Part of the Upper Delaware River Region, rustic Pike County best represents the “back-to-nature” appeal of the Poconos--with cowboy culture an especially alluring part of its history. Prolific Western writer Zane Grey, Clayton Moore (TV’s Lone Ranger) and Chief Thundercloud, the face on the last five-dollar gold piece minted in the U.S., all once called the area home, while silent western star Tom Mix shot movies here.
Handsomely perpetuating this legacy today is the group-capable Malibu Dude Ranch. Established as a dairy ranch in 1928, the property, named by a previous owner from Malibu, Calif., is the oldest authentic working dude ranch east of the Mississippi River. Covering 800 mountaintop acres with access to thousands more acres of state land, the ranch was facing demolition and redevelopment in 2010 until Long Island-based Dr. Allan Detweiler and his wife Phyllis purchased the property and commenced a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation.
Today, Malibu is the sole eastern U.S. listing on the influential 50 Top Ranches.com. Also named to ranch expert Gene Kilgore’s “World’s Best Ranches” list for 2013, Malibu has received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the last two years.
“Doc” Detweiler, along with his family and lively staff, deliver a uniquely transformative experience for gatherings including meetings, corporate retreats, team-builders, weddings and birthdays.
“Where else can you buy out an entire ranch and then offer your attendees a full range of customizable Western-style activities?” says Detweiler, who frequented the ranch as a child in the 1970’s. “From unlimited trail rides to rifle and skeet shooting to nighttime bonfires, we offer a unique business-activity mix that completely redefines the meetings and group experience.”
Accommodating up to 200 people in the rustic main lodge and a collection of comfortable, no-frills private cabins (buyouts are subject to availability in the summer), Malibu also stages its own seasonal (May to August) championship rodeo series, featuring real-life cowboys and cowgirls competing in bullriding, barrel racing and other signature rodeo activities in the onsite arena.
On weekends, guests can help drive cattle; other activities include boating, fishing, hayrides and hiking. Three meals a day are served in the main dining room, and parties in the onsite saloon, especially during rodeo season, are buckaroo bonanzas. For groups looking to don Western wear, mingle with real cowboys and really feel the part, saddle up here and the office may never look the same again.
