Since my kids were young, I’ve been on the hunt for a getaway that would provide our family the perfect mix of relaxation and activities, something for everyone (a tall order given our family’s diverse ages and interests), and a variety of amenities. I’ve found my Nirvana, and it’s located within an hour of the Metro area.

The Tatanka Ranch in Stroud began as a wildlife preserve and hunting lodge, but in 2004 David and Sandy Sarette, along with other owners, bought the 1,000-acre property and spent months renovating its structures. Since opening in 2006, the ranch has hosted families, family reunions, honeymooners, friends, corporate parties and retreats, and community gatherings.

“We spent two years tearing down fences, gutting and renovating buildings, and adding a new barn,” Sandy said. “All the hard work has been worth it though. We love having couples and families come out and enjoy the fruits of our labor.”

Fun for Everyone
The Tatanka Ranch offers ten small but well-appointed cabins, each with classy Oklahoma ranch touches. Most cabins have small refrigerators for storing ingredients for sandwiches or snacks. The beautiful lodge offers families the perfect place to visit and enjoy Tatanka’s delicious meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you want). The inviting space even includes a large-screen TV.

There are many activities available to keep everyone busy and happy. Children will love the huge playground with a pretend Western town. Fishing is fun with stocked ponds—Tatanka even provides the equipment. Enjoy the numerous hiking trails, but watch out for poison ivy around the lakes and trails. Everyone, regardless of age, can go horseback riding—children under seven ride in the corral; older riders go on a guided tour of the ranch. Explore the ranch on a guided ATV tour. You’re likely to see Watusi Cows, Fallow Deer, llamas, and donkeys in the wildlife preserve. Take in the beautiful vistas, especially from the Elvis Tower. Tatanka Ranch has several ponds where guests can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Play in the recreation room, complete with ping pong and pool tables, pinball, foosball, air hockey, and a juke box.

The staff extends warm hospitality, making guests feel at home from the moment of arrival. The ranch’s location makes it a convienient place to relax after an industrious trip of Tulsa sightseeing. What’s the best part? Sharing family stories and delicious s’mores around the outdoor fire pit near the lake.

Tantanka Facts
Tatanka Ranch was recently named as a part of the National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 2008 Stay List—a list of 150 properties in North America that showcase the very things that make their locations special. Perhaps the only downside to the Tatanka Ranch is its popularity. It’s booked most weekends through September, 2008. Once you have a few dates in mind, check out their website, then call them—and soon. Each cabin has its own configuration so ask all the questions you need; the staff is happy to provide the best arrangements for your family.

TheTatankaRanch.com; 918-368-2251; 13 miles north and east of the Chandler exit along the Turner Turnpike. Cabins $135-$179, depending on the season and day of week. Rates for the lodge are $195-$275 including breakfast. Lunch and dinner $8-$21.

Sarah Taylor is publisher/owner of MetroFamily Magazine and previously edited and published two award-winning guidebooks to Oklahoma, Exploring Oklahoma with Children and Exploring Oklahoma Together. She lives in Edmond with her husband and three children.

Photos: Joseph Mills Photograph/josephmills.com

Find your own Oklahoma Nirvana by searching the Internet for
“OK Guest Ranches” or
“OK Dude Ranches.”