Woodside Ranch Resort
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#1 of 1 ranch in Mauston
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Woodside Ranch invites you to experience the ultimate family vacation in legendary western hospitality. Located close to the famous Wisconsin Dells, among the pristine woodlands of Mauston, Wisconsin, come enjoy our Horseback Riding on over 1400 acres of trails. From beginners to experts, Woodside Ranch offers something for everyone, from old-fashioned covered wagon rides, pulled by our Majestic Percherons, to the famous Woodside Breakfast Ride, beautiful heated pool, private stocked lake, a modern fitness facility and fun daily activities, if horseback riding is not your saddle. Experience Chef Jaaffar's Down Home Fixins and of course- Uncle Z's Famous Fried Chicken! We promise you won't leave hungry! We offer Cozy Log Cabins, Ranch House Rooms, or the newly remodeled Lake House to accommodate large-kin families and/or groups of any size. Here at Woodside Ranch, we're happy to customize your vacation as active or relaxed as you choose to be!Come, Discover a Wisconsin Legend - 100 years in the Making!!!!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Tennis court
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Business Center with Internet Access
Breakfast available
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Charming
Location
State Highway 82, Mauston, WI 53948
Getting there
La Crosse Municipal Airport
103.5 km•
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35 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
Our family had a great time on our trail ride. Before we started out, our youngest got a quick lesson from some amazing staff. After the lesson, we got to choose what horse to take on our ride. All the horses were very well mannered, and looked like they are well taken care of. After choosing our horses, we led them to an area with steps for easy mounting. We rode beautiful trails through the trees. After our guide made sure we were comfortable, she lead us on a few different “trots” in the open areas. We had guides both in front of us and behind us making sure we were all together. One of the guides even took and shared some photos of us. As a bonus, at the end of the ride, we spent some time with the goats, chickens, bison, and miniature cows. Great family experience.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Plenty of parking next to the bison pasture.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Woodside Ranch over the 4th of July for 4 nights and 5 days. We had a wonderful time. It was an old-fashioned family vacation--we felt like we had gone back in time to our own childhoods. We stayed in a 2-bedroom cabin called Fireside. It was very clean, beds were comfortable, and it was definitely roomy enough for 2 adults and 3 active kids. There are no tvs or phones in the cabins (a plus for us).
The horseback riding was excellent. All of the staff at the corrall and stable were knowledeable, helpful and professional. Children must be 8 years old or older to go on the trail ride. Our daughter (age 8) had never ridden before but the staff instruction was excellent and she was able to ride with the adults and loved it! Younger children can ride the ponies and stay at the "Little Red Schoolhouse" for supervised play while the adults and older children are on the trail.
The food was not gourmet. It was basic, but plentiful. Lots of meat and potatoes. This would not be a great place for vegetarians. The breakfast (eaten in the woods after riding the trail) was fantastic. Homestyle eggs, bacon, pancakes etc.
We loved the pool and the fishiing pond also. The game room and activities made us all feel like we were at summer camp again. Our family loved our stay at Woodside Ranch and can't wait to go back. We're going to make it a yearly tradition.
The horseback riding was excellent. All of the staff at the corrall and stable were knowledeable, helpful and professional. Children must be 8 years old or older to go on the trail ride. Our daughter (age 8) had never ridden before but the staff instruction was excellent and she was able to ride with the adults and loved it! Younger children can ride the ponies and stay at the "Little Red Schoolhouse" for supervised play while the adults and older children are on the trail.
The food was not gourmet. It was basic, but plentiful. Lots of meat and potatoes. This would not be a great place for vegetarians. The breakfast (eaten in the woods after riding the trail) was fantastic. Homestyle eggs, bacon, pancakes etc.
We loved the pool and the fishiing pond also. The game room and activities made us all feel like we were at summer camp again. Our family loved our stay at Woodside Ranch and can't wait to go back. We're going to make it a yearly tradition.
