions you may have or to inquire about ride availability.
Rides are generally available on Saturdays and Sundays with extended days available surrounding Christmas and New Year where rides are generally going out each day. Christmas season is particularly magical; the horses have bells on and the holiday spirit is in the air, this is a great way for families to make a memory and celebrate the season.
Drivers will decide based on conditions of the day if they will be hooking the horses to the wagon or sleigh. Please understand this is a decision that must be made the day of ride as conditions change quickly in Northern Michigan. Even if it is snowing the day of your ride the horses need a very solid base to be able to pull the sleigh on its runners. The comfort and safety of our horses will always come first when making these decisions and having a wagon versus a sleigh for your ride will not constitute a cancellation or refund.
When reserving a ride you reserve the wagon or sleigh for your own party, we do not bundle smaller groups together. Rides accommodate up to 20 people.
Reservations are required and we suggest trying to reserve at least a week or two in advance. Once a reservation has been made we have a no refund policy.
2-10 people is a flat rate of $180, which is our minimum charge.
11-20 people is $18/person with children 2 and under being free.
At certain times of year the lodge may be open for food or beverage prior to or following your ride, please inquire at time of booking.
Call us at 231-947-9529
to reserve your ride today!
