The first Wrangle was run in 2009 and was a collaboration between then Habitat for Humanity Director Jessica Lindsley and Eatons’ General Manager Jeff Way. “I thought it was a great way for the ranch to contribute to a local charity,” said Way. “I also knew we could provide a unique venue for enthusiastic trail runners. The course is entirely made up of dirt road and single track trails on private property, at a time of year when the weather is usually perfect for running.”  At just 4,500 feet, Eatons’ Ranch tends to have mild weather. Early June can be wet, but the remainder of the season is typically dry. Daytime temperatures are often in the low to mid 80’s.

Ranch history dates back to 1879. Three brothers, Howard, Willis, and Alden Eaton established their horse and cattle ranch near Medora, North Dakota. Their friends from the East began to visit them almost immediately.  Some of these early guests stayed for months at a time. Finally, one of the guests recognized the expense these extended visits entailed and prevailed upon the Eatons to charge for room and board, so “folks can stay as long as they like.” Thus, the family dude ranch business was born and an industry started. In 1904, to provide a more suitable and varied riding terrain for their ever-growing number of guests, the Eatons “pulled up stakes” in North Dakota and moved to the present ranch location on Wolf Creek near Sheridan, Wyoming. Eatons’ Family Dude Ranch has always been in the hands of the Eaton family and is now operated by the fourth and fifth generations of Eatons.