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Date of stay: July 2006
Value
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Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You know when you go on vacation and there is one guest that seems to get on everyone (staff and guests) nerves?? That is the last reviewer. Obviously she thought she was booking at a high level resort and not a horse ranch:
Now for our opinion:
We are a family of four, with two kids, aged 6 and 8 and travelled with my mother. We stayed for 7 days, which in the long run we determined might have been a bit long, but we found our trip not only worth every penny, but an experience that we will cherish forever.
Besides the nature, horses, etc, I would have to say that the most pleasant part of our trip was the STAFF. What a great group of people that not only did everything they could to make our trip enjoyable, but ended up being friends that we hope to keep in touch with for years to come. The minute we checked in, we knew that this was going to be a hospitable place!!
Brian has run the horse part of the ranch for years and was knowledgable, kind and attentitive to our needs. The ranch hands (that take you out for your rides and teach you about the horses) were very nice and helpful. Morgan, Jeremiah, Chelsea, both Stephanies (including Smiley:), Kelly, Andy, to just name a few were kid favorites.
The activities girls, Chantel and Briana made sure our kids, as well as the adults, had a great time.
The chefs, wow, what can I say. They worked very hard, tried to accomodate every request and the chefs at the breakfast each morning busted their tails to cook a breakfast I had a hard time believing was cooked on a wood fired griddle. The dinner chef was such a nice guy and asked my mom, who had a physical ailment on our trip, how she was everytime he saw her.
Nicole, the bartender, was an awesome kid!! Most of the staff seem to be college kids that love working there and it shows in their relationships with the guests.
This is not a four star resort. It is a horse ranch. There for after reading the reviews, I knew the food would be basic downhome cooking, the accomodations would be cabins and a step above sleeping in tents. We stayed in the lakehouse, which was recently remodeled and were quite comfortable. I guess we were lucky b/c we brought our own shampoo, but if we hadn't we would have just driven down to the local CVS and bought some.
We loved the food. The fried chicken and fish fry were awesome. The cookouts basic, with burgers, dogs, saugage, etc., but always had plentyful condiments and sides. Lunches were always served with a salad bar, and when they had items that were not exactly kid faves (tuna melt, reuben, etc), they always had other options for the kids such as grilled cheese, etc and would make anything on the fly if the kids were particularly picky. Lasagna, awesome!! But the best part was the breakfasts. I hate mornings, but found that once I had gotten on my horse, road through the beautiful trails and ended up with a breakfast every morning with fresh juice, coffee and the works: toast, pancakes, french toast, potatoes, cheesy potatoes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and eggs made to order, I was the happiest guy in the world.
We were there for 7 days with two young children and they never missed a TV once. Whether it was afternoons by the pool, tennis, archery, game room, full basketball court for bball, kick ball, feeding the farm animals, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, they were never bored. It was a refreshing break from technology, phones, etc.
Sure, there were some things I would suggest they work on: Some of the bedspreads seemed pretty old, with holes (probably from moths), nicer bath towels (very rough) but we went into it expecting it be more of a camping, outdoor experience. Our six year old was given the appropriate lessons so that he could ride whenever he wanted.
Don't go if you are expecting an adult only trip with loads of amenities. Go if you want to be on a farm with lots of animals, meet fun people (we will be lifelong friends with two of the families that we met) eat dinner family style, and get away from civilization for a while.
Almost everyone that was there when we were booked immediately for last year.
Thanks to all!!
Now for our opinion:
We are a family of four, with two kids, aged 6 and 8 and travelled with my mother. We stayed for 7 days, which in the long run we determined might have been a bit long, but we found our trip not only worth every penny, but an experience that we will cherish forever.
Besides the nature, horses, etc, I would have to say that the most pleasant part of our trip was the STAFF. What a great group of people that not only did everything they could to make our trip enjoyable, but ended up being friends that we hope to keep in touch with for years to come. The minute we checked in, we knew that this was going to be a hospitable place!!
Brian has run the horse part of the ranch for years and was knowledgable, kind and attentitive to our needs. The ranch hands (that take you out for your rides and teach you about the horses) were very nice and helpful. Morgan, Jeremiah, Chelsea, both Stephanies (including Smiley:), Kelly, Andy, to just name a few were kid favorites.
The activities girls, Chantel and Briana made sure our kids, as well as the adults, had a great time.
