Great time on the river today. How it works, show up, pay with cash or cc, they ferry you up to the Forks State forest campground then you take the river back to Ranch Rudolph. Easy peasy. Cost, 58$, 20$ deposit for equipment (kayak, cushion, paddle). Faster river. We did see families, youth, seniors, all ages. We didn't have life jackets, but felt safe. It's fairly shallow most of the way. Really clear and natural, a lot of debris and overhanging branches. You can kayak, canoe, or tube. Colder water, but it was a bit windy today so that made it a little tricky. No worries. Front desk lady was cordial. read more

Bathrooms are disgusting. They weren't cleaned for the entire week we were there. Showers full of bugs and spiders, floors and toilets filthy. Pool was dirty with a lot of floating debris. Had to ask for them to open it daily and they even asked us to do it a few times. Owner is not polite and has no customer skills. We went here years ago and it has really gotten run down since our last visit. Stayed at the campground and the water is orange it is so hard with rust. If the price were reasonable it would be a different story, but the price for what you get is ridiculous. And, now they have a "resort fee" also!! read more

Go to RR if you want to be spoken to like a child, and can handle rude behavior by the owner and her staff. We had a group of 10 for snowmobiling. We tried spending our money there, but they just didn't want to serve us, or even be the least bit friendly. We went to Kalkaska and Fife lake instead. Estimated $300 we spent that day on food and drink, and not one penny at Ranch Rudolf. Sad. I hope there is an ownership change soon, because it really is a goldmine, and a beautiful place. But we won't be back unless there is. Maybe this bogus pandemic will put them over the edge. read more

Ranch Rudolf - Hotels Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

We did the "wrangler" one hour trail ride and it was lovely. It ended up being just my mother, my daughter, and me. Our guide Maddie was very friendly and informative before, during, and after the ride. She picked horses suited to each of our personalities and skill levels and patiently answered all of my daughter's questions once we'd gotten on the trail, which was very scenic and beautiful. This was my daughter's first time on a horse (only pony rides on a lead before this) so we walked most of the trail but did trot for a short amount of time. Would highly recommend and will come back again. The horses cross a stream at one point so be aware your shoes might get slightly wet depending on how tall your horse is, how long your legs are, and whether the horse goes in the shallow or deep part of the water. Pay in cash to receive a 3% discount. read more

We stopped in while on the snowmobile trail. It was conveniently located so the location is nice. The service was awful and took forever. I am pretty sure the soda was watered down. The food was mediocre for bar food but it was expensive. I would only stop here again If I was starving. read more

I attended a family function in which some went canoeing and others tubing. The results were mixed. The website does not describe the river in the canoeing section; however, it does describe the condition of the river in another section. As guest I did not know this information until after the trip. This river is fast and contains many turns. Many fallen sharp branches and sunken trees are present. This is not a friendly river for tubing. A party member quit tubing to seek safety within a canoe. Do not go tubing. A better disclosure should have been given. On the positive side we did notice some nice birds along the route. Overall, I wish we would have choose another company. read more

We had high hopes for Ranch Rudolf since we booked our stay with another family one year in advance. We did that so that we could have the "Bunkhouse" over the 4th of July weekend. We looked over the brochure and were excited that they offered so many activities in one location which was also relatively close to town so we could enjoy the Cherry Festival as well. MUCH to our surprise, the bunkhouse does NOT have air conditioning so during a week with several days approaching 100 degrees we felt completely ripped off. Paying $260 per night to stay in a sweat lodge did not sit well. We found this out only when we called the night before to confirm our reservation. Fortunately we brought 6 fans to keep the air moving and were able to keep the temperature closer to 80 inside. At night with windows open it was tolerable but the staff chided us in the morning for running the tiny window unit with the other windows downstairs open. Puhleas! In addition, they do not accept credit cards on location so they point you to the expensive ATM in the lobby and act as if everyone carries $1000 in cash with them at all times. The on site activities were very expensive. For example, a one hour horse ride with my daughter cost us almost $80 and that was with the "guest" discount. We went tubing which required a $10 per tube deposit and $11 for the hour ride down the river. This was fun but hardly worth the expense. For a family of 4 you needed to plunk down $84 and then you got $40 back when you return the tube. Evidently there are hoards of people absconding with their tubes. We gave up on the activities after that. To be fair, the young ladies that run the stables were exceptional. They treated my eight year old daughter with care and she had a wonderful first ride. I second the other review that the creepy general store guy while unfriendly, also carried a cooler shaped like a fishing line bobber to the pool and cracked open beers while all the kids were in the pool. If I wasn't there with my kids I may have informed the local sheriff.. ugh! The restaurant was way too expensive and - surprise! - always empty. We will not be back. I hope this helps you avoid a serious waste of money. Go for the horse ride and then leave as fast as you can before you waste any more time. read more

