HISTORY OF THE RANCH
IN 1929, DOUBLE ARROW RANCH WAS ESTABLISHED AS THE FIRST COMMERCIAL DUDE RANCH IN SEELEY LAKE
HISTORY OF THE RANCH
IN 1929, DOUBLE ARROW RANCH WAS ESTABLISHED AS THE FIRST COMMERCIAL DUDE RANCH IN SEELEY LAKE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE DOUBLE ARROW RANCH BY VISITING THE SEELEY LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Beginnings of a Dude Ranch Legend
1929 - 1930s
In the late 1920s, a visionary horseman named Jan Boissevain teamed up with his friend, Colonel George F. Weisel, to purchase a stock farm known as the old Corbett Ranch in Seeley Lake. Boissevain dreamed of transforming this parcel of western Montana into one of the state’s first dude ranches – a destination where city folk (“dudes”) could experience the romance of the Old West with all the comforts of a fine lodge. He even named it Double Arrow Ranch after the distinctive double-arrow brand on his favorite horse. By 1929, their dream became reality as Double Arrow Ranch opened as the first commercial dude ranch at Seeley Lake, welcoming guests to a picturesque valley beneath the Mission Mountains.
Turning a rustic homestead into a luxury retreat was no small task. Boissevain and Weisel spent 1929 hauling and repurposing local log cabins (some were skidded in from the nearby Trail Creek area by horse team) to serve as guest cottages. By the summer of 1930, the ranch was ready for its first paying visitors – in fact, the President of Cornell University and other notable guests arrived on July 1, 1930 to inaugurate the Double Arrow’s first season. Each evening, these early visitors gathered in the grand log lodge (today’s “Great Hall”), warmed by a crackling fire in the stone hearth, to share stories of the day’s rides and adventures. The Double Arrow quickly earned renown for its historic western charm and gracious hospitality, offering a taste of rugged Montana packaged in comfort and style.
Yet those early years were not without challenges. After a successful first season, Boissevain fell in love with Anna Afton Weisel – George’s daughter – and the two were married. Tragically, Anna died in childbirth soon after, casting a shadow over the young ranch. Boissevain carried on through his personal heartbreak, determined to keep the ranch’s spirit alive for their guests. The Great Depression soon brought further hardships: by 1932 the nation’s economic woes caught up with the Double Arrow, and tourist travel declined. George Weisel sold his interest in the ranch to Boissevain in 1932, leaving Jan to forge ahead alone. Ever resourceful, Boissevain found creative ways to survive – from breeding quality horses (even selling thoroughbreds to the U.S. Army), to welcoming an unusual group of “guests” one hard winter. During the worst of the Depression, Missoula County contracted with the Double Arrow to house 100 unemployed lumberjacks in its cabins; the ranch’s kitchen, once serving gourmet meals to wealthy dudes, was now ladling stew to down-on-their-luck woodsmen. Stories from that era tell of Boissevain ringing a large iron dinner bell to call everyone to supper, earning him the fond nickname “the Bell Boss” from local Salish and Kalispel tribal members who camped seasonally on the ranch. Through it all, the Double Arrow’s reputation for genuine western hospitality only grew, nurtured by Boissevain’s unwavering passion.
By the end of the 1930s, Double Arrow Ranch had survived economic turmoil and even literal storms (harsh winters often tested the ranch’s mettle). However, the onset of World War II brought a final blow to the dude ranch heyday. With travel curtailed and many staff and guests enlisted in the war effort, Boissevain found it impossible to continue operating. In 1942, he reluctantly auctioned off the ranch and its string of horses, and he moved to California. The grand experiment of the Double Arrow’s founding era had come to a pause – but the story was far from over.
By the end of the 1930s, Double Arrow Ranch had survived economic turmoil and even literal storms (harsh winters often tested the ranch’s mettle). However, the onset of World War II brought a final blow to the dude ranch heyday. With travel curtailed and many staff and guests enlisted in the war effort, Boissevain found it impossible to continue operating. In 1942, he reluctantly auctioned off the ranch and its string of horses, and he moved to California. The grand experiment of the Double Arrow’s founding era had come to a pause – but the story was far from over.
Trials, Transitions, and Renewal
1940s - 1960s
After Boissevain’s departure, Double Arrow Ranch entered a quieter phase. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s the property changed hands multiple times and even spent years functioning again as a working cattle ranch. Some interim owners, including a pair of Hollywood filmmakers, were enchanted by the ranch’s potential but struggled with its upkeep. The rustic log buildings were costly to heat through long snowy winters, and raising cattle in Seeley Lake’s climate proved challenging (legend has it that eastern Montana cows didn’t take kindly to the deep snow and even developed “mountain asthma”). By the late 1950s the Double Arrow – while still known for its stunning location – was in need of new energy and care.
That new energy arrived in 1958 when C.B. “Jack” Rich and his wife Helen purchased Double Arrow Ranch. The Rich family were seasoned outfitters and wilderness guides, and they viewed the ranch as an ideal base for outdoor adventure. Jack Rich established Double Arrow Outfitters, running pack trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and guiding hunting expeditions out of the ranch’s barns and corrals. Under the Riches’ stewardship, the ranch blended dude-ranch traditions with bona fide ranch work: horses once again filled the pastures, and the Riches even tried their hand at raising a herd of Hereford cattle on the ranch’s meadows. The old log lodge welcomed guests looking for western getaways, while wranglers saddled up horses for backcountry trips. Jack and Helen poured their hearts into preserving the “romance of the old buildings” and the wild mountain setting that had originally captivated Boissevain.
That new energy arrived in 1958 when C.B. “Jack” Rich and his wife Helen purchased Double Arrow Ranch. The Rich family were seasoned outfitters and wilderness guides, and they viewed the ranch as an ideal base for outdoor adventure. Jack Rich established Double Arrow Outfitters, running pack trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and guiding hunting expeditions out of the ranch’s barns and corrals. Under the Riches’ stewardship, the ranch blended dude-ranch traditions with bona fide ranch work: horses once again filled the pastures, and the Riches even tried their hand at raising a herd of Hereford cattle on the ranch’s meadows. The old log lodge welcomed guests looking for western getaways, while wranglers saddled up horses for backcountry trips. Jack and Helen poured their hearts into preserving the “romance of the old buildings” and the wild mountain setting that had originally captivated Boissevain.
Despite their love for the land, the Rich family discovered just how much maintenance the aging ranch required. “Every roof on the place was leaking” by the mid-1960s, C.B. Rich later quipped, and keeping up with repairs was a constant battle. After a particularly difficult winter and some financial setbacks, the Riches decided to pass the torch. They sold Double Arrow Ranch in 1966 and for a few years stepped back to focus on their outfitting business (continuing to run wilderness trips under the Double Arrow name). The ranch itself went through a quick succession of owners in the late 1960s, and much of the original furniture and equipment was auctioned off during this time. By 1970, however, a new owner emerged with a bold plan to revitalize the property.
From Dude Ranch to Full Resort
1970s - 1990s
The year 1970 marked a turning point. Herb Richards, an executive from an insurance company (and a man with a soft spot for Montana heritage), purchased Double Arrow Ranch and immediately set about restoring the historic lodge and cabins. Richards oversaw a comprehensive facelift: the beautiful hand-hewn log structures were sanded and refinished inside and out, modern utilities were installed (including the ranch’s first deep water well to replace the old creek-fed system), and new plumbing, wiring, and roofing gave the 1929-era buildings a new lease on life. He even imported handcrafted oak furniture from Texas to ensure the lodge’s décor matched its western pedigree. During this period, Richards also made a decision that would shape Double Arrow’s future in a new way: he began subdividing portions of the vast ranch lands into parcels for private homes. By the early 1970s, the first sections of what would become the Double Arrow Ranch Landowners’ Association residential community were platted. (Richards was careful to leave about 2,000 acres around the lodge and core facilities intact for the ranch’s operations, but the era of real estate development at Double Arrow had begun.)
Even as part of the ranch evolved into a neighborhood of mountain cabins and homes, the heart of Double Arrow continued to beat as a western resort. New investors in the late 1970s expanded the recreational offerings on the property. In 1977, a partnership led by John Trippe purchased the ranch and introduced several upscale amenities: they built a swimming pool and a relaxing hot tub house, laid out tennis courts, and constructed a couple of condo-style lodging buildings on the grounds. For the first time, guests could enjoy a dip in the pool after a long trail ride, or a game of tennis with a mountain backdrop. The old ranch was growing into a full-service resort, blending rustic appeal with modern leisure. The equestrian tradition stayed strong as well – a new 20-stall horse barn and riding arena were added, ensuring that horseback riding remained at the core of the Double Arrow experience. Throughout these changes, the Rich family never wandered far; Jack and Helen’s son even bought back the ranch’s outfitting division, continuing to guide wilderness trips under the familiar Double Arrow name.
