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 have all happen here. 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?
We do not have satellite TV, you are welcome to bring your own DVDs or downloaded movies. Bridger Lodge has a smart-TV and Brackett Lodge does have a flatscreen TV, DVD player, and HDMI adapters for your previously downloaded entertainment. We also have puzzles, board games, chess set, Petersen’s Field Guides, and lots of folks enjoy visiting the hogs, dogs, and 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
Dogs, Pets, and Allergies
Hardscrabble is home to dogs, and plenty of other farm animals – chickens, pigs, and a herd of yaks. Individuals with serious allergies (or phobias) to dogs should likely not stay with us.
There are mountain lions in the area (hence our fondness for Irish Wolfhounds). If your group has one or two friendly dogs, they are welcome as long as they are under your control (and house broken).
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, new 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 – 80 acres including access to our trails annd Brackett Creek. You have access to the entire property except the area directly surrounding the owner’s home. Please ask permission for tours of the barns and gardens.
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
We have parking next to the main barn for guests staying in Brackett or Bridger Lodges. We have parking for 20 vehicles. For large events we offer additional parking in the lower 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.