Peaceful Valley Ranch
Established in 1918, this was one of the first dude ranches in the area.
Plan Around Peaceful Valley Ranch
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Peaceful Valley Ranch Details
The Peaceful Valley Ranch grew from a small 14-by-16 foot cabin to a fully functioning ranch that included a barn, blacksmith shop, and a two-story ranch house. In 1915, Harry W. Olsen purchased the property and a few years later opened one of the first 'dude' ranches, catering to wealthy urbanites who wanted a taste of ranching life. Vacationers enjoyed horseback riding, camping, and cookouts. In 1922, the ranch formally became known as the Peaceful Valley Ranch. In 1936, the ranch was sold to the federal government and became a regional headquarters for a number of organizations, including the Civilian Conservation Corps, Works Progress Administration, and Emergency Relief Administration. When the Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park was established in 1947, the Peaceful Valley Ranch became the park headquarters until the Medora facilities were constructed in 1959. Today, Peaceful Valley Ranch includes the only original ranch house remaining in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Horseback rides are still available, just as they were back in the dude ranch days of the early 1900s. Peaceful Valley Ranch can be found in the western side of the South Unit, just off of the Scenic Drive Loop. The ranch has an accessible restroom.
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Peaceful Valley Ranch
Compare nearby parks around Peaceful Valley Ranch when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Peaceful Valley Ranch
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Peaceful Valley Ranch while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Jones Creek Trail
Easy trail following a creek bed and meeting the Scenic Loop Drive at either end.
1.4 mi away
Beef Corral Bottom
A large cattle corral from the late 1800s has now become a prairie dog town.
1.4 mi away
Cottonwood Campground
A Wheelchair-accessible campground on the west side of the park along the Little Missouri River.
1.6 mi away
Lone Tree Loop
Remote trail in the northwest wilderness area of the South Unit near the petrified forest.
2.1 mi away
Scoria Point
Offers a unique perspective on Badlands geological formations.