Fun place to snowmobile. We go usually at least once a year. It's dated but clean. Don't expect a modern 5 star resort here but if you like the small western town type atmosphere with fun snowmobile trails you'll have fun here. The restaurant is cool. read more

Ranch Rudolf - Hotels Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

The campground was built on a beautiful plot of ground, the river is nice but VERY cold. We stayed there for about a week and we had a ok time, they state they have a open running bar and restaurant, they don't! No one is ever behind the bar, you have to yell to get someone's attention, the workers use the bar more as there own personal stomping ground more then a money making bar!! The little things in this campground don't matter to them, when you rent kayaks or horses, make sure you understand what you are paying for them, if not they will nickel and dime you to the bone!! read more

Ranch Rudolf - Hotels Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

We visited Ranch Rudolph today to go horseback riding. We purchased our tickets inside the general store. The woman who sold us the tickets was not friendly. In fact, she was downright unpleasant. But I'm glad we didn't let that stop us. The young girls working the stable were friendly, knowledgeable, and did a great job matching up horses to riders. We booked the one hour trail ride which is $40 per person. The price is more than reasonable when matched to the experience. The trail ride went back into the woods, up hills, and down, and across a river. I have never rode a horse before today. This was a great first experience. Our group was large with a mix of experience. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I will definitely be back and will recommend this place for horseback riding. read more

This was a family mini vacation weekend, we wanted to do something different. We usually don't stay in Rustic charm, however this was a fantastic family time. No TV, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ALLOWED! Just good old fashioned family fun. Bunk house was perfect for our international family experience. Half of our family members live most of the year in the international city of Shanghai. So our back to the Rustic charm here was a great decision. Thanks Ranch Rudolph for the experience! The extreme temperature didn't slow us down at all! read more

My extended family and I recently stayed at Ranch Rudolf in the bunk house. In short, it was not what we'd hoped. While the location is quite nice - we enjoyed the river and the peace and quiet - the management style is rough around the edges at best. We kept hearing from the staff all week that "This is our start up week," and therefore certain services that are ordinarily offered to guests wouldn't be available to us. Note that this was mid-June, and we were never told any such thing upon making reservations months in advance. For starters, we were informed upon our arrival that the restaurant and bar in the lodge -- which looked very inviting! -- wouldn't be open during our stay, a detail that was mysteriously never mentioned when we booked our accommodations. It would've been nice to have this information when doing so. My family considered this an egregious managerial oversight. Second, I would not recommend the bunkhouse for an extended family of many generations and sub-families. Although advertised to "sleep 10," this is in fact in 1 large, stuffy bedroom. My partner and I had to sleep in the same room as my sister, brother-in-law, nephews, etc. etc. etc. Also, no air conditioning and one very rustic bathroom. In addition, the trail rides that we all looked forward to and which are so vigorously advertised on the website were only available to us once during the week. Upon our arrival at Ranch Rudolf one staff member told us that a "horse camp" was starting that week and there wouldn't be enough staff on-hand to run the trail rides. Again, this is information that would've been nice to have prior to booking our stay. Much of the reason my family considered Ranch Rudolf as a setting for our summer vacation was the horseback riding. You can imagine our surprise then when it turned out that horseback riding wouldn't be available to us, or at least far less available than the website had led us to believe. Also, when I asked to run the horse I was riding -- who clearly wanted to run -- I was ignored by the person leading our trail ride. Although it was my nephew's first time riding, the guide should be able to accommodate different experience levels within the same group. All told, these things wouldn't have been such a huge inconvenience had the staff been more helpful and accommodating. While they were plenty friendly, they were also totally, utterly unhelpful. In fact, as a group, they were not in possession of a single piece of useful information. Each and every time one of my family members approached staff for details about trail rides, the restaurant, when the swimming pool would open, you name it, they were met with a cascade of shrugs and "I don't knows." And not once did the staff express anything like contrition. Not once did they apologize for the lack of services. Not once did they offer a single apology for any inconvenience. Frankly, they were either profoundly clueless or in over their heads, or both. Two last, smaller items: 1). Ranch Rudolf should reconsider its "no catch-and-release" rule on the two stocked trout pounds. We understand the desire to monetize what's essentially shooting fish in a barrel. My stepfather caught two rainbow trout there within about 30 seconds of our arrival. But the "no catch-and-release" rule shortchanges certain guests, like my nephews, for instance, ages 6 and 8, who would've loved the chance to learn to fish for trout, but not if it meant the wholesale slaughter of fish. 2). On the afternoon of June 16, the U.S. played Ghana in its first World Cup match. When my brother inquired at the Ranch Rudolf front desk if he could perhaps watch the game on the bar's television - which nobody was using - he was told "No," and that people would be arriving soon to plan a wedding event in the bar, although, as it turned out, these people didn't arrive until the game was nearly over. Again, not a huge inconvenience, but it typified your staff's dealings with me and my family all week. Very little if any thought or effort was given to accommodating us, and it made us all feel unwelcome. On our next trip Up North, we will be staying in town -- Traverse City-- or on Lelanau Peninsula somewhere (probably Glen Arbor). read more

