Ranch Membership
In the beginning, each dude ranch began as a separate enterprise with little communication or coordination between ranches. It was at the urging of the Northern Pacific Railroad that the dude ranchers, scattered across Wyoming and Montana, gathered together in September 1926. Even then, these fiercely independent pioneers recognized that there was great benefit to be gained from joining together to address common issues such as advertising, increasing government regulation of the west, preservation of the natural beauty of the west, and preservation of the western ranch way of life.
Today, The Dude Ranchers' Association is still involved in addressing these same issues.
Today's dude ranchers, having learned from the past, continue to combine their time, financial resources, and expertise through a central office. The Dude Ranchers' Association office serves as an information clearing house for questions from ranch members, applicant ranches, prospective guests, prospective employees, and the news media.
The DRA now represents over 100 members in 14 Western States and 2 Canadian Provinces. Membership in the Association is not automatic. Dude ranches applying for membership go through a rigorous two year inspection and approval process. When you vacation at a Dude Ranchers' Association Dude Ranch, you can be assured of genuine, western hospitality combined with the lodging industry’s latest standards.
Most questions about specific membership criteria and the application process are answered in detail in the Ranch Membership Requirements and Ranch Application Process sections of our website.
Associate Membership
The Dude Ranchers’ Association today has over 100 ranch members, and 150+Associate members! The Associate Members are a vital part of this great Association. Individuals, western enthusiasts, retail businesses, internet based companies, insurance brokers, magazines, booking agents and other national associations are among the many supporters of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.
Associate Member have the opportunity to be involved in this growing industry, interact with member ranches, sell products, and stay informed to new industry trends and issues. See how becoming an Associate member would benefit you. For more information dowload the Associate Membership Brochure/Application information or call 866-399-2339.
