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River Ranchers collaborate to share beauty of land
Each of the couples has its own ranch. The three couples together lease ranch land on which sits the circa-1920s cabin, and they rent the cabin to vacationers. The cabin has retained its "rustic feel," but has modern facilities like a bathroom and an extra bedroom. "You still have the log cabin look and feel, but you don't have to go to the outhouse anymore," says Janis. The stunning landscape of Killdeer also provides an unusual "office" setting for the owners of River Ranch. "When you look at the beauty of the Badlands, what kind of office could you ask to go to everyday?" says John. The couples became interested in renting the land when they realized they could earn extra income from it without having to leave their farms. So far, the business has been successful. Vacationers have enjoyed "retreating" to the ranch to hunt deer, grouse, pheasant, and other game. "One of our goals is to make this a paying proposition so our wives don't have to work in town," says Gene. "It will be a nice subsidy to our ranch income." For the three groups of neighbors, River Ranch is a family affair. Everyone, including the children, helps to make the ranch a fulfilling venture. "We'll never leave our kids a ranching dynasty, but we can leave them a great appreciation of the life we live and let them make up their mind if this is something they want to do," says Gene.
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Wendall and Linda
Vigen and their neighbors decided to share the beauty of their land
in Killdeer with others. The Vigens, John and Janis Harris, and Gynell
and Gene Harris run River Ranch, a log cabin where visitors can hunt,
birdwatch, or just relax.