Winter Fun
Winter on the Ranch
First week in December through First week in March
The winter season brings something extra special to the Ranch. We celebrate the season in extraordinary ways as we embrace the cozy feeling of togetherness it provides.
Christmas Parties and Celebrations
Available Dec 1-Dec 23 (Servicing 10-80 People)
Christmas season on the Ranch is nothing short of magical. The lodge is decorated, the horses have bells on, the fire is roaring. Whether looking for a special place to host your Family Christmas or your Company Christmas Party, we invite you to enjoy a Country Christmas to remember.
Amenities include:
-meal service (luncheon, dinner and/or hors d’ oeuvres)
-beverage service
-overnight lodging is available
-horse-drawn winter hayrides are available
These gatherings are fully customizable to suit your needs and create your vision.
Mix, Mingle and Holiday Jingle
Available Dec 1-23 (Servicing 10-80 People)
Enjoy a beautiful afternoon with your special guests as you celebrate the Christmas season. This is a perfect option for your company gathering or your group of family and friends. Gather inside the beautifully decorated lodge to enjoy an array of appetizers, refreshments and desserts. Enjoy each other’s company while gathered around the magnificent circular fireplace that encourages comfortable conversation. Top the event off with an approximately 40 min horse-drawn winter hayride. Please allow 2.5 hours for this unique experience.
Please call 231-947-9529 to seek reservation information.
Santa and Sleigh Bells Event
Second Weekend in December (Saturday and Sunday)
Santa Claus is coming to the Ranch! This extra special family event includes horse-drawn winter hayrides with our very own Beau and Knox, a dessert and hot chocolate bar and a visit with Santa himself in our beautifully decorated lodge. Children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa. This event is offered by reservation only, tickets will go on sale November 1st.
Horse-Drawn Winter Hayrides
Available first week in December through last week in February
A horse-drawn hayride with our beautiful Belgian horses, Beau and Knox, is the perfect way to enjoy a winter afternoon in Michigan. This family-friendly ride is great for all ages and abilities. Bundle up (snow gear is encouraged and you are also welcome to bring blankets along if desired) to enjoy an approximately 40 minute ride in the Boardman River Valley. The trip will start and end at the main lodge and loops around some private property, seasonal roadways and along the Boardman River. You will sit in an open bed of hay in our big bobsled. There is also one bench seat available directly behind the driver.
The drivers will decide if they will hook horses to the wagon or sleigh based on current conditions. The safety and comfort of our horses will be the deciding factor when making this judgement call and because conditions can change quickly in Northern Michigan this is not something that can be decided in advance.
Depending on your date, the lodge may be open for food and/or beverages following your ride. Please inquire at time of reservation.
Rates:
Groups of 2-10 people: $180
Groups of 11+ people: $18/person (ages 2 and under are free of charge)
Maximum ride size: 20 people
Reservations are required for this activity. Please call 231-947-9529 to reserve a ride for your group.
Frosty Family Days
2025 Dates: January 19 and February 16
Bring your family or friends out to enjoy a winter afternoon at the Ranch. Activities will include winter hayrides with Beau and Knox, a s’more station and a cup of delicious hot chocolate. We also encourage you to bring your snow gear and enjoy the snow and fresh air-you are welcome to use the front grounds to build a snowman or snow fort, make snow angels and use the playground area.
Rates:
Single Person (adults and children): $16 per person
Household Family Rate: $75 per family (6 person max)
*no outside food or beverage can be brought in
These family days are offered by reservation only, please call 231-947-9529 to reserve tickets for your family. *These Family Days happen with or without snow.
Snowmobiling
Trail system is open Dec 1-March 31 (regardless of snow condition)
Our hours will vary based on rideable snow conditions
The Ranch is nestled right in the middle of roughly 200 miles of groomed trails, we are conveniently located on trail 5. The Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club, comprised solely of volunteers, grooms trails and works year-round to brush, sign and maintain this fantastic trail system.
Ranch Rudolf does not rent snowmobiles, we are a destination for snowmobilers.
We are not a staging area for parking and riding, please use one of the four designated staging areas this trail system provides.
We encourage you to follow our Ranch Rudolf facebook page for the most up to date trail reports.
Due to the winter themed nature of our business, weather factors and trail conditions will influence our winter hours, but as conditions allow the Ranch will be open on Saturdays and Sundays between Dec 26 and the first week of March, with extended hours available between Christmas and New Year. Updated hours are available on our weekly facebook posts.
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