Ton was all alone in the wilderness. He had been driving on this dirt road for hours it seemed. Until he stumbled upon Ranch Rudolph. The lady there was very nice and so was the campsite. It was an exquisite experience. He was the only one on the campsite and was free to do, whatever, he pleased. Needless to say, he had a great time. read more

I'm a local and was at the "ranch" by circumstances. Was bike riding the gravel roads. Stopped in to fill up on water as it was very hot out. No one to help in the bar. Is the bar even open to the public anymore? The front desk person was very short with me about even being in there. They have a wedding function later that day and she told me they were closed to the public. Hmmm maybe a note on the door as such would be helpful. I could see her dismay of me getting water from the water container and using the bathroom. I work banquet functions so I get it but the rudeness was un-necessary. Then...I had an injury and couldn't ride my bike any further so went back to the ranch while my riding partner went back home to fetch the car. I waited by the river and iced my knee in the cool water. I noticed a sign. "Not a public launch"...there was a bit more on the sign. At one time you could float the river and stop into the ranch for friendly service. food and/or drinks. I guess, not anymore. So my partner shows up after busting ass biking back home to get the car and parks by the river/pool area. We loaded my bike and he just wanted to quickly cool off in the river and again front desk lady comes up to tell us we parked in the canoe launching area and can't be there. Yup, there were signs posted but its was all of 5 mins and she was on our asses and telling us we should go to Muncie lake access. I explained that we were not there for that and I had an unexpected injury. We don't usually stop here and my partner just got here. WOW. As a local who grew up in the area I have always had a pleasant time at the ranch. What has changed? The unkindness and rudeness is unprecedented. If that is how the ranch wants to treat people now a days then they should go to exclusive guest only kind of place. I won't be stopping there again. Would rather wait on the side of the road then to get treated like I did. As a local, well you won't be getting any word of mouth advertising from me and one bad experience sure does spread around the local community quickly. Sham on you Ranch Rudolf :( read more

Went here to horseback ride with our 11 and 8 year old kids on our trip to TC. Overall we had a very good experience and our wrangler was knowledgable about the horses and chose good matches for our group. We took a 1 hour ride and for us novice riders, that was certainly long enough. This is great if you're interested in the novelty of a first ride for your children because overall it was quiet, peaceful, and on an easy trail. It was quite expensive however, at $152 for 4 people. I'd say all in all it was worth it because it'll be a good memory for our kids. Don't forget insect repellant! read more

