Rawhide Ranch
Savored Moments
~ story and photos by Chrissy Alspaugh
Rawhide Ranch specializes in slow and savored moments. No televisions. No alarm clocks. Just 54 acres of fresh air, horseback riding, relaxed zip lining, and, of course, campfires.
Those looking for an adrenaline rush, limitless cable options, or accommodations free of an errant spiderweb best steer clear.
“ We’ re not about being in competition with others,” said Derek Clifford, ranch manager and operating partner.“ We’ re about the human connection— dropping the technology, getting outside, and sharing stories.”
Nestled near the northeast corner of Brown County State Park, Rawhide Ranch was started in 2001 by land developer Dan Cartwright and attorney David Stirsman. The longtime friends dreamed of bringing the Old West to the Midwest by creating an affordable horseman’ s destination ranch. And recreating a taste of the West, they have.
Rex Runion leads a trail ride.
Guests have lodging options galore: the 11- room hotel that sits atop a 16-stall horse barn, a 3-bedroom ranch-style vacation house, a private cabin escape for two, and primitive tipis. Open to overnight guests and the public, the ranch offers year-round guided horseback trail rides, 1,100 feet of seasonal zip lines, summer kids’ camps, as well as family, group, and corporate retreats. The ranch boasts two fishing ponds, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, hiking and biking trails, playground equipment, and corn hole.
Clifford said the ranch never was intended to be the most extreme in Indiana, as many attractions are. Instead, it aims to foster memories with activities that individuals of all ages can enjoy.
This summer, Indianapolis resident Frank Koller made his first trip to the ranch for a day of corporate team building. He quickly returned with his family.“ It’ s just so peaceful and relaxing
16 Our Brown County Nov./ Dec. 2016