The chefs, wow, what can I say. They worked very hard, tried to accomodate every request and the chefs at the breakfast each morning busted their tails to cook a breakfast I had a hard time believing was cooked on a wood fired griddle. The dinner chef was such a nice guy and asked my mom, who had a physical ailment on our trip, how she was everytime he saw her.
Nicole, the bartender, was an awesome kid!! Most of the staff seem to be college kids that love working there and it shows in their relationships with the guests.
This is not a four star resort. It is a horse ranch. There for after reading the reviews, I knew the food would be basic downhome cooking, the accomodations would be cabins and a step above sleeping in tents. We stayed in the lakehouse, which was recently remodeled and were quite comfortable. I guess we were lucky b/c we brought our own shampoo, but if we hadn't we would have just driven down to the local CVS and bought some.
We loved the food. The fried chicken and fish fry were awesome. The cookouts basic, with burgers, dogs, saugage, etc., but always had plentyful condiments and sides. Lunches were always served with a salad bar, and when they had items that were not exactly kid faves (tuna melt, reuben, etc), they always had other options for the kids such as grilled cheese, etc and would make anything on the fly if the kids were particularly picky. Lasagna, awesome!! But the best part was the breakfasts. I hate mornings, but found that once I had gotten on my horse, road through the beautiful trails and ended up with a breakfast every morning with fresh juice, coffee and the works: toast, pancakes, french toast, potatoes, cheesy potatoes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and eggs made to order, I was the happiest guy in the world.
We were there for 7 days with two young children and they never missed a TV once. Whether it was afternoons by the pool, tennis, archery, game room, full basketball court for bball, kick ball, feeding the farm animals, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, they were never bored. It was a refreshing break from technology, phones, etc.
Sure, there were some things I would suggest they work on: Some of the bedspreads seemed pretty old, with holes (probably from moths), nicer bath towels (very rough) but we went into it expecting it be more of a camping, outdoor experience. Our six year old was given the appropriate lessons so that he could ride whenever he wanted.
Don't go if you are expecting an adult only trip with loads of amenities. Go if you want to be on a farm with lots of animals, meet fun people (we will be lifelong friends with two of the families that we met) eat dinner family style, and get away from civilization for a while.
Almost everyone that was there when we were booked immediately for last year.
Thanks to all!!
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Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I called several times to schedule a trail ride for my daughter's birthday. First time I left a voicemail they called back an hour later and said they had to transfer me to the trail riding area, tried to book out 1.5 hrs in advance but they were full. I then called back thr next day, a Fri to schedule for Sunday, phone just rings and goes to voicemail. I left 3 Messages and no one returned our call.
I am very disappointed that no one could call us back and this was the only thing my daughter was looking forward to for her bday.
I am very disappointed that no one could call us back and this was the only thing my daughter was looking forward to for her bday.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have never written a bad review before, but I must do so now. We came to Woodside for a family reunion. My husband and I were put in a cabin (called Forest Inn) that looked different from any other cabin. I think it was the oldest one. The worst part was the stench. It smelled like people had smoked in there for years and the place was never cleaned properly. Literally it made me nauseous, my nose ran non stop, and I coughed the whole time I was in there. Plus the lighting was so bad I could barely see to read. Even leaving all the windows open all night did not help relieve the stench. The bed had old worn bedclothes. There was no table of any kind or luggage rack...two chairs one of which was upholstered and was so filthy I wouldn't sit on it. This place is advertised as all-inclusive, but all they had in the room was a small bar of soap, no shampoo...The walls and ceiling were almost black and it felt very claustrophobic as the (dirty) windows were so small. The dark carpet stunk also. We were supposed to have a refrigerator in the room, but had to ask twice before we got one.
We were told not to go to the dining room until we heard the dinner bell ring. We went to the bar for Happy Hour - had one drink. Couldn't hear the bell from there & the bartenders did not inform us it was dinner time. When we noticed the time, we ran in and found everyone already eating. For the price (we were charged $332.00 for Sunday night only) we should've been served lobster - but the main course was macaroni and cheese. Then we were told that the only way we could have breakfast was to go by horseback or buggy into the woods (bugs were horrible), so we signed up for the horse ride for Mon at 9am. We put our heavy jeans & shoes on and walked through a wet, muddy tunnel under the highway over to the horses. An employee told us we would be leaving in 7 minutes. We started talking to a guest and found out that the ride was just a ride - that the breakfast ride had been cancelled. No one had informed us.
By now I had had about all I could take. We had also discovered that any drinks and snacks had to be bought separately and we could not bring our own beverage into the pool area. I was told the manager was in and my husband and I went to talk to him, but the front desk clerk was told to tell us he wasn't in. Woodside charges per person, not per room. They had no other cabin available (I'm assuming the newer ones are lighter and cleaner)... so I checked out and was charged extra for only staying one night, but at least I don't have to throw away another $500 staying in a place that literally made me ill... and is so unorganized. My husband opted to stay because he wanted to see his relatives. He had no problem with me leaving, because he, too, was terribly unhappy with the place.
I would never ever recommend this place to anyone. For what it costs for 4 nights at Woodside, and really the horses are the only thing extra (I mean every place has a pool) - I stay for a whole month in Jamaica - at a great condo on the sea... Woodside is the worst value for my money that I've ever experienced.
We were told not to go to the dining room until we heard the dinner bell ring. We went to the bar for Happy Hour - had one drink. Couldn't hear the bell from there & the bartenders did not inform us it was dinner time. When we noticed the time, we ran in and found everyone already eating. For the price (we were charged $332.00 for Sunday night only) we should've been served lobster - but the main course was macaroni and cheese. Then we were told that the only way we could have breakfast was to go by horseback or buggy into the woods (bugs were horrible), so we signed up for the horse ride for Mon at 9am. We put our heavy jeans & shoes on and walked through a wet, muddy tunnel under the highway over to the horses. An employee told us we would be leaving in 7 minutes. We started talking to a guest and found out that the ride was just a ride - that the breakfast ride had been cancelled. No one had informed us.
By now I had had about all I could take. We had also discovered that any drinks and snacks had to be bought separately and we could not bring our own beverage into the pool area. I was told the manager was in and my husband and I went to talk to him, but the front desk clerk was told to tell us he wasn't in. Woodside charges per person, not per room. They had no other cabin available (I'm assuming the newer ones are lighter and cleaner)... so I checked out and was charged extra for only staying one night, but at least I don't have to throw away another $500 staying in a place that literally made me ill... and is so unorganized. My husband opted to stay because he wanted to see his relatives. He had no problem with me leaving, because he, too, was terribly unhappy with the place.
I would never ever recommend this place to anyone. For what it costs for 4 nights at Woodside, and really the horses are the only thing extra (I mean every place has a pool) - I stay for a whole month in Jamaica - at a great condo on the sea... Woodside is the worst value for my money that I've ever experienced.
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Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from WoodsideRanch, General Manager at Woodside Ranch Resort
Responded Aug 12, 2013
35deb35, first we would like to thank you for the review, we like to hear feedback. We would like to clarify a few items in your post that are misleading to other guests. The Forest Inn Cabin is one of our most quaint cabins and all of our cabins are non-smoking, however, this cabin does have a working fireplace. After your review, we inspected the cabin and have not found the “black walls” you speak of, other than the normal appearance of a fireplace that had recently been in use. We are an All-inclusive dude ranch. By definition- An all-inclusive resort includes a minimum of three meals daily, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities and possibly other services in the price. Many also offer sports and other activities included in the price as well. Our Trading Post (including our pool area) is a licensed public establishment by the state of Wisconsin. Outside beverages are prohibited. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you, but it is the law. At check-in it is clearly stated that the dinner bell rings at 12:30pm for lunch and 5:30pm for dinner daily. This information can also always be found on our activity schedule that is also given at check in and is posted around the ranch. We have reviewed the menu from your time of stay with our chef. Mac-n-Cheese was on the menu, however, our down home cooking meal was actually fresh baked ham, mac and cheese with California blend vegetables and as always a fresh salad and homemade cinnamon rolls. Our breakfast ride has been a ranch favorite for over 70 years, however, it does not go out in inclement weather. In this case we serve the exact same breakfast in our dining hall. We had over 100 guests here at that time and they all managed to get to breakfast and 5:30pm dinner the night before just fine. We are sorry about the bugs at the time of your stay, but that is beyond our control. Bug repellent is provided for purchase in our Trading Post. You are being very misleading on your rates for Sunday night only. We have reviewed your invoice and according to our records that is not the rate you actually paid, in fact it was much less. If you would like to discuss this, please feel free to call the office at your earliest convenience. We were happy to accommodate the rest of the 100 people for your family reunion, including your husband for their 4 nights stay. We are sorry your experience was less than enjoyable, however, may we remind you Woodside Ranch is an all inclusive dude ranch, not a Jamaican condo resort. Thank you, Woodside Ranch GM
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am a lifelong Wisconsinite raised not too far from Mauston WI. I had never heard of the Woodside Ranch but went to a family reunion there in June 2012. I was appalled at the room conditions I found. My lodge room was so dated that I did not even turn lights on for very long as I was afraid to get too good a look at it. I noticed a lack of any documentation in the room attesting to inspection, etc. The tub was multicolored from rust, and old age and dripping water from the faucet. Although meals were included, as were all the horse and animal activities, we did not partake of any of those--meals yes, activities no. The two nights we spent there were so expensive that I asked to be removed from the mailing list and never wish to return. The food was nothing special --school hot lunch variety. This is not a place for couples without kids or for couples not interested in animal activities. Truly the four legged creatures had better accommodations-new barns and updated plumbing and sleeping quarters than did we two legged creatures. Don't be fooled by the website. The highway that runs through it is very noisy and very close to the lodge. You ride a hay wagon thru the woods to get to breakfast every morning. Don't miss the bell or you miss your meal. No tvs, no radios, no amenities in the rooms in the lodge.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: AVOID too costly and too barren
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For the last 10+ years a group of girls have been doing a "Dude Ranch Weekend" at another property in Michigan that recently closed. We looked high & low for a replacement ranch and came upon Woodside via Google.
Now first off, our experience at our "old ranch" was this... it was an adult's only ranch, i.e., LOTS of partying and meeting random people which, the majority of us being mom's, thoroughly enjoyed! We had contacted Woodside prior to booking to confirm that the weekend we were going was in fact "Adult Week" and that it wouldn't be frowned upon should we be sitting outside our cabin partaking in some cocktails.
When we first arrived at Woodside it was GHOST TOWN. We were told that there were only 30 guests on property. 30?! Ok, well, we are perfectly capable of making our own fun so we carried on. The cabin was a typical cabin--we had 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a sitting room. The buffalo head was a bit frightening and the cabin smelled like dead people.
We paid $385 for 2 nights for adult week and I have to say that we all felt that we did not get our money's worth. The food was very very limited... example--one lunch there was salad and chili. That's it. At our old ranch (not to harp on this but just to show a comparison) there was a buffet for every meal and it you didn't like one thing there were 10 other things to satisfy you--and about a dozen different dessert choices! Woodside's dessert was one tiny piece of cheesecake.
Activities... what activities? We were handed an activities schedule upon check-in but heard from several staff members that if there weren't alot of guests that they just didn't do the activfities. Huh?
There is an outdoor pool that looked nice, though we never used it nor did we ever see anyone in it.
The bar... drinks were ridiculous expensive. It was like being at a club in downtown Chicago! The schedule showed line dancing instruction, etc. which we never ever witnessed.
Hay ride... this was fun, but maybe that's because my friends and I were drinking prior to and during. ; ) The final destination was a campfire where we were to make s'mores. Fun. Except that you were only allowed ONE s'more and given the stink eye if you asked for a wee bit more chocolate or another s'more. Mind you, there were only 15 people max there.
Bottom line... this place does have alot of potential. If they advertised right, lowered their price some, increased the food selection and actually DID the activities that were supposed to happen, this could be a really fun place.
Now first off, our experience at our "old ranch" was this... it was an adult's only ranch, i.e., LOTS of partying and meeting random people which, the majority of us being mom's, thoroughly enjoyed! We had contacted Woodside prior to booking to confirm that the weekend we were going was in fact "Adult Week" and that it wouldn't be frowned upon should we be sitting outside our cabin partaking in some cocktails.
