River Ranch Activities
As the largest dude ranch East of the Mississippi, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Florida is packed full of outdoor activities that will have you reliving the old-fashioned days of the old West...but with fun, modern upgrades. You’re sure to find something to excite everyone with over a dozen activities, including a rodeo, petting farm, mini golf, trap and skeet shooting, fishing, and more! These activities are really popular, so if you're planning to vacation at River Ranch, book ahead of time today!
River Ranch's Newest Attraction
Get ready to make a splash—River Country Water Park is now open at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo! This exciting new addition promises a perfect blend of thrill and relaxation, capturing the adventurous spirit of River Ranch.
Cowboy Adventure Park
Yeehaw! Get ready for a wild and thrilling experience at the Cowboy Adventure Park & Florida Fair! Embrace your inner adventurer and enjoy a day full of excitement with an impressive array of activities suitable for everyone.
New Farmers Market Experience
The Central Florida Farmers Market at River Ranch in Lake Wales is the perfect spot to explore a variety of locally sourced goods. Don’t miss out on this delightful local experience!
Activity Guide
You’ll never run out of things to do at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo! With horseback riding, swamp buggy rides, petting farm, airboat rides, and so much more, your only challenge will be figuring out how to do it all. Read our guide to see the full list of activities available during your stay.
Saturday Night Rodeo
Bear down to our 1,200-seat Rodeo Arena as you watch competitive bull riders cowboy up for everything from hat-benders to honkers. Thrill to trick riding and barrel racing for a boot-kicking good time! These expert riders boot the bull at the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the United States.
Airboat Rides
Enjoy the beauty and serene nature of the Kissimmee River during this 40-minute guided Airboat Ride. Our experienced guides will share insights and interesting history of the area as you enjoy the thrill of a genuine airboat. Keep an eye out for a plethora of Florida wildlife, such as alligators, turtles, bald eagles, or other rare birds.
Swamp Buggy Rides
Go way off the beaten path with this 40-minute Swamp Buggy ride through the picturesque, green wilderness surrounding the ranch. The massive tires on these custom-made Swamp Buggies give you amazing views of the breathtaking scenery around the property. This adventurous ride over rugged terrain of brush and mud is a fun and exciting way to explore the outdoors.
Kissimmee River Queen Cruise
Take a 1-hour cruise on our 40-foot pontoon "Kissimmee River Queen." Ride along with one of our Coast Guard Licensed Captains as they take you on a cruise down the Kissimmee River and it's channels. Travel with us through the natural Florida of old!
Horseback Riding
Take a leisurely 45-minute horseback ride along untouched trails led by expert guides.
Escape Room
You and your family have been nabbed for one of the worst crimes in the Old West, Cattle Rustling! Work together to solve themed puzzles and riddles to escape before the Marshall arrives to take you into custody.
Trap Shooting
Novices and experts are welcome to unleash their inner gunslinger in a safe, controlled environment at our cutting-edge shooting range. Test your skills with Trap Shooting, where targets are launched away from the shooter. No need to prepare ahead of time – all the equipment and supplies you need are available for rent.
Skeet Shooting
Always wanted to try skeet shooting? Consider yourself an expert and want to stay in practice during your stay? Shoot in a safe, controlled environment and test your skills with our skeet shooting, where targets are launched to cross in front of the shooter. All equipment and supplies you need are available for rent, so you just need to reserve your time and rent your gear when you get here.
Air Rifle Range
Travel back to the Wild West with a lever action pump BB gun. Provided with 45 minutes worth of BB’s, choose from more than 15 targets at varying heights distances to test your sharpshooting abilities.
Petting Farm
Adults and children alike will delight at the chance to feed and pet the gentle animals that call our Petting Farm home. Meet animals like cows, ponies, goats, and sheep and more exotic inhabitants, such as llamas, emus, peacocks, and more! Have your camera ready – you’re sure to have plenty of can’t-miss photo ops!
Archery Range
Test your skills with a bow and arrow with some target practice at the Archery Range. You’ll find challenges fit for novice bowmen through advanced archers, giving everyone a chance to score a bullseye!
Fishing
Nothing says relaxation like casting a line in the water for a few hours. There are multiple ways to enjoy Fishing around the Kissimmee River – fish off the dock at the Full-Service Marina or try the Catch & Release Pond (perfect for kids). Both cane poles and rods with reels are available for guest use.
Full-Service Marina
Ideally located just off the beautiful Kissimmee River, our Full-Service Marina features guided fishing trips, a bait and tackle shop, gas pump and boat launch ramp. Here you can also take a thrilling Airboat Ride adventure or rugged Swamp Buggy wildlife excursion.
Horseshoes
A classic Western pastime, tossing Horseshoes is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon after a full day of exploring and exciting recreation. Spend a little time under the shady trees while playing a game with your family. Find all the equipment you need for rent at the General Store.
Mechanical Bull
Can you go 8 seconds? Ride like the pros on a wild, bucking Mechanical Bull and seconds will feel like hours as you struggle to hold on tight. With adjustable speeds, beginners and advanced riders will find a challenge appropriate to their skill level that excludes no one. Even kids can give it a go!
Mini Golf
Perfect for any group is an entertaining game of putt-putt at Safari Mini Golf. Enjoy some friendly competition with friends and family.
Pony Rides
If your little cowpokes aren’t quite ready for horseback riding, they’ll love the Pony Rides available inside the Petting Farm. Kids 7 of all ages can ride the gentle ponies and mules in the “pony sweep” live merry-go-round. The animals are led in smooth, easy circles for a ride that is safe and fun.
Street Party
Stick around after the Saturday Night Rodeo for an energetic, fun Street Party on the stage directly in front of the River Ranch Saloon! Brush up on your Western line dance moves as a DJ entertains the crowd with lively tunes. Everyone is invited to sing, dance and compete in games at this can’t-miss party! Event and capacities are subject to change.
Tennis Courts
Get a bout of exercise in by challenging someone to a match at the ranch’s well-kept Tennis Courts. Pack your racket (or rent one) and head out to one of two courts for a couple friendly games.
Pool
Looking to kick back and enjoy that year-round temperate Florida climate? Guests staying in our lodge rooms and cottages can use their key card to are welcome to swim, play or sunbathe by the heated outdoor (seasonal) pool, located behind the Saloon.
(Pool use available for Registered Resort Guests staying in lodge and cottage suites only. Pool may be closed for inclement weather.)