The man at the general store was quite unfriendly. No signs on where to go to check into horseback riding. Once we were at the stable, the two young girls working there were super nice. Tessa was our tour guide and she was great! Trail was beautiful, loved the river crossing and the horses were all very well behaved and taken care of. We will be back again! read more

We only spent one night camping here, but it was a good time! The people here are nice and friendly, the grounds are beautiful, the amenities good, and daily options of horseback riding and canoeing (although we did not try these since we were there for one night). Good place for a good price! I saw in another review that they did not accept credit cards... We were able to pay with credit card. read more

Went on a sleigh ride and had dinner with our small kids and extended family. It was a magical experience for a beautiful evening and the restaurant was accommodating and fun for the kids. They brought out extra toys for our little ones and we relaxed around the gigantic fireplace with fresh drinks. Can't remember when our entire crew has been so relaxed in a restaurant. And again the horses/sleigh ride was gorgeous! read more

We had a very bad experience here. This review is for anyone looking to go horseback riding. I called the day before to inquire about going horse back riding with my family. The lady on the phone stated that it was first come first serve and gave me a specific time period if I wanted to come. She stated we needed to be there a half hour before it starts for the registration process. We were told that for children they also had specific times and they would be able to accommodate them is we arrived at the specified time. We decided to go the next day in order to give their staff enough time to accommodate us. We tried calling and reserving in advance the next day but were told once again they only do first come first serve. We drove about an hour to get there and we arrived before the time for the children's session. We were the only ones there to go horse back riding. Once we arrived the lady at the desk said she had no staff to accommodate the children and we would have to wait an hour and a half if any of the adults wanted to go on a trail. I explained to her that she told me otherwise on the phone but she just repeated that she had no staff to accommodate the children and if the adults wanted to go we would have to wait an hour and a half. I have to say that customer service seems very lacking and we felt that we were more of a bother to her than anything and she just would not address why she told us one thing on the phone and another in person. The lady at the front desk is either rude, inept, or just very forgetful (if she is senile I truly feel bad but maybe someone else should be at the front desk so something like this doesn't happen again). She acted like she never told me about what we discussed and then started to say again that she had no staff. I said that it must be tough to run a business properly without a staff but she didn't comment. We decided there are much nicer places and people to give our money to. Since we were told one thing on the phone and another when we arrived we decided we should leave a review of our experience so no one wastes their time driving here and getting disappointed. The worst part was telling the kids about what happened. Anyway this is more of a be careful before driving there because you may end up getting disappointed. A business that doesn't allow you to book something in advance and tells you one thing on the phone and something else in person just doesn't know how to run a business in my opinion. Take a look at some of the other reviews online and you will see others referring to the rude lady at the front desk, the lack of customer service and the unfriendly attitude. Again this review is our experience and a warning to anyone that may have a long drive. I would hate to have anyone waste their time and be disappointed. My advice find a business that allows you to book in advance either on the phone or online. This way you don't waste your time. read more

Took a great two hour trail ride here while on vacation. The trail itself was great fun and the trail guide was extremely competent and friendly. Horses were in good shape, we would definitely come here again. read more

Went on a fly fishing trip here and had a great time. The staff is amazing! hey, the place opened up in 1966 so expect that it's old, but that's part of the charm. What's more important is that they have a great friendly staff and great food and a bar. read more

Arrived late via snowmobile and was looking forward to a hot meal and bed. Unfortunately, we were too late to eat as the kitchen had closed. The local pizzeria wouldn't deliver. The management opened up the kitchen and fixed us a nice hot bowl of chili to hold us till morning. Very nice of them to do this, and friendly staff that cater well to snowmobilers on the trail. read more

The staff is so nice and friendly! My family camped overnight for the weekend and took an hour trail ride and we loved it so much we came back sunday for another ride! There were two young blonde ladies working at the barn both days the same two girls and they seemed very confident and experienced. The girls were very very nice and worked and got along great with each other. Very comfortable ride, we had both of them as a guide (one each day) and they did a good job. The entire resort staff was extremely accommodating and friendly, and the horses were very calm and relaxed. I recommend this ranch! We are going back this summer read more

Mean lady at the front desk. Definitely has an attitude problem. We had a great time kayaking but the process to rent was like pulling teeth. She was horrible and mean read more