Woodside Ranch Resort

I could not be happier than when I was spending my honeymoon at this great place. From top to bottom this is a class place with top notch staff and delightful trail rides. The wranglers went out of their way to make sure we got the proper horse and our rides were safe and interesting. The kitchen staff did a great job of providing delicious food and more than enough to feed an army. What more can I say other than I can NOT WAIT to return for more great times and meeting more people.

My family and I just finished a stay at The Woodside Ranch. We had a party of 8 (ages 4 – 58). We were there to celebrate my parents 35^th wedding anniversary since they had their honeymoon at WR in the ‘80s. My family had gone one other time in the 90’s when my brothers and I were kids and we’ve always held fond memories. Unfortunately there was a lot left to be desired this last time around. We rented two cabins (Happy Days & Here Again) and two lodge rooms (#1 & #4). Our rates ranged from $ 183-​$ 227 per adult per day. The 4 year old was charged $ 72 per day and our dog was charged $ 25 a day. At those prices (all inclusive) we expected more than we got. The cabins had not been updated in some time and the water pressure was so bad in the showers that we needed to use the pool shower or make due with washing up in the sink. The bed in lodge room #4 was uncomfortable and the sheets didn’t fit so it made for a restless night. Even though this may sound petty, the simple details like the hangers (mismatched wire hangers), the lodge artwork (framed calendar prints), lack of toiletries, and poor quality towels had me questioning why I was paying so much for my stay. The food was mediocre. I wish that there would have been a drink station where I could refill my water bottle or maybe even grab a small snack such as a piece of fruit throughout the day.
Morgan, the front desk operator, was very friendly and personable. Brian and his staff were great too. The horses and barn animals were well kept and seemed very well taken care of. I enjoyed the horse rides and the activities. I just wish that some of the attractions that are advertised were better maintained such as the boating area, school house, and mini golf.

I have been going to Woodside ever since I was 4 years old. The people are always great and the food is always home cooked. Lots to do and a great place for long loving memories that will last a life time

Wow, where do most people stay or how do they live that they would actually rate this 5 star? Yes the SURROUNDINGs of mother nature are nice, beautiful, and peaceful. The barn with gym/​workout facilitiy was very nice, did not see the conference area. But outside of that, this is the worst place I have EVER stayed in my life. I have been to ranches before in all parts of the country, traveled overseas, and this place was soo awful that after the first night we checked out because my kids and family couldn’t stand it anymore. The cabins have never been updated! The mattress was about as nasty as you could get, about 5 inches thick with boards underneath and I slept with a spring in my back all night. The place looks like the dumbs /​shitholes you see cops on reality tv make a bust at. To say the cabin was outdated is an understatement, it was old, very old, nasty, dirty, smelly, etc. I’m pretty sure the fireplace is not up to code. I didn’t want to touch a thing and was afraid to unzip my bags or sleep on those nasty beds with mismatched bedding that was stained. There was a blanket on the bed that I would not sit on if it was outside on the grass. When you walk around and see the duck tape keeping everything in place that should be the first sign! The trading post reeks the moment you walk in. The smell of mothballs and grease is enough to make you gag. The dining hall was a shock to me. The smell of mold and grease is everywhere. I could get better food at a fast food resturant then here, and we don’t eat fast food. I can’t believe that some reviewers commented on the delicious from scratch homemade meals. REALLY? Frozen french fries, canned coleslaw, fried chicken scraps is not a healthy home cooked meal. I’m sorry, my family doesn’t eat a yellow/​brown meal full of fried foods! Nothing green on the plate, no veggies, nothing healthy. Not our lifestyle. I am not a city dweller, so don’t take this review as a biased city dweller and yes though we frequent 5 star resorts, this place should be fined for using the word «resort» in their description. We love to vacation at ranch style get-​aways, this place is not a place to get-​away, it’s a DUMP!

I like that this is not too far from Chicago. It is a great place to go to just to get away from everyday life for a while. My husband and I had a wonderful experience here. There are some people that go here every year, sometimes twice a year. We felt a little uncomfortable at first because everyone else seemed to know each other already, but they are all very nice and welcoming. After our first meal together, it was no longer an issue. We felt like we had known some of them for a while! :)
We went during adult week, which I recommend if you don’t plan on going with your kids. It is very peaceful, a lot of fun, and they offer a lot of activities. When we went, there was country line dancing. They have a pool, wifi, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, canoes, paddle boats, fishing, horseback riding, movie theater, other animals, hay rides, and sooo much more. The cabins are pretty nice and clean. If there is any problem, all you have to do is ask.
Every morning there was a breakfast ride (on the horses) into the woods for some homemade breakfast. It was great! Bring bug spray though! You are by a lot of trees. The first day we got bitten up! They offer private rides on the trails throughout the day as well. The horses are great. The best part is, it is all inclusive! You get homemade food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is amazing! and they give you SO much! And you can go all year around.
There is a «homey» feeling there. You get to know everyone there pretty well. You’re not obligated to do the activities either. You do what you want. A wonderful get away spot. I would most definitely recommend this place to anyone!

It is very rare to find an all inclusive ranch like this so close to the Chicago that actually allow you to trot the horses on a trail ride!
My family and I have been going here for YEARS. As in over 15+ years!
The breakfast ride is probably my favorite trail ride here. In fact, the food on the trail, at the dining hall and at the picnics is awesome. There is something about the way they cook home fries potatoes… to this day I still crave them. All of their meals are homemade from scratch and served family style. Meals are all inclusive with the vacation at this ranch. So you pay for one rate and everything (but the booze) is included.
I can’t even start with the horses. They are all great horses. I bet my favorites are no longer there, but I have no doubt that they maintain a great herd. You’ll have to take some basic lessons in the corral before you go off on the trail. You’ll learn how to walk and trot the horses and if you pass you are off. for the kiddies, they have a pony ring where the little ones can walk around.
This is no luxury spa or fancy resort. Wifi at the trading post is limited and you may not get good cell phone reception, but you will get a great country vacