Flying W Ranch Offers Link to the Past

Did you ever dream of living in the old west? Do you think you would have enjoyed a meal cooked outside, in the wide open spaces? Maybe you would have enjoyed singing outside with a group of people, with the only instrument being played, a guitar. You can enjoy all of that, and more, for an evening if you visit the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The working cattle ranch has specialized in western entertainment and food since 1953. Every night the Flying W Wranglers, the second oldest Western music group in the United States, top the evening off with music and comedy that many consider to be unsurpassed in Colorado, or almost anywhere else. More than 1,000 people are served each evening, during the busiest time of the year. Visitors get to enjoy the food and entertainment outside in scenic Colorado, weather permitting. If it is not, the show is inside, where the area is comfortable and heated.

Those going for supper will receive tender slices of BBQ Beef, or Chicken, foil wrapped potatoes, Flying W Beans (baked beans), chunky applesauce, old fashioned spice cake, biscuits, coffee, tea, or lemonade. The price for the show and food is only $19.50 per person. That includes admission to the western town before the show, the meal, show, tax, and tip. Children eight and under are $9.50 each. Those who upgrade to Kansas City Strip Steak will pay $26 each. The show is over by 9:30 p.m.

The Flying W Wranglers are nationally famous and specialize in three part vocal harmonies. Many believe their voices and humor to be outstanding. They are also considered by many to be among the best musicians in the country. They play several instruments.

The western town, with a dozen restored buildings which have contents of the 1800’s and early 1900’s, opens at 4:30. Navajo Indian ladies weave rugs, and a blacksmith demonstrates shoeing. Seating for supper starts at 7:15. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. During the summer the show is seven nights a week. The steakhouse is open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights from October to mid May. Because of Christmas parties, Thursday and Sunday nights are added during that time.

The steakhouse has 30-foot high Indian murals. There are also Indian chandeliers and bar service from a 125-year-old antique bar.

Sit down dinners are offered, with table service, and cloth napkins. There is a stage show. The waiters are the entertainers.

The price is $26 each, plus tax, for a steak dinner, or $24 for the other entr�©es. For children under eight, the price is $12.

For dinner, the meal includes a 13-ounce Kansas City Strip Steak, Smoked Beef Brisket, BBQ Pork Ribs, Flamed Grilled Trout, and BBQ Chicken. The meal comes with a salad, a baked potato, baked beans, and biscuits.

The steakhouse is also open for private parties of 60 or more. The Flying W Wranglers, of course, will perform.

The Flying W Ranch also offers company picnics to interested groups. Besides food, there are volleyball courts, a baseball field, a dunk tank, a striker game, horseshoe pits, train rides for the children, a playground, a basketball court, and many other activities.

The ranch also offers private demonstration rodeos for guests. Events include barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronco riding, bull riding, and others.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the old west, you won’t forget a visit to the Flying W Ranch!