The latest meeting and lodging facility at Ranch A is a conversion from the original garage and caretaker’s quarters.  It was designed and built as a small replica of the Lodge.  For the time being, this facility is being referred to as the Cabin.  The Cabin has the capability of year-round usage and has an exceptionally large area for meetings, workshops, or demonstrations.  The meeting room is designed with features for internet access, with lighting and outlets to allow utilization for sewing or quilting projects, as well as classroom type of instruction.  There are four bedrooms, 2 and ¼ baths, a kitchen, dining room, and a large living room and/or meeting space.  Groups of up to 40 people should be comfortable for meetings or workshops.  There are sleeping accommodations and a fully equipped kitchen for up to 18 people.

The Lodge at Ranch A is available April 1st through November 15 (depending on the weather).  The Cabin will be available for year round usage.  Reservations may be made for an afternoon, a weekend, a week ... or even a month. Our only restriction is that your organization must be educational (no personal use is permitted).

One caution, because the Lodge at Ranch A is on the National Registry of Historic Places, changes may not be made. This means that the upper level of the Lodge can not be made handicapped accessible. There is a bedroom and half bath on the lower level, but does not meet modern standards for wheelchair access. Those with bad knees will appreciate being able to stay on the first floor.

Please Click here to view National Registry

Grounds
The property is approximately 645 acres in size. The terrain is varied with steep canyon walls, gentler slopes, and semi level canyon bottom. Elevations range from 3,780 ft. to 4,475 ft. A county road runs through the property. You can enjoy hiking on Ranch A grounds and the adjacent Black Hills National Forest lands. There is no swimming pool or tennis court, but you can wade in the creek and enjoy horseshoes and volleyball. Sand Creek runs through the property. The creek sustains fish and other aquatic life, provides recreation and scenic value, and is a source of drinking water for wildlife and livestock.

You may encounter cows while you are enjoying the Ranch A facilities. They are part of the Hazard Reduction Fire Suppression Plan administered by the State of Wyoming. The cattle eat, and the grounds get groomed, reducing the potential fuel for fires. These pictures shows the view from horseback as the cows are being supervised while they work.

Wildlife
Birds, turkeys, deer, elk, antelope, mountain lions, and other wild critters may be watched on the grounds. There is no hunting allowed. Fishing is allowed with a valid Wyoming License. Sand Creek is considered a world class fly-fishing stream. The many joys of fishing this beautiful stream include sightings of bald eagles, blue herons, deer and other wildlife.

Geology
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology holds one or two sessions of field camp at Ranch A each summer. The rock outcrops and other geologic features provide learning opportunities for the students.