Vacation at the Largest Dude Ranch East of the Mississippi
FL – Are you looking for a fly-in resort where you can watch a rodeo, eat BBQ, visit a saloon, and go on a swamp buggy adventure? If you said yes, the Westgate River Ranch in River Ranch, FL might just be your ideal vacation. The Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort spans 1,700 acres, has a 4,950-foot airstrip, and many great places to eat. It also has a pool, hot tub, horseback riding, and hiking, as well as plenty of other exciting dude ranch adventures.
Fly-In to the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort Airstrip (2RR)
If you’re looking for a weekend airplane getaway, you can’t go wrong when you fly your single or twin-engine aircraft into the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort’s 4,950-foot hard-surface runway. Runway 16/34 is 75 feet wide and lighted. The airstrip has 100LL fuel available, and pilots can contact the CTAF at 122.8. 2RR’s elevation is 55 feet. Pilots should note that the airstrip is privately owned but open to the public.
Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort Dude Ranch, Where Cowboys Used to Roam
When you think of Florida, you probably think of sun, sand, cruising along the water or going on a cruise, deep sea fishing, and water sports. You may even think about Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Legoland. What you probably don’t think about is cowboys. After all, cowboys are out West in Texas, Arizona, California, and Wyoming. Florida is on the southeast coast.
Therefore, you might be surprised to find out that there were cowboys in Florida. In fact, the first Spanish settlers arrived in Florida with horses and cows in 1521. Those men and animals were aboard Juan Ponce de Leon’s ship, and they were offloaded. Unfortunately, the natives had other plans. Due to an attack, the horses and cows were left behind as the Spaniards fled. Of course, Juan Ponce de Leon wouldn’t be the last settler to land in the Americas. In 1565, more Spaniards arrived, and they brought more horses and cows as well as various plants and trees.
By the 1700s, Spanish colonies and cowboys were all over Florida. The cowboy’s primary goals included herding the cows and horses that had escaped due to the Indian attacks and raids. Those cowboys were nicknamed crackers or cracker cowboys. However, the term wasn’t meant to be an insult. Instead, it referred to the sounds their 10-foot-long whips made as they were used to herd and move cattle across the state.
The Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort was one of the stops along the route that cracker cowboys took across Florida when they were driving their cattle. In fact, several cracker cowboys would meet up at the location and combine their herds before trekking the rest of the way to the market.
When The Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort Was Built
Gulf American Corp. started building Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort in the 1960s. The company hoped to make the ranch the focal point of a much larger development, and by 1971, they had built a saloon and cafe, a motel, a skeet range, a swimming pool, an airstrip, and a rodeo.
From 1976 to 2001, the river ranch was sold to multiple investors and developers. Finally, Westgate Resorts purchased the ranch in 2001. Today, Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort encompasses 1,700 acres and is surrounded by more than 400,000 acres of protected wetlands. It is considered to be the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi.
Come for the Rodeo, Stay for Everything Else
The Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort holds a rodeo every Saturday night, starting at 7:30 PM. The arena has 1,200 seats, and spectators can watch barrel racing, trick riding, and bull riding.
Enjoy the Cowboy Adventure Park
The cowboy adventure park allows guests of all ages to rustle up some excitement. You and your family members can enjoy riding the mechanical bull, climbing the rock wall, racing a tractor, and exploring the pumpkin patch. Other adventures include gold panning and riding the Cowboy Convoy Train Ride, which is perfect for children, even little kids.
Relax on the Kissimmee Queen River Cruise
The Kissimmee Queen river cruise is 60 minutes long and takes place on 40-foot pontoon boats. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the water, get great views of wildlife, and unwind and relax while traveling down the river.
Horseback Riding
Travel like a cowboy during a 45-minute horseback ride. These rides take place on beautiful, unspoiled nature trails. For comfort and safety, guests are asked to wear hats and long pants during the trail rides. There is a weight limit of 225 pounds for the safety of the horses, and all riders must be at least 51 inches tall. Kids under 51 inches tall and under 80 pounds can enjoy the live merry-go-round pony rides.
Swamp Buggy Adventures
It’s no secret that the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort is located near some amazing wetlands offering amazing views and incredible wildlife. If you’d like to see a swamp up close, you can take your family on a 40-minute swamp buggy ride. Guests sit in bench seats that are located on a platform above four giant tires. The giant tires and height of the buggy helps ensure a safe and smooth ride while providing awesome views.
Staying at the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort
The Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort offers several ways to stay, including the Luxe Conestoga Wagons, Luxury Glamping, regular glamping, luxury teepees, lodge suites, and guest rooms. They also have deluxe and premium lodge suites, studio cabins, grand cabins, and cottages.
Two of the most unique ways to stay are the teepees and the Conestoga Wagons. The luxury teepees are 651 square feet and have a full bathroom, air conditioning and heating, electrical outlets, a microwave and minifridge, and a dining area. They can sleep up to four people and have a king bed and a sleeper sofa.
The Luxe Conestoga Wagons are shaped like Conestoga Wagons. These accommodations provide guests with 495 square feet of living space. They can sleep up to six people via the king bed, queen sleeper sofa, and twin bunk. Each wagon has a full bathroom, microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge.
Plenty of Places to Eat at the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort
Guests of the ranch can eat at a variety of establishments, including the River Ranch Cattle Company, Smokehouse on the River, Rodeo Ray’s Pizza, Graze Food and Drink, Coffee Coral and Ice Cream, and the River Ranch Saloon. The resort also has a general store and a delivery service.
The River Ranch Cattle Company serves fantastic steaks and seafood, salads, flatbread, wings, and burgers. The Smokehouse on the River serves everything BBQ. Diners can enjoy brisket and pulled pork, cheese fries, wings, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
For some adult beverages and relaxation, guests can head over to the River Ranch Saloon for a cool drink and some live entertainment.
Westgate River Ranch Rodeo and Resort offers plenty to do and see. Guests can skeet shoot, practice at the archery range, go swimming and boating, enjoy a guided hunt, or play mini golf. Pilots can fly into the airstrip and enjoy a weekend getaway or two-week vacation.