When we first arrived at Woodside it was GHOST TOWN. We were told that there were only 30 guests on property. 30?! Ok, well, we are perfectly capable of making our own fun so we carried on. The cabin was a typical cabin--we had 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a sitting room. The buffalo head was a bit frightening and the cabin smelled like dead people.
We paid $385 for 2 nights for adult week and I have to say that we all felt that we did not get our money's worth. The food was very very limited... example--one lunch there was salad and chili. That's it. At our old ranch (not to harp on this but just to show a comparison) there was a buffet for every meal and it you didn't like one thing there were 10 other things to satisfy you--and about a dozen different dessert choices! Woodside's dessert was one tiny piece of cheesecake.
Activities... what activities? We were handed an activities schedule upon check-in but heard from several staff members that if there weren't alot of guests that they just didn't do the activfities. Huh?
There is an outdoor pool that looked nice, though we never used it nor did we ever see anyone in it.
The bar... drinks were ridiculous expensive. It was like being at a club in downtown Chicago! The schedule showed line dancing instruction, etc. which we never ever witnessed.
Hay ride... this was fun, but maybe that's because my friends and I were drinking prior to and during. ; ) The final destination was a campfire where we were to make s'mores. Fun. Except that you were only allowed ONE s'more and given the stink eye if you asked for a wee bit more chocolate or another s'more. Mind you, there were only 15 people max there.
Bottom line... this place does have alot of potential. If they advertised right, lowered their price some, increased the food selection and actually DID the activities that were supposed to happen, this could be a really fun place.
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Date of stay: September 2008Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My grandson and I haven't been there since 2010 but I can't believe some of these reviews (negative). If you have a special diet that you follow, the site has noted that they are more than willing to accommodate you. Every meal that we've had there does have a vegetable and/or a salad. All you have to do is mention at time of reservation and if you forget, just give them a call. As far as the cabins, our experience has been nothing short of wonderful. . .tennis, basketball, horseshoes, boating, swimming,. . .If you want to do something not noted, again, just ask and they'll try to accommodate you. It is preferable though if you can try to make a request before you get there. I'm surprised that no one reviewing has mentioned that they have their OWN movie theatre, and free popcorn! If you're not interested in the evening activities, just talk to Bob and usually an arrangement can be made as they have numerous videos, or bring your own, as long as everyone in attendance agrees. . .I remember Columbus Day Weekend, 2010, there were three families watching really bad horror files but that was the point. . .they were supposed to be horrible!!! I myself don't ride to the morning breakfast but they have provided a covered wagon to accommodate those that don't want to ride. I'm old and the problem is not getting on the horse but getting back on the horse so this works well for me while the grandson goes on the horseback ride.
If you're looking for anything but rustic and relaxing, activities (too many to count), they do have a TV room and computer room for those that can't go away without technology. If this doesn't appeal to you, I would suggest you go somewhere else but for 99.9 percent of us, this works just fine.
By the way, the cole slaw is home made and the first on Friday is unbelievable!
If you're looking for anything but rustic and relaxing, activities (too many to count), they do have a TV room and computer room for those that can't go away without technology. If this doesn't appeal to you, I would suggest you go somewhere else but for 99.9 percent of us, this works just fine.
By the way, the cole slaw is home made and the first on Friday is unbelievable!
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Date of stay: October 2012Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We prefer Old 99 cabin personally.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been going to Woodside Ranch for many years until our last visit. We were on a trail ride and the bugs were awful, the poor horses were eaten alive. I ask one of the employees who were trail riding with us and he said the new owner, who is from LA, is pretty cheap and wouldn't buy fly spray for the horses. We will never return to Woodside until they atleast give those poor horses so fly spray. They were being eaten alive and it was terrible to see them like that. It's too bad because the horses are the main reason most of us go there.
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Date of stay: July 2011Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebuttal to chicago girls Sept 2008 and updated review. The girls came for a Dude Ranch weekend and didn't like horses. Had no idea how to unhook or mount a horse and the rest were just scared of horses. They stayed at the cabin furthest from the hub of Woodside, and set up a bar outside. They were disappointed because no one walked up to drink with them. Everyone else was taking advanaged of the beautiful trail rides in the woods, there are 6 a day. Yes, the cabins are basic, bring your I Pod or radio. They are workng on the cabins, many have been updated since the new owners of 2003. They have added the movie theater, conference center, gym with indoor basketball courts, and exercise room. I wish for more horses for the barn. Being how the economy is down, I think they have done well with the improvements. The food is homestyle but plentiful. Yes, one desert, but I'd rather have one fresh desert than a choice of 5 day old ones. Activities are there but considering that everyone there was on the horses all day except for you girls its harder to plan. Guess you didn't enjoy the beautiful lake with free boats and fishing gear, tennis courts, animals or heated pool, which of course no one was in(we were riding). The bar: the mixed drinks are $3.50 $4.00, beers less. Don't know about you but I pay more to drink at bowling in Wheaton Illinios. Seem to me that you girls were looking for spring break in Dayton Beach. Woodside has improved adult days since you visited. We've had wine & cheese tasting with a silent auction for charity, hayrides to Wayside Inn for lunch or evening drinks. Lunch at the lake,visits to historical homes. There were 40 guests there for adults days at one point. Everyone had a wonderful time. Yes it might be tame for you party girls. Our group was aged from 83 to 21 and a good time was had by all. Many repeat guests, many new. All enjoyed! My husband and I were at the Woodside when you were so we know what happen when you were there. If you enjoy horses, the outdoors and good food and great people, come to woodside with family or for adult days with no young children. Its a great place to decompress and breathe.
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Date of stay: September 2010Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I know this is a late answer to your question and not sure if you went or still thinking about it, but the horses are VERY tame. They know what their job is and they really do all the work. There is a long bench where everyone gets on the horses, so you are not getting on from ground up. You do get off from horse to ground, but that is easy, and I think there was one older lady who couldn't do that, so they helped her. When you put your info in for the reservation and say how many people, the price you then see is for the group per night. We just got back from there, and already planning when we can go back. We LOVED it! Lots of things to do outside of horses, too. Archery, swimming, gym with basketballs, movie theater, canoeing, fishing...
Yes it is. People are so friendly, you are always in the group.
And for lunch and dinner we share tables and are altogether!
Great choice in any case!
Audrey
We didn't really bring anything extra, though should have brought pool towels, boots if you have them ( it was muddy one day) and long pants. We didn't need a coffee maker because there is fresh brewed coffee in the dining room of the lodge. Our cabin was close to the lodge, but even if yours isn't, breakfast is early, either 8 or 8:30, and to get to breakfast by wagon or horse, you pass the lodge so you can pick up your 1st cup of coffee there.
When are there specials for weekends in October this year? Adult ones? Springtime specials for 2015?
Hello, there is an adult week in Sept that offers 15% off.
Also, There is a Harvest Weekend Oct 17th-19th you get 10% off the Adult price ages 13-61 years old. We are currently working on our schedule for next year. Please see our website for more information.
"Some of the rooms have queens with bunk beds so if you want privacy, ask in advance which cabins have a queen-only in a room."Read full review
ALSO KNOWN AS
woodside ranch hotel mauston
LOCATION
United StatesWisconsinMauston
NUMBER OF ROOMS
23
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Claim Your ListingWOODSIDE RANCH RESORT - Reviews (Mauston, WI) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Woodside Ranch Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Woodside Ranch Resort?
Nearby attractions include Red Ridge Riding Stable (3.3 km), Carr Valley Cheese Shop (6.4 km), and The Red Geranium Framing and Gifts (7.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Woodside Ranch Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, a lounge, and a fitness centre.
What food & drink options are available at Woodside Ranch Resort?
Guests can enjoy a lounge and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Woodside Ranch Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Woodside Ranch Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Roman Castle Italian Grill & Bar, Log cabin deli, and Mauston Park Oasis Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Woodside Ranch Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Woodside Ranch Resort?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Woodside Ranch Resort offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Is Woodside Ranch Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.