History of Hardscrabble
Under different names and management, the property has been an event center for the past twenty-five years. We have hosted weddings, family reunions, multi-day music events, church-groups and retreats, sports teams, cook-offs, anniversary parties, and a variety of group events. We offer you a five-acre lawn (almost four football fields), hiking and biking trails, access to the creek, shaded groves, farm, orchard, kitchens, and comfy pillows.
Hardscrabble becomes your group’s home if only for a few days.
The Stewarts
We spent fifteen years in the heart of Bozeman, and just recently jumped at the chance to have a little more space, raise some animals, plant a garden, and enjoy life surrounded by mountains. We named the property Hardscrabble Ranch after a nearby peak but also because we haven’t figured everything out, are far from perfect and we have a beautiful guest ranch to share. We love to cook, listen to live music, relax with friends and family, and enjoy what Montana has to offer. Sunsets over the Bridgers tend to lighten any load. We hope to see you and your group soon at our guest ranch!
The stewarts
We spent fifteen years in the heart of Bozeman, and just recently jumped at the chance to have a little more space, raise some animals, plant a garden, and enjoy life surrounded by mountains. We named the property Hardscrabble Ranch after a nearby peak, but also because we haven’t figured everything out, are far from perfect, and we have a beautiful guest ranch to share. We love to cook, listen to live music, relax with friends and family, and enjoy what Montana has to offer. Sunsets over the Bridgers tend to lighten any load. We hope to see you and your group soon at our guest ranch!
FAQ
Can I access the Internet and use my cell phone?
There is no direct cell phone service in the area. We have Starlinnk for internet, which provides good signal through both lodges, but we do not guarantee internet services at our ceremony site or the glamping tents. This guest ranch is a great place to experience a digital detox.
Seriously? No TV? No movies?
Both Lodges have Smart TVs as well as HDMI adapters for your previously downloaded entertainment. We also have puzzles, board games, a chess set, and Petersen’s Field Guides. Lots of folks enjoy visiting the hogs, dogs, chickens, and our yak herd.
Outdoor Fire Safety
We live in a beautiful, but heavily wooded and fire prone area. We follow the US Forest Service’s guidelines and never permit open fires when there are restrictions in the area. Fireworks and sparklers are always prohibited.
Cleaning
The cleaning fee that you pay covers our laundry fee as well as trash service and our basic common area clean up. We ask you to clear out all your food, dispose of all of your trash in the bin provided, and clean all of your dishes. If you have time, stripping beds and putting your dirty towels in one place helps us keep our rates reasonable. If you leave a mess, stains, vomit or other damage, you will be assessed additional fees (outlined in your contract)
Animals and Allergies
Hardscrabble is home to dogs, and plenty of other farm animals – chickens, pigs, and a herd of yaks. Unfortunately, we do not permit guests to bring dogs or any other kind of pet onto the property. Individuals with serious allergies (or phobias) to dogs should likely not stay with us.
What is included in the rental of the property?(if doing a wedding or event)
Summer: Brackett Lodge (sleeps 14), Bridger Lodge (sleeps 10), fifteen glamping tents, large indoor kitchens with plenty of refrigerator and freezer space, outdoor kitchen with gas grill, smoker, and a whole hog roasting pit, plus indoor and outdoor games.
You get access to the entire outdoor guest ranch – 78 acres including access to our trails and Brackett Creek. You have access to the entire property except the area directly surrounding the owner’s home.
When do I check-in and check-out?
Check-in is 3:00pm. Check-out is by 11am. We will let you know in advance if there is not a group immediately preceding or following yours and we can be more flexible in those cases.
Parking
Next to the Event Barn, our Upper Parking Lot offers parking for 20-25 vehicles. Depending on how large or small your group is, this can be for guests staying in Brackett and Bridger Lodges, or for your event’s vendors. For large events, we offer additional parking in our Lower Parking Lot in the field next to the driveway.
Cooking
You are in charge of all your meals, snacks, and drinks. Bring your own or we can happily connect you with dozens of caterers in the area.
Contracts and Payments
To discuss contracts and payments, fill out the forms on either the wedding or groups page.