DUDE & GUEST RANCHES

History

1850’s Woodside’s original two-story farmhouse was built next to a dirt road that served as a buggy path into the town of Mauston. 1925 The first cabin was built at Woodside Ranch, and it was named Crestwood. The hay barn was also constructed this year.

1926 Woodside’s first advertisement was placed in the Chicago Tribune. 1920’s During these years, Woodside Ranch hosted an increasing number of guests from Chicago, and most of the profits received went directly into building guest cabins and purchasing additional horses. 1930 The Ranch was steadily growing and was able to host as many as 50 guests at a time. This year also marked the beginning of the “dinner bell tradition”, where guests relax under the shade of the Ranch’s oldest cottonwood tree as they wait for the dinner bell to ring.

1930’s These were the years of the Great Depression, but families continued to visit the Ranch in order to fulfill their desire to escape from the city life. New rooms were added to the farmhouse and additional cabins were built, making room for up to 90 guests at the Ranch.

1940’s While the country was at war, Woodside witnessed an interesting change in demographics: about 90 female guests to 10 male guests. The male ranch hands thought they were in heaven! Soldiers often came to Woodside for the large dances that were held in Carnegie Hall, and the Ranch received its first beer license after the Trading Post was built.

1950’s Woodside Ranch was renovated and living rooms and fireplaces were added to all of the cabins. Highway 82 was also rebuilt this year, making Woodside more accessible to guests.

1960’s These years brought more expansion to Woodside, and the guest capacity was increased to 150. New cabins were added, a ski bar was built, the cross-country ski program was launched, and the Ranch opened its doors year-round. The Little Red School House was also built during this time to entertain Woodside’s youngest visitors while their parents were horseback riding and enjoying other Ranch activities.

1970's Woodside’s now-famous game room was built and new tennis courts were added.

1990 Woodside’s zero-depth pool (0 to 6 feet) opened in the spring and was the first of its kind in Wisconsin.

1993 The lake’s size increased to 5 acres and new row and paddle-boats were purchased.

2002 Damon Zumwalt, the current proprietor, purchased Woodside in 2002 and has since made many enhancements while continuing to preserve the Ranch’s original country charm. Woodside has continued its traditions and retained its family-farm atmosphere. The available activities have increased in number and Guests are now provided with modern amenities and comforts. Some of the improvements made include the addition of a conference and business center, movie theatre, fitness center, an indoor basketball/volleyball court, and new tennis courts.

Woodside Ranch offers tons of activities for the whole family.