BLACKWATER CREEK LODGE & GUEST RANCH
Cody, Wyoming
EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S FIRST NATIONAL PARK & NATIONAL FOREST
Explore the area dubbed “the most scenic 50 miles in the U.S.” by Teddy Roosevelt during your stay at Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch. Along the banks of the scenic Shoshone River and its namesake Blackwater Creek, the ranch is nestled in the mountains of Shoshone National Forest just 15 miles east of Yellowstone National Park.
Classic dude ranch adventures await: horseback riding in the Wyoming wilderness, archery and hiking; plus off-ranch excursions to get a taste of Yellowstone Country.
Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch
RANCH HISTORY
In 1899, the Blackwater Ranger Cabin was constructed within what is now known as the Shoshone National Forest. It was the first National Forest, created in 1891 as a part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve. The U.S. Forest Service then constructed a wagon bridge at Blackwater in the summer of 1900. Sadly, both were destroyed by fire in 1905.
Ten years later, in the summer of 1915, Bob Rumsey and George T. Beck were issued a permit at Blackwater for a tourist resort. It was first known as “Blackwater Camp” and outfitted hunting, camping and fishing parties. Bob Rumsey was a Yale University graduate and was later elected to the Wyoming State Senate in 1935. Bob’s father, Bronson Rumsey, was associated with “Buffalo Bill” Cody in the founding of the historic town of Cody, Wyoming along with George T. Beck.
The ranch’s cabins were constructed beginning in 1915 and into the 1950s. In the 1930s through 1950s, the ranch operated as Blackwater Lodge offering lodging and dining, guided hunting and fishing, pack trips, and a horse for the duration of the guest’s visit.
1937 BLACKWATER FIRE
In August 1937, the Blackwater Fire broke out in Shoshone National Forest, started by a lightning strike. Fifteen firefighters lost their lives in the forest fire, which quickly spread into the dense forest with changing winds. The fire consumed 1700 acres and injured another 38 firefighters. Most of the firefighters were Civilian Conservation Corps employees led by U.S. Forest Service fire managers.
Nearby the ranch, along the Cody-Yellowstone Highway at the mouth of Blackwater Creek is a large stone-cut monument constructed by the Forest Service and Civilian Conservation Corps to memorialize the men who died in the Blackwater Fire. There are also CCC-constructed memorials at the two sites where firefighters lost their lives within the National Forest, that are accessible by horseback or hiking from the ranch.
Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch
LODGING
The ranch’s historic log cabins are nestled in a grove of tall trees, nearby the murmuring waters of the Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek. Built beginning in 1915 with the last completed in the 1950s, each cabin has its own bathroom and some have multiple bedrooms. They’re furnished with cozy bedding, Navajo rugs, and western appointments.
STANDARD CABINS
Our historic cabins offer spectacular views of the ranch and surrounding landscape with studio-style or multi-room layouts with private bathrooms.
DELUXE CABINS
Our historic deluxe cabins are studio-style or have multiple bedrooms with private bathrooms. Blackwater Creek’s Deluxe Cabins feature spacious layouts.
RANCH HOUSE
The Ranch House is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house with a private entrance that comfortably sleeps six. There are two twin or king options in the bedrooms and a queensized pull-out sofa in the living room. The Ranch House includes a full kitchen, living area and laundry facilities.
Blackwater Creek Losge & Guest Ranch
ADVENTURES
Classic dude ranch adventures await: horseback riding in the Wyoming wilderness, archery and hiking; plus off-ranch excursions.
You’ll have access to fish the local waterways: the Shoshone River and Blackwater Creek; and opportunities to experience America’s First National Park and First National Forest, as well as the cowboy town of Cody, Wyoming.
HORSEBACK RIDING
WHITE WATER RAFTING
YELLOWSTONE TOURS (6-NIGHT STAYS)
CODY NITE RODEO HIKING FISHING ARCHERY
RELAXING
EXPERIENCE YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch
DINING
Meals at Blackwater Creek Lodge & Guest Ranch will range from cocktails and dinners enjoyed in the rustic lodge, cook-outs and campfires or sack lunches out on the trail. You’ll enjoy a taste of Wyoming with locally inspired dishes and traditional ranch recipes.
After a day spent exploring Yellowstone Country, you can come back to the ranch’s full bar to unwind with a cool drink.
