Welcome to Hardscrabble Ranch

Where events and retreats meet Montana’s natural beauty

weddings | family reunions | team offsites | winter getaways

Few places package paradise like we do.

Sunset silhouettes of the Bridger Mountains, the chilling rush of Brackett Creek, outdoor activities, and plenty of space for company to roam—it’s a timeless setting that’s too special not to share.

Rooted in Western tradition, we bring heart to every gathering we host. Whether you’re planning a unique, destination wedding, a team-building retreat, a winter getaway, or an activity-packed family reunion, we invite you and your guests to come and stay awhile.

  • Photo Credit: Capture Now Studios

  • Photo Credit: Ahlanee Bree Photography

  • Photo Credit: Luke Clark Photography

  • Photo Credit: Alyssa Henry Photography

Come Together

Peacefully situated just outside Bozeman, Hardscrabble Ranch is an idyllic location for special events and retreats. Ross Peak offers a picturesque backdrop for any occasion—but our value goes beyond the views. We offer the best rates around for our event space, complete with overnight accommodations, optional event planning services, on-site activities, and more.

Photo Credit: Brieter Photography

Weddings

Tie the knot, Montana-style. Make our 78-acre guest ranch the center of your multi-day wedding celebration. With overnight accommodations for up to 54 guests and event space for 200+, you can invite all your loved ones to join you for a truly unforgettable reunion-style wedding. We have everything you’ll need: ceremony seating, dining tables and chairs, simple place settings for 150 guests, a wedding arch, an optional on-site wedding planner and a curated list of trusted vendors to customize your experience.

Venue rental from $5,000 to $6,000* | Lodging starts at $1,125 per night* | Glamping from $250* with discounts available (*Rates subject to change based on season and availability, two-night minimum for accommodations applies)

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Winter Retreats

Snow days are better in the mountains. Plan a winter getaway with friends or family at Hardscrabble Ranch for easy access to the joys of winter in Montana. Bridger Bowl Ski Area is an easy ten-minute drive away and the cross country ski and fat biking trails at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center are even closer. The activities don’t end there: Winter guests are a stone’s throw from world-class snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.

Lodging starts at $750

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Family Reunions

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town but close enough to enjoy Bozeman, our property offers families the perfect retreat for fun and connection. Centered around outdoor adventure, there’s no shortage of activities. Our ranch has hiking and biking trails, fishing on Brackett Creek, lawn games, friendly farm animals, and easy access to Yellowstone National Park. Plus, our optional on-site event planner can coordinate any activity your group can dream up, like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, dancing lessons, stargazing, and more. Put your phones down, and enjoy our peaceful setting.

Summer rates starting at just $1,500* per night (*two-night minimum applies)

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Corporate Events and Retreats

Work hard, play harder. Conveniently located 40 minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, we’re an accessible choice for corporate teams traveling from major cities. Professionals will build strong connections while hiking our on-site trails and exploring the surrounding area. We can also help organize group activities like horseback riding, off-site fly fishing, whitewater rafting, wagon rides, and pizza-making experiences.

Summer lodging starts at just $1,500* per night (*Subject to additional venue fee, two-night minimum for accommodations applies)

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Photo Credit: Bozeman Media Design

Dude Ranch

Come experience the best parts of life at Hardscrabble Ranch for three days or more. During the summer, we offer guests the opportunity to explore the nearby countryside on horseback. Wake up in our comfortable creekside glamping tents and enjoy a hearty breakfast. After a day of riding trails, enjoy a delicious BBQ, and toast to your new favorite Montana getaway.

Starting from $600* per person, per day (*three-day minimum applies)

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Maybe you’re thinking:

I’ve never planned an event before. Where do I start?

Let us help you bring some structure to your dreaming. Optional services, including support from our experienced on-site event planner, are available if you need extra support before or during your event.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS →

Photo Credit: Sabrina Marie Photography

Unrivaled Experiences

We’re not like other venues—and we like it that way. Crafting personalized events and gatherings at modest prices is something we do better than most. Here’s how we outshine other Montana properties.

Hardscrabble Ranch

  • Onsite accommodations for you and your guests.

  • Offset your event price by asking guests to fund their lodging. 

  • Create a personalized experience with your choice of caterer and event services.

  • Take advantage of complementary activities and fun on the ranch.

  • Get the whole place to yourself with an exclusive booking option.

  • Venue fee includes rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception.

  • Eat, sleep, party, and explore with your favorite people at the ranch.

Alternative Venues

  • You and your guests must book expensive lodging in town.

  • Guests must secure and pay for lodging on their own.

  • Choose from restrictive and costly in-house dining menus and “a la carte” event services.

  • Research and reserve excursions on your own.

  • Share common areas and services with other guests.

  • Additional fees per event and sneaky pricing increases.

  • Meet guests at the venue and spend valuable time commuting from hotels.

Rest Your Head

Why stay at expensive hotels in Bozeman when the good times start right here? We offer a variety of accommodations at highly competitive rates.

Glamping Tents

In Montana, we like to sleep close to nature. Our 15 canvas glamping tents are spaced along Brackett Creek—each with a five-star mountain view.

Lodges

Large groups can sprawl in our two comfortable lodges. The Brackett and Bridger Lodges have accommodations for 24 guests and include all the conveniences of home.

Photo Credit: What’s Your Wild Creative

Hideaway

Available for bridal party day-of preparations and exclusive nightly rentals, the newly renovated Hideaway is a comfortable and private space for guests.

Make Memories

Everyone who stays at Hardscrabble Ranch has access to fun outdoor activities. Discover the variety of experiences available on the ranch and nearby.

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  • "We couldn’t imagine a more beautiful site for our event..."

    “We knew from the moment we visited Hardscrabble Ranch that it would be the location of our Montana destination wedding. We couldn’t imagine a more beautiful site for our event, with the rolling green hills, wildflowers, and of course the magical view of Ross Peak from the ceremony site.”

    — Google Review

  • "...the accommodations are fantastic..."

    “We held a team retreat and leadership meeting at Hardscrabble Ranch, and it was over-the-top amazing. Chris and the entire team are extremely easy to work with and incredible hosts. The location is beyond beautiful, the accommodations are fantastic, the meeting space was perfect, and all the recommended caterers and activities were top-shelf.”

    — Josh

  • "The owner Peter and his staff are fantastic..."

    “My son’s high school ski team had the pleasure of staying at Hardscrabble Ranch while training at Bridger Bowl Ski Area the first week of January. The owner Peter and his staff are fantastic, genuinely nice people and first-class hosts. The common spaces and dining areas are clean, modern, and perfect for big groups to spend time and socialize.”

    –Crystal

  • "...perfect for our family reunion!"

    “Hardscrabble Ranch was perfect for our family reunion! With large hangout rooms and the outdoor eating and firepit area, it was easy for us to all be in one place without feeling cramped. The bedrooms were private and the kitchen was easy to move around—even when we were all trying to make lunch simultaneously.”

    –Maggie

Start planning your event or retreat at Hardscrabble Ranch!

We look forward to hosting you. 

Photo cedit: Charles Moll