Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
Trail Rides
Wrangler:
1 hour trail ride
Description
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.
Approx 90 minute experience
(roughly 60 minutes saddle time)
Ride Dates and Information
Wrangler 1 Hour Trail Ride
Season:
Our trail ride season runs May through October.
2025 Rates:
$65/person
$55/person for overnight guests and/or groups of 5 or more
$95/person for a private ride (minimum of 2 riders required to book
Ride Schedules:
Peak Summer Season is mid-June through mid-August. At this time of year we generally offer rides 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. No rides are offered on Sundays.
*2025 Summer Ride Schedule Coming Soon*
For rides May through mid-June or mid-August through October please call for availability.
Holiday Hours:
No trail rides are available on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but we will be offering Sunday rides on those holiday weekends.
We will be offering trail rides on our normal schedule on 4th of July.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529. You will need to pay in full at time of reservation and we have a no refund, no exchange policy once a ride has been booked.
Should we need to cancel a ride due to weather or staffing you will receive a full refund.
Please keep in mind we will ride in a light to moderate rain, but we will not ride in a downpour, thunder or lightning. Extreme heat or humidity could also cause cancelation. We will call the booking party member on the day of ride if we need to cancel, but this judgement call is made by Ranch Rudolf, not by the guest.
All payments are subject to a 4% service fee for the card payment and the Specialty Rides; The Shirley Temple Ride and Wild West Dinner Ride are also subject to 20% gratuity.
Bronco:
2 hour trail ride
Description
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.
Approximately 2.5 hour experience
Ride Dates and Information
Season:
Our trail ride season runs May through October.
2025 Rates:
$105/person
$95/person for overnight guests and/or groups of 5 or more
$135/person for a private ride (minimum of 2 riders required to book)
Ride Schedules:
Peak Summer Season is mid-June through mid-August. At this time of year we generally offer rides 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. No rides are offered on Sundays.
*2025 Summer Ride Schedule Coming Soon*
For rides May through mid-June or mid-August through October please call for availability.
Holiday Hours:
No trail rides are available on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but we will be offering Sunday rides on those holiday weekends.
We will be offering trail rides on our normal schedule on 4th of July.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529. You will need to pay in full at time of reservation and we have a no refund, no exchange policy once a ride has been booked.
Should we need to cancel a ride due to weather or staffing you will receive a full refund.
Please keep in mind we will ride in a light to moderate rain, but we will not ride in a downpour, thunder or lightning. Extreme heat or humidity could also cause cancelation. We will call the booking party member on the day of ride if we need to cancel, but this judgement call is made by Ranch Rudolf, not by the guest.
All payments are subject to a 4% service fee for the card payment and the Specialty Rides; The Shirley Temple Ride and Wild West Dinner Ride are also subject to 20% gratuity.
Shirley Temple Trail Ride
Description
Shirley Temple Trail Ride
A trail ride complete with a stop to the hitching post where riders will come into the lodge and family saloon for a refreshing drink. Choose from a Shirley Temple, Lemonade or a mug of Root Beer. Pretzels and popcorn also provided. Be sure to check out the frog ponds, playground and big checkers board during your stop! Then saddle up to head back to the barn with your trusty steed.
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.
Ride Dates and Information
Season:
Our trail ride season runs May through October.
2025 Rates:
$95/person
$85/person for overnight guests and/or groups of 5 or more
$125/person for a private ride (minimum of 2 riders required to book)
Ride Schedules:
Peak Summer Season is mid-June through mid-August. At this time of year we generally offer rides 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. No rides are offered on Sundays.
*2025 Summer Ride Schedule Coming Soon*
For rides May through mid-June or mid-August through October please call for availability.
Holiday Hours:
No trail rides are available on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but we will be offering Sunday rides on those holiday weekends.
We will be offering trail rides on our normal schedule on 4th of July.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529. You will need to pay in full at time of reservation and we have a no refund, no exchange policy once a ride has been booked.
Should we need to cancel a ride due to weather or staffing you will receive a full refund.
Please keep in mind we will ride in a light to moderate rain, but we will not ride in a downpour, thunder or lightning. Extreme heat or humidity could also cause cancelation. We will call the booking party member on the day of ride if we need to cancel, but this judgement call is made by Ranch Rudolf, not by the guest.
All payments are subject to a 4% service fee for the card payment and the Specialty Rides; The Shirley Temple Ride and Wild West Dinner Ride are also subject to 20% gratuity.
Wild West Dinner Ride
Description
Wild West Dinner Ride
Approximately 2.5 hour experience in total.
