I'm a New York city slicker but had the time of my life at a dude ranch. It cost $5,000 per person — and I didn't ride a single horse.

Allison TibaldiOct 8, 2022, 17:43 IST

My kids at Flathead Lake Lodge.Allison Tibaldi

I've always lived in major cities like New York and Rome, and vacation in Tuscany or the Hamptons.
This summer I tried something very different. I brought my two adult kids to a Montana dude ranch.

I'm one of the least likely people to vacation at a dude ranch. I prefer beach trips where I can read a good book while relaxing on the sand. Plus, I don't even ride horses. But a post-pandemic appreciation for the outdoors had me craving something totally different.

Hiking with my daughter.Allison Tibaldi

I'm one of the least likely people to vacation at a dude ranch. I prefer beach trips where I can read a good book while relaxing on the sand. Plus, I don't even ride horses. But a post-pandemic appreciation for the outdoors had me craving something totally different.

A dude ranch is an all-inclusive western-style vacation with meals, accommodations, and activities included. Horseback riding is often a focal point with group trail rides, lessons, and rodeo skill classes offered.

The ranch is immersed in nature.Allison Tibaldi

A dude ranch is an all-inclusive western-style vacation with meals, accommodations, and activities included. Horseback riding is often a focal point with group trail rides, lessons, and rodeo skill classes offered.

Flathead Lake Lodge is expensive — around $5,000 per person for a week.

The lake at Flathead Lake Lodge.Allison Tibaldi

My family and I have never been to Montana before this trip, but we were immediately impressed by the natural beauty.

The covered wagon in front of the main lodge.Allison Tibaldi

A dude ranch isn't the type of place to pop in for an overnight stay or quick weekend getaway.

The main lodge.Allison Tibaldi

We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin for the week that I thought was rustic and comfortable.

Our cabin at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana.Allison Tibaldi

After we unpacked, it was time to go to a guest orientation in the main lodge. There were around 100 of us, from babies to senior citizens, with many multi-generational family groups.

Chase, the owner (R), with his son and other ranch guests.Allison Tibaldi

After we unpacked, it was time to go to a guest orientation in the main lodge. There were around 100 of us, from babies to senior citizens, with many multi-generational family groups.

My kids and I don't horseback ride, but for most guests, riding is a big part of their dude ranch vacation.

Horse riding and activities are the focal point at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana, including the weekly rodeo.Allison Tibaldi

Instead of riding, we headed over to the lake to take advantage of tons of water sports.

The ranch offers every imaginable water sport, including kayaking, sailing, water skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, and sailing.Allison Tibaldi

When we weren't on the lake, we were busy hiking, taking classes, or joining other group activities.

My daughter during a yoga class.Allison Tibaldi

All food was included, and as a foodie, it was a major highlight for me.

My farm-to-table dinner plate.Allison Tibaldi

Every night featured a new organized activity.

A staff rodeo was our entertainment one night.Allison Tibaldi

As wonderful as sailing, kayaking, and yoga were, simple pleasures like sipping morning coffee as I gazed at the lake was a big part of why I loved going here. With few distractions, my kids and I connected in a meaningful way, which was by far the most memorable part of the trip.

My kids on the lake.Allison Tibaldi

As wonderful as sailing, kayaking, and yoga were, simple pleasures like sipping morning coffee as I gazed at the lake was a big part of why I loved going here. With few distractions, my kids and I connected in a meaningful way, which was by far the most memorable part of the trip.

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I'm a New York city slicker but had the time of my life at a dude ranch. It cost $5,000 per person &mdash; and I didn't ride a single horse.

I'm one of the least likely people to vacation at a dude ranch. I prefer beach trips where I can read a good book while relaxing on the sand. Plus, I don't even ride horses. But a post-pandemic appreciation for the outdoors had me craving something totally different.

A dude ranch is an all-inclusive western-style vacation with meals, accommodations, and activities included. Horseback riding is often a focal point with group trail rides, lessons, and rodeo skill classes offered.

Flathead Lake Lodge is expensive — around $5,000 per person for a week.

My family and I have never been to Montana before this trip, but we were immediately impressed by the natural beauty.

A dude ranch isn't the type of place to pop in for an overnight stay or quick weekend getaway.

We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin for the week that I thought was rustic and comfortable.

After we unpacked, it was time to go to a guest orientation in the main lodge. There were around 100 of us, from babies to senior citizens, with many multi-generational family groups.

My kids and I don't horseback ride, but for most guests, riding is a big part of their dude ranch vacation.

Instead of riding, we headed over to the lake to take advantage of tons of water sports.

When we weren't on the lake, we were busy hiking, taking classes, or joining other group activities.

All food was included, and as a foodie, it was a major highlight for me.

Every night featured a new organized activity.

As wonderful as sailing, kayaking, and yoga were, simple pleasures like sipping morning coffee as I gazed at the lake was a big part of why I loved going here. With few distractions, my kids and I connected in a meaningful way, which was by far the most memorable part of the trip.

I'm a New York city slicker but had the time of my life at a dude ranch. It cost $5,000 per person — and I didn't ride a single horse.