BIT-O-WYO RANCH AND EVENTS

History

Previous owner playing guitar outside to children

Where it all began

A HISTORY OF COMMUNITY, HOSPITALITY AND TRADITION

Established in 1983 as the home of Dr. Dennis R. Steele and his family, the Bit-O-Wyo Ranch evolved over four decades into one of Wyoming’s most beloved Western tourism destinations. Dr. Steele, a university professor, devoted his summers and academic breaks to transforming the ranch into a center for authentic Western adventure, entertainment, and education.

From 1983 to 2023, the ranch welcomed an estimated 3,000 guests each summer—not including winter hunters, workshop attendees, and off-season events—and drew visitors from every U.S. state and 12 countries around the world.

Across multiple years, Bit-O-Wyo Ranch consistently advertised trail rides, Western-themed Horse Barn Dinner Shows, and children’s adventure camps (WindRiders). Promotions appeared in Cheyenne tourism guides, media features, and online directories, demonstrating a well-established public presence for outdoor recreation and entertainment.

Legacy Training International held large professional development seminars three times a year, drawing 30+ attendees per event from around the world. The WindRiders Adventure Camps and WindRiders Up programs hosted 25 participants three times a year, while JUST US couples retreats and numerous weddings, family reunions, and alumni gatherings brought warmth and community to the ranch throughout every season.

Even during the winter months, the ranch remained active—hosting hunters in its bunkhouses, leadership seminars, and University of Wyoming alumni events that continued the tradition of education and Western hospitality.

Previous owner and his family and friends inside The Barn
Previous owner with his band inside The Barn

A centerpiece of the ranch’s legacy was The Blue Water Cowboy Band Barn & Dinner Show, which hosted up to 200 guests every Friday and Saturday night for home-grilled steak dinners, live music, and trail rides under the Wyoming sky.

The ranch offerings

  • The Cheyenne Western Adventure Park Project
  • The Laramie River Ranch Project
  • The Boot, Scoot ’N’ Boogie Show (Friday and Saturday nights)
  • The Bit-O-Wyo Ranch Bed & Breakfast Club (All year)
  • University of Wyoming alumni events
  • Horseback trail rides, cabin rentals, and family events (Summers from April–October)
  • Cheyenne Frontier Daze – local attraction, Barn Show, Trail Rides and cabin stay
  • Weddings – (All year)
  • Family Reunions (All year)
  • University of Wyoming “Cowboys” events
  • Cheyenne Triple C
  • Church gatherings and conferences
  • Graceland College Reunions
  • Legacy Training International – Retreats and Seminars
  • WindRiders Adventure Camp

The memories

Horses in their stalls inside The Barn
Man playing instrument at the ranch
Band playing outside of The Barn
Tables set for dinner show inside The Barn
Staff serving dinner to line of guests
Sign on the ranch that says Barn Show with arrow pointing to the right
Crown mingling and watching the band outside The Barn
Sign that says Happy Trails at the ranch
Line of horses with riders
Horses running together in field
Previous owner singing into microphone and playing guitar
Staff posing for photo inside The Barn
Horses in their stalls inside The Barn
Staff in serving line
Band playing at the dinner show in The Barn
Band playing at the dinner show in The Barn
Band playing at the dinner show in The Barn
Band playing at the dinner show in The Barn
Horse running on hill during sunset
Previous owner inside the tack barn
Staff lined up on stage in The Barn
Sign that says The Bit-O-Wyo A Horse Ranch with an arrow pointing right
A gift drive fundraiser

With deep gratitude, the Riedel family would like to thank the Steele family for founding and stewarding the ranch throughout the decades, creating a place filled with history, memories, and tradition. It is a true blessing and honor to carry forward the legacy.

— The Riedel’s