100 Years in the Saddle: Dude Ranchers’ Association Celebrates

May 22, 2026

In honor of their 100-year anniversary, on Thursday, June 4th the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA) will host a Centennial Western Stroll and celebrate the opening of a new photography exhibit at the Dude Ranch Museum – The Wrangle, a sampling of a collection of photographs captured during the creation of the commemorative book celebrating a century of dude ranching with photographs by Scott T. Baxter. The festivities continue with Dude Ranch Night at the Cody Nite Rodeo where guests can visit a special DRA booth and learn about all of the unique ranches that are part of the association.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 100-year anniversary and kick off summertime here in Cody, with this fun night out,” said Executive Director Bryce Albright. “We love that we can share Scott’s incredible images of historic and modern ranches in a gallery setting for all to enjoy. Between this, and the Western Stroll and the rodeo night, there are sure to be lots of memories made for everyone.”

Event Timeline

11:00 am -1:00 pm “100 Years of Dude Ranching” book signing at Legends Bookstore on Sheridan Ave. Copies of the coffee table book will be available for purchase, with meet and greet and book signings by photographer Scott T. Baxter.

4:00 pm Grand Opening and Cody Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Wrangle starts at Dude Ranch Foundation Museum on 12th Street

Starting at 4:00 pm people will be able to pick up their passport card for the Western Stroll

4:00 pm- 6:00 pm Western Stroll with stops at local businesses and storefronts to get passport stamped

Dude Ranch Foundation Museum open for viewing with refreshments

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Cody Chamber of Commerce Block Party on 13th Street

7:00 pm Gates open for Dude Ranch Night at the Cody Nite Rodeo; rodeo begins at 8 p.m.

Photography Exhibit at the Dude Ranch Foundation Museum

The Wrangle exhibition features imagery from 100 Years of Dude Ranching, a commemorative centennial book created in partnership with the Ranch Preservation Foundation. The book highlights 26 dude ranches through photography by Scott T. Baxter and writing by historian Lynn Downey. The exhibit will remain on view through September 27, 2026.

On many dude ranches in the small hours of the morning, horses are gathered from their pastures and driven to ranch headquarters during a daily ritual often called “The Wrangle.” This selection of images by Baxter captures the landscapes and people of historic dude ranches that have existed for a century or longer and still carry on such traditions. In celebration of dude ranching’s 100th year, Scott traveled over 20,000 miles across the American West to photograph the dude ranches that have been around since the beginning.

Western Stroll

During the Western Stroll, attendees can visit participating local businesses to collect stamps on their event cards. Completed cards may be entered into a giveaway drawing featuring prizes from local businesses and community partners.

The grand prize package includes:

A Dude Ranchers’ Association Centennial Special Edition Throw Blanket
Centennial Belt Buckle, Coffee Mug and T-Shirt
Four one-hour trail rides vouchers to be used at UXU Ranch
Two tickets to the Cody Nite Rodeo

Additional giveaway prizes will include merchandise and experiences donated by participating businesses.

Dude Ranch Night at the Cody Nite Rodeo

The Dude Ranchers’ Association will have a special booth set up at the Cody Nite Rodeo, which is held nightly during the summer months of June through August. Representatives of the Dude Ranchers’ Association will be present to talk about dude ranch vacations and the DRA member ranches.

[Press Release]

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