Covered Wagon Ranch Cuisine & the Taylor Fork Lodge
Dining at our Montana guest ranch is a family affair, and is often the social highlight of the day. Covered Wagon Ranch is different in that all of us (owners and staff) eat with our guests! This means you can reminisce with your favorite wrangler about your ride that day or talk amongst each staff member at the ranch, as you become part of our ranch family. During your stay you will enjoy a scrumptious Montana dining experience at each meal. Most meals are served in the Taylor Fork Lodge, which is also a favorite hang out for guests, no matter if it’s meal time or not. Here, the cookie jar is always full and the coffee pot is always at the ready – plus lemonade, ice tea, water, hot cocoa, apple cider and a selection of teas!
The Lodge Experience
Feel free to come and relax at our Montana Guest Ranch lodge, which features both inside and outside spaces to enjoy at meal time and in between!
What’s Cookin?
Breakfast: Coffee is on at 6am and breakfast is served between 7:30-8:30. Breakfast is to order – there’s hot and cold cereals, breads, a fresh baked pastry, fresh fruit, a specialty item each day such as Eggs Benedict, and we always have pancakes, eggs, bacon or sausage… just tell us what you want! Fresh brewed coffee, a variety of teas, and fresh juice are always available.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch out on the trail or back at the ranch. Lunch is to order at 1pm in the lodge, unless you are on a full day ride in which you would have filled out a lunch card (what kind of sandwich you want) and filled your complementary lunch bag with goodies that are healthy (and not-so-healthy). Back at the lodge you can find salad, soup or sandwiches or main course dishes for lunch.
Happy Hour & Appetizers: Covered Wagon has a BYOB policy (and bring your own soda) so we suggest bringing some! Love a glass of wine at dinner, beer after a long ride, or whiskey on the rocks? Do it! You’re on vacation. We’ll serve up some great appetizers to entice your palette for the dinner that’s about to follow. In addition, some evening happy hours are extra special, like our Margarita Meet and Greet night when we serve margaritas and visit before dinner, or our Pizza nights when we serve guests local Montana brews.
Dinner: Dinner is served in the Taylor Fork Lodge. The varied menu of hearty and delicious ranch style dishes are served buffet and family style and homemade dessert finishes off each dinner. In addition to our regular evening dinners, we have a few specialty nights:
- Monday Dinner: Join us for our Margaritas Meet & Greet Cookout. Sip on margaritas while getting to know fellow guests and our crew in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Mingle with other guests, try your hand at roping the dummies, toss a round of horseshoes, enjoy lawn games, or shoot some pool in the rec hall as we prepare dinner on the grill. After dinner, the evening continues with dessert—or gather around the campfire to toast marshmallows and make s’mores under the stars.
- Thursday Dinner: Settle in for wood-fired pizza, delicious wings, and tastings of local craft beer, where good food meets great brews and even better company.
- Friday Dinner: Friday brings the weekly Wrangler cookout with steaks, burgers, hot dogs, brats, live music, dancing, and an evening of family fun around the campfire.
Whichever meal, whether it is a sack lunch in a high alpine meadow, or a sit down dinner in the lodge, you will be treated to great food, friendly service, and a true family Montana Guest Ranch dining experience. View some additional highlights in our Lodge video!
Allergies or Dietary Needs?
Are you a vegetarian, don’t eat gluten, or have other dietary needs? That’s no problem! We’ve got you covered. Our chefs are very conscious and knowledgeable about food allergies and dietary restrictions. Questions or concerns – give us a call, we would be happy to discuss your individual needs.
BYOB
Our Montana Guest Ranch is BYOB, allowing guests to compliment their meals with the drink of their choice. Wine and liquor outlets are available on the way to the ranch, though do note: Montana does not allow the purchase of hard alcohol on Sundays. Wine glasses, ice, coolers, and openers are all available at the ranch.
