Whitefish, Montana
Bar W Guest Ranch
About the ranch
The Bar W Guest Ranch is located in Northwest Montana, just west of Whitefish, Montana. In case you’ve never been to this part of the world, think of heavily timbered mountains, open prairies, clear running rivers and streams, fresh air, sunshine, and big skies. The Bar W lies right in the heart of all that and more.
The ranch is home to some of the finest qualities of the western way of life and hospitality. This includes a special string of horses and cattle, outdoor riding arenas, miles upon miles of riding trails and open prairies, and a staff that will help make your vacation here one you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Affiliations
Dude Ranchers Association Montana Dude Ranchers' Association Glacier County Tourism
Ranch type
Also offers
Guest capacity
32
Best for
People of all ages
Months open
All year
Watch the ranch
Montana Dude Ranch The Has Something For Everyone!
History & hosts
Bill and Barbara Wetzel, nearby Whitefish residents, saw the Bar W Guest Ranch listed for sale in early 2021. The Wetzel Family quickly decided that this was the next adventure they had been looking for. Bill and Barbara are very family focused so they created their new company, 16 Hands, LLC to represent their family (Bill & Barbara and six children) and purchased the Bar W. Bill and Barbara have an extensive background of working hard, growing a very successful business, and connecting family and friends.
16 Hands, LLC closed on the ranch in March 2021 and hit the ground running! There’s new construction, more horses, big plans for the future, continuing developing what the Leishman’s started, and the desire to build a strong team are at the forefront of the future of the Bar W Guest Ranch.
Bill, Barbara and the Wetzel family are honored to carry on the Bar W torch, and everything that Dave and Janet have created at the ranch. “Their commitment to family, enhancing the offerings for the ranch, and the devotion to the Bar W team are a winning combination for the ranch, its guests, and the community of Whitefish,” said the Leishman family. The Wetzel’s would like to welcome everyone to the family. We’ll take good care of you!
Ranch founded
2005
Guest ranch since
2005
Owners
Bill & Barbara Wetzel
Managers
Jami Phillips
About the managers
Meet the Bar W Guest Ranch General Manager – Jami Phillips
Jami comes with an impressive background in the hospitality industry with over 25 years of experience. Jami thrives on providing optimal guest experiences and ensuring everyone at Bar W feels connected, including staff and guests. Jami is very passionate about Montana, the Flathead Valley area and everything those magnificent regions have to offer. Jami and her husband have a lovely family which includes six wonderful children! Bar W is beyond thrilled to have Jami leading the Bar W Guest Ranch family and wanted to take the opportunity to get to know her better.
Your manager
Accommodation types
Ranch rustic, Glamping
Gene Kilgore's notes
Food
Most foods served at the ranch are grown locally. Wait until you sit down to breakfast or dinner and taste some of the best down-home cooking this side of the Mississippi - Montana style! Meals are prepared with love and care and are always served in hearty portions - no one leaves hungry. Have a unique food requirement? Just let our cooks know and we'll accommodate your request!
When to go
We offer seasonal adventures to accommodate all our guests. Each season is unique in its offerings. Whitefish is a winter wonderland and the Bar W offers unforgettable, relaxing sleigh rides. Spring offers several of our specialty packages such as Adults Only Weeks and Cattle Drive Weeks. Summer brings Family Weeks, with horseback riding in the mountains, over the foothills and across the open prairies of Montana Big Sky Country, but there is plenty for all ages to do and discover at the Bar W. Back by popular demand are our specialty weeks in the fall - we offer Adults Only Weeks.
Why we love it
- In a beautiful setting and with staff who pay close attention to detail, this is an ideal location for your honeymoon or wedding
- A relaxed atmosphere with opportunity to stay busy, with trail rides and arena activities such as roping cattle, trying barrels and sorting cattle. Or, enjoy a trip into Kalispel
- If you're traveling as an individual, you will quickly feel a part of the family – the staff care of and love the ranch and what they do, are fun and hospitable
- A ranch tucked away against the mountains, yet minutes from a resort town. Several activities take place off-ranch within the town of Kalispell
What to consider
- Most rides are at a walk, however, it's perfect if you want quiet, scenic riding. They also offer cattle drives during the year
- The kitchen is set near the lodge rooms, so at times you can hear the chefs within the kitchen. Previous guests rave about the food