A trail ride complete with a stop to the hitching post where riders will come into the lodge and family saloon for a hamburger or hot dog dinner complete with pasta salad, baked beans, watermelon, a sweet treat and a non-alcoholic beverage (coke products). Smothered chicken breast with broccoli and cheese or bbq beef ribs available for an additional $28. Be sure to check out the frog pond, playground and big checkers board during your stop. Then saddle up to head back to the barn with your trusty steed.
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.
Ride Dates and Information
Season:
Our trail ride season runs May through October.
2025 Rates:
$135/person
$125/person for overnight guest and/or groups of 5 or more
$165/person for a private ride (minimum of 2 riders required to book)
Ride Schedules:
Peak Summer Season is mid-June through mid-August. At this time of year we generally offer rides 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. No rides are offered on Sundays.
*2025 Summer Ride Schedule Coming Soon*
For rides May through mid-June or mid-August through October please call for availability.
Holiday Hours:
No trail rides are available on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but we will be offering Sunday rides on those holiday weekends.
We will be offering trail rides on our normal schedule on 4th of July.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529. You will need to pay in full at time of reservation and we have a no refund, no exchange policy once a ride has been booked.
Should we need to cancel a ride due to weather or staffing you will receive a full refund.
Please keep in mind we will ride in a light to moderate rain, but we will not ride in a downpour, thunder or lightning. Extreme heat or humidity could also cause cancelation. We will call the booking party member on the day of ride if we need to cancel, but this judgement call is made by Ranch Rudolf, not by the guest.
All payments are subject to a 4% service fee for the card payment and the Specialty Rides; The Shirley Temple Ride and Wild West Dinner Ride are also subject to 20% gratuity.
Children's Trail Rides
Buckaroo:
A barnyard ride
Description
Buckaroo Barnyard Ride
Approximately 15 minutes
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.
Ride Dates and Information
Season:
Our trail ride season runs May through October.
2025 Rates:
$20 for a 15 minute ride (parent leads horse)
Ride Schedules:
Peak Summer Season is mid-June through mid-August. At this time of year we generally offer rides 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. No rides are offered on Sundays.
*2025 Summer Ride Schedule Coming Soon*
For rides May through mid-June or mid-August through October please call for availability.
Holiday Hours:
No trail rides are available on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but we will be offering Sunday rides on those holiday weekends.
We will be offering trail rides on our normal schedule on 4th of July.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529. You will need to pay in full at time of reservation and we have a no refund, no exchange policy once a ride has been booked.
Should we need to cancel a ride due to weather or staffing you will receive a full refund.
Please keep in mind we will ride in a light to moderate rain, but we will not ride in a downpour, thunder or lightning. Extreme heat or humidity could also cause cancelation. We will call the booking party member on the day of ride if we need to cancel, but this judgement call is made by Ranch Rudolf, not by the guest.
All payments are subject to a 4% service fee for the card payment and the Specialty Rides; The Shirley Temple Ride and Wild West Dinner Ride are also subject to 20% gratuity.
Tiny Tots Lesson
Tiny Tots
Description
Tiny Tots Lesson
Approximately 30 minutes in total
Child will have the opportunity to meet a horse up close and personal. Learn some basic skills including how to work safely around a horse, brush them and get a short barnyard ride including obstacles; led by a staff member.
Ride Dates and Information
Season:
Our trail ride season runs May through October.
2025 Rates:
$45/student (up to 4 students allowed at a time)
$55/student for a private group (reserve a slot for your own family. Open to 1-4 children from your own family.)
Ride Schedules:
Peak Summer Season is mid-June through mid-August. At this time of year we generally offer rides 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday. No rides are offered on Sundays.
*2025 Summer Ride Schedule Coming Soon*
For rides May through mid-June or mid-August through October please call for availability.
Holiday Hours:
No trail rides are available on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but we will be offering Sunday rides on those holiday weekends.
We will be offering trail rides on our normal schedule on 4th of July.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529. You will need to pay in full at time of reservation and we have a no refund, no exchange policy once a ride has been booked.
Should we need to cancel a ride due to weather or staffing you will receive a full refund.
Please keep in mind we will ride in a light to moderate rain, but we will not ride in a downpour, thunder or lightning. Extreme heat or humidity could also cause cancelation. We will call the booking party member on the day of ride if we need to cancel, but this judgement call is made by Ranch Rudolf, not by the guest.
All payments are subject to a 4% service fee for the card payment and the Specialty Rides; The Shirley Temple Ride and Wild West Dinner Ride are also subject to 20% gratuity.
Reservations:
All rides are offered by reservation only by calling 231-947-9529.
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!
