American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West: 8 (William F. Cody Series on the History and Culture of the American West)

AMERICAN DUDE RANCH provides an overview of the history, culture, and changing models of various dude ranches over more than a decade. The author uses exemplary writing and research skills to present a fascinating look at an important segment of western history. Collected images and photos add details to the background of this important look at western agribusiness from the past. Readers who appreciate western history, cowboy culture, and wish to remember or learn about dude and guest ranches will enjoy this book.

The pioneers of dude ranching in the West come to life in Lynn Downey's THE AMERICAN DUDE RANCH - a straight-shootin', colorful cast of men and women who operated the early dude ranches in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and - yes, the East - and provided dudes with an "out West" experience year after year.I have some knowledge of dude ranches, though my area of expertise is the Nevada divorce ranches, as they were called... lingo for dude ranches that catered to wealthy divorce seekers who flocked to Reno for a six-week divorce from the 1930s to the 1960. (Decades later, I married the former dude wrangler on Nevada's most exclusive divorce ranch, the Flying M E, and we co-authored "The Divorce Seekers - The Intimate True Story of a Nevada Divorce Ranch Wrangler.")Lynn Downey brings the history of dude ranching up to the present. Though dude ranch owners have adapted to many current trends in the hospitality business - swimming pools, tennis, and wi-fi - they still adhere to the original concept: to provide an out West experience and getaway from the stresses of city life with trail rides and good grub.I'm ready to book my dude ranch vacation... I just have to decide which one! - Sandra McGee, co-author of "The Divorce Seekers - The Intimate True Story of a Nevada Divorce Ranch Wrangler"

I thoroughly enjoyed this comprehensive look at dude ranching. Lynn Downey has a lively, accessible writing style. Her affection and respect for dude ranch operators is clear, and like with other reviewers, I now want to visit one! The fact that parts of So Cal, near me, had dude ranches was a big surprise. I learned was about Murray’s Dude Ranch dubbed the Negro Dude Ranch in Apple Valley, CA. What a groundbreaking operation—eventually becoming a racially integrated ranch. And during WWII it provided recreation and respite for black service members who were barred from base canteens. Sadly, nothing remains of Murray’s but Downey’s book does a great job of preserving its history. The book’s illustrations, from the author’s own collection of Dude Ranch memorabilia, enhance the reading. I also found myself Google, Google, googling because I wanted to see and learn more. So many interesting tidbits! Downey invites the reader down the prairie dog hole with her. A fascinating ride.

The history of dude ranches in the American west is interesting to me because of my own family history but seen through the eyes of history it’s riveting.This book is a delight to dip into.