By the late 1980s, Double Arrow Ranch was ready for yet another fresh chapter. In 1989, a group of six families from Seattle (all with Montana roots and a deep appreciation for the ranch’s legacy) came together to buy the historic lodge and its surrounding acreage. This new ownership group was committed to honoring the Double Arrow’s past while securing its future as a premier mountain resort. Over the next decade they invested in thoughtful upgrades and expansions. The original log cabins were lovingly remodeled and modernized without losing their vintage character. Several new lodging units were added in the 1990s to accommodate growing visitor demand, and in 1994 the Double Arrow realized a long-held dream: a championship 18-hole golf course was opened on the property. Suddenly, guests could spend their morning on horseback in the high country and their afternoon playing a round of golf beneath snow-capped peaks – a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and leisure luxury. The resort also added a fine dining restaurant and enhanced conference facilities (including the Blackfoot Conference Center and a complete remodel of the Hilltop Lodge by 1997) to better serve weddings, corporate retreats, and family reunions. Through all these updates, the owners took care to preserve the cozy, log-cabin ambiance and western charm that made the place unique. One tangible example of their dedication to history came in the late 1990s, when the ranch’s original 1929 barn – no longer needed for daily operations – was carefully disassembled log by log and moved to a site along Highway 83 in Seeley Lake. There, it was rebuilt to serve as the community’s Historical Museum and Visitor Center, allowing the Double Arrow’s heritage to be shared with everyone who passes through town.
Even as part of the ranch evolved into a neighborhood of mountain cabins and homes, the heart of Double Arrow continued to beat as a western resort. New investors in the late 1970s expanded the recreational offerings on the property. In 1977, a partnership led by John Trippe purchased the ranch and introduced several upscale amenities: they built a swimming pool and a relaxing hot tub house, laid out tennis courts, and constructed a couple of condo-style lodging buildings on the grounds. For the first time, guests could enjoy a dip in the pool after a long trail ride, or a game of tennis with a mountain backdrop. The old ranch was growing into a full-service resort, blending rustic appeal with modern leisure. The equestrian tradition stayed strong as well – a new 20-stall horse barn and riding arena were added, ensuring that horseback riding remained at the core of the Double Arrow experience. Throughout these changes, the Rich family never wandered far; Jack and Helen’s son even bought back the ranch’s outfitting division, continuing to guide wilderness trips under the familiar Double Arrow name.
By the late 1980s, Double Arrow Ranch was ready for yet another fresh chapter. In 1989, a group of six families from Seattle (all with Montana roots and a deep appreciation for the ranch’s legacy) came together to buy the historic lodge and its surrounding acreage. This new ownership group was committed to honoring the Double Arrow’s past while securing its future as a premier mountain resort. Over the next decade they invested in thoughtful upgrades and expansions. The original log cabins were lovingly remodeled and modernized without losing their vintage character. Several new lodging units were added in the 1990s to accommodate growing visitor demand, and in 1994 the Double Arrow realized a long-held dream: a championship 18-hole golf course was opened on the property. Suddenly, guests could spend their morning on horseback in the high country and their afternoon playing a round of golf beneath snow-capped peaks – a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and leisure luxury. The resort also added a fine dining restaurant and enhanced conference facilities (including the Blackfoot Conference Center and a complete remodel of the Hilltop Lodge by 1997) to better serve weddings, corporate retreats, and family reunions. Through all these updates, the owners took care to preserve the cozy, log-cabin ambiance and western charm that made the place unique. One tangible example of their dedication to history came in the late 1990s, when the ranch’s original 1929 barn – no longer needed for daily operations – was carefully disassembled log by log and moved to a site along Highway 83 in Seeley Lake. There, it was rebuilt to serve as the community’s Historical Museum and Visitor Center, allowing the Double Arrow’s heritage to be shared with everyone who passes through town.
Enduring Legacy and Community Ties
2000s - TODAY
As the Double Arrow Ranch enters its second century, its legacy only continues to grow. What began in 1929 as Jan Boissevain’s ambitious experiment in western hospitality has blossomed into a renowned four-season resort and community hub. Today the Double Arrow spans two identities that beautifully overlap: it remains a rustic-yet-luxurious vacation resort – complete with an 18-hole golf course, lodges and cabins, dining, and countless outdoor activities – and it’s also the name of a sprawling residential community of folks who cherish the same landscape and lifestyle. Many of the homeowners in the Double Arrow Ranch Landowners’ Association first fell in love with the area as resort guests, and decided to make this mountain paradise their home. The result is a unique synergy between resort and community. Guests staying at the lodge might meet local residents at the onsite restaurant or out on the ski trails, all of them swapping stories about wildlife sightings or favorite fishing holes. Annual events continue the traditions of old: from summertime barn dances and live music by the lodge’s big stone fireplace, to winter sleigh rides across the snowy golf fairways, the ranch is alive with Montana spirit year-round.
Crucially, Double Arrow Ranch has never lost sight of its roots. The original 1930 lodge still stands proud, its logs and stones holding nearly a century of memories (and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of 2014). Step inside and you can almost hear the laughter of bygone guests and the jangling spurs of ranch wranglers echoing in the Great Hall. The ranch’s current stewards strive to honor that history in every renovation and upgrade. Modern comforts – from Wi-Fi to heated pools – are offered in a way that complements, rather than compromises, the historic atmosphere. It’s not uncommon for a guest to curl up by the same monumental fireplace that warmed travelers in the 1930s, sipping a fine wine while admiring vintage photographs on the wall. Each log beam and saddle on display is a reminder that this isn’t just a resort – it’s a living museum of western Montana’s past, seamlessly blended with the present.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Double Arrow’s story is its deep bond with the Seeley Lake community. For generations, the ranch has provided a place for locals and visitors to come together – whether for a community fundraiser, a wedding in the historic barn, or simply a friendly round of golf on a Sunday. Many long-time Seeley Lake residents have personal connections to the ranch: they remember attending dances in the barn loft, guiding pack trips that left from the corrals, or even working summer jobs at the lodge. The ranch has actively given back to the community as well, donating the use of its facilities for events and participating in local conservation and outdoor education efforts. As noted by the Landowners’ Association, “our shared history…means the ranch will be a significant part of the community for years to come.” Double Arrow’s current owners continue that tradition of active community partnership– from supporting the local historical museum (housed in the old ranch barn) to maintaining trail access that allows neighbors to enjoy the surrounding public lands.
After all these years, the essence of Double Arrow Ranch remains wonderfully unchanged. It’s the feeling you get when you ride through a stand of whispering pines on horseback at dusk, or when you settle into an antique leather chair by the fire as snow piles up outside. It’s the blend of adventure and comfort, of history and hospitality, that leaves an indelible mark on everyone who visits. From the 1920s “dudes” in their woolen riding suits, to today’s travelers looking for an authentic Montana escape, generations have found something special here. Double Arrow Ranch isn’t just a relic of the past – it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving experience. And as we look to the future, the spirit of 1929 lives on in every trail ride, every trout caught in a clear mountain stream, and every warm welcome extended to a new guest. This is our history – and you’re now part of it.
Crucially, Double Arrow Ranch has never lost sight of its roots. The original 1930 lodge still stands proud, its logs and stones holding nearly a century of memories (and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of 2014). Step inside and you can almost hear the laughter of bygone guests and the jangling spurs of ranch wranglers echoing in the Great Hall. The ranch’s current stewards strive to honor that history in every renovation and upgrade. Modern comforts – from Wi-Fi to heated pools – are offered in a way that complements, rather than compromises, the historic atmosphere. It’s not uncommon for a guest to curl up by the same monumental fireplace that warmed travelers in the 1930s, sipping a fine wine while admiring vintage photographs on the wall. Each log beam and saddle on display is a reminder that this isn’t just a resort – it’s a living museum of western Montana’s past, seamlessly blended with the present.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Double Arrow’s story is its deep bond with the Seeley Lake community. For generations, the ranch has provided a place for locals and visitors to come together – whether for a community fundraiser, a wedding in the historic barn, or simply a friendly round of golf on a Sunday. Many long-time Seeley Lake residents have personal connections to the ranch: they remember attending dances in the barn loft, guiding pack trips that left from the corrals, or even working summer jobs at the lodge. The ranch has actively given back to the community as well, donating the use of its facilities for events and participating in local conservation and outdoor education efforts. As noted by the Landowners’ Association, “our shared history…means the ranch will be a significant part of the community for years to come.” Double Arrow’s current owners continue that tradition of active community partnership– from supporting the local historical museum (housed in the old ranch barn) to maintaining trail access that allows neighbors to enjoy the surrounding public lands.
After all these years, the essence of Double Arrow Ranch remains wonderfully unchanged. It’s the feeling you get when you ride through a stand of whispering pines on horseback at dusk, or when you settle into an antique leather chair by the fire as snow piles up outside. It’s the blend of adventure and comfort, of history and hospitality, that leaves an indelible mark on everyone who visits. From the 1920s “dudes” in their woolen riding suits, to today’s travelers looking for an authentic Montana escape, generations have found something special here. Double Arrow Ranch isn’t just a relic of the past – it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving experience. And as we look to the future, the spirit of 1929 lives on in every trail ride, every trout caught in a clear mountain stream, and every warm welcome extended to a new guest. This is our history – and you’re now part of it.
Timeline of Key Moments in Double Arrow History
The Double Arrow Heritage
1929
1929
Founding
Jan Boissevain and George Weisel establish the Double Arrow Ranch on the former Corbett Ranch property, naming it after the double-arrow brand on Boissevain’s favorite horse. It becomes the first official dude ranch in the Seeley Lake area, offering “city slickers” an authentic Montana ranch experience.
1930
1930
First Guests
After a year of construction and preparation, the ranch opens to guests. On July 1, 1930, Double Arrow welcomes its first paying customers, including the president of Cornell University, signaling its immediate draw as a high-class wilderness retreat.
1931
1931
Heartbreak
Boissevain marries Anna Weisel (George’s daughter) and builds a home for them on the ranch – but tragedy strikes when Anna dies in childbirth the next year. This personal loss is followed by tough economic times as the Great Depression curtails tourism nationwide.
1932 - 1939
1932 - 1939
Perseverance
Despite financial struggles, Boissevain keeps the ranch afloat. Weisel departs the partnership in 1932, leaving Jan as sole owner. The ranch adapts by breeding horses and even hosting unemployed lumberjacks in the off-season to generate income during the Depression.
1942
1942
End of an Era
World War II pressures force Boissevain to close the dude ranch. He auctions off the property and livestock in 1942 and leaves Montana. Double Arrow Ranch transitions into a conventional cattle ranch under a series of different owners throughout the 1940s.
1958
1958
New Owners
C.B. “Jack” Rich and Helen Rich purchase the ranch. Drawing on their outfitting background, they revive the guest ranch concept, using Double Arrow as a base for guided hunts and pack trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The ranch once again welcomes paying guests, albeit on a smaller scale, and the Rich family works to repair and maintain the aging buildings.
1966
1966
Changes in Ownership
Facing financial difficulties, the Rich family sells the ranch. The late 1960s see the Double Arrow pass briefly through new hands (John Parker and Harold Mildenberger, then Lee Dahl). The property suffers some neglect during these transitions – even the original furniture is sold off at one point – but its potential attracts investors willing to restore its glory.
1970
1970
Restoration and Expansion
Herb Richards acquires Double Arrow Ranch and initiates major renovations. Historic log structures are refurbished and modernized (a new well, updated plumbing/electric, new roofs) to bring the ranch up to date. Richards also begins subdividing parts of the 4,000+ acre ranch into residential lots, laying the groundwork for the Double Arrow Ranch landowners’ community alongside the resort.
1977
1977
Resort Amenities Added
A new ownership group (led by John Trippe) purchases the ranch and enhances it with resort-style facilities. They install a swimming pool, tennis courts, a hot tub and sauna, and build several condominium cabins for guest lodging. Equestrian facilities are expanded with a large horse barn and riding arena, keeping the cowboy spirit alive.
1989
1989
Preservation and Upgrades
Six Montana families from the Seattle area jointly buy the Double Arrow Lodge. Dedicated to balancing historic preservation with luxury, they invest in refurbishing all the original 1930s cabins and add new accommodations in 1993, 1996, and 1997 to broaden capacity. The lodge’s rustic log architecture is carefully preserved, and the new owners emphasize fine dining and upscale hospitality as hallmarks of the resort.
1994
1994
Tee Time
A championship 18-hole golf course opens on the ranch property, transforming Double Arrow into a true multi-recreation resort. Set against mountain and forest scenery, the golf course quickly becomes one of the most scenic in Montana and a big draw for guests and local players alike.
Late 1990s
Late 1990s
Community Heritage Projects
The resort builds the Blackfoot Conference Center (1997) to host events and business retreats, further expanding its modern offerings. In 1998, plans are made to relocate the historic 1929 log barn from the ranch up to Highway 83 to serve as the new Seeley Lake Historical Museum & Visitor Center, a project that underscores the ranch’s commitment to the local community. (Within a few years, the barn is painstakingly moved and reassembled as a museum, preserving its heritage for future generations.)
2014
2014
Historic Recognition
The Double Arrow Lodge (the main lodge building) is added to the National Register of Historic Places, officially recognizing its significance in architecture and Montana history. This honor cements the lodge’s status as not just a local treasure but a national one.
Today
Today
Living Tradition
Now approaching a century old, Double Arrow Ranch thrives as both a luxury resort and a close-knit community. The lodge and cabins – rich with history – host travelers from around the world, even as hundreds of homeowners reside on former ranch lands under the Double Arrow name. The ranch’s legacy of western charm, adventure, and hospitality continues to this day, thanks to careful stewardship and a shared love of this extraordinary place. Visitors can golf, ride, fish, ski, or simply relax by the great stone fireplace, all the while surrounded by the stories and spirit of those who came before.