In the heart of Downtown
Billings…
In 1949, when downtown Billings was buzzing with
restaurants and clubs, the Dude Rancher Lodge, with bricks from the original St.
Vincent’s Hospital and its distinctive weeping mortar, opened its doors.
The
construction of the Dude Rancher Lodge was financed by a group of businessmen
and women from the Billings area. The hotel was virtually a community project,
since it included stockholders who were ranchers, stockmen, retail merchants,
wholesalers, bankers, industrialists, insurance agents, doctors, and private
investors.
 The
building was designed along the lines of log cabins of the early settlers with a
low-pitched roof. Western ranch style furniture was selected for the interior
decorations. The attached restaurant also offered the western décor including
dishes specially designed for the Dude Rancher Lodge.
In emphasizing the dude ranch
industry, it was the desire of the original operators to dedicate several
rooms to guest ranches in this part of the country. Five of the original ranch
brands were part of the design for the custom made “branded” carpet that is part
of the unique character of the Dude Rancher Lodge.
The
Dude Rancher Lodge has been privileged to serve entertainers such as country
singers Don Williams, Dan Seals, Emmy award winning comedian Louie Anderson, the
Harlem Globetrotters, and the 69th Battalion Special Operations
Group.
In
the fall of 2000, the Dude Rancher Lodge celebrated its 50th
anniversary. The celebration included a barbecue and the unveiling of the
branding wall. Fans, friends and guests were invited to burn their brands
into the branding wall and become a part
of the Dude Rancher Lodge’s continuing history.
It’s like
staying with an old friend.
Click
Billings
Gazette to read an article about our 50th anniversary. Search for Dude
Rancher Lodge and then choose the article titled "Make your mark: Branding wall helps motel fete birthday."
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DUDE
RANCHER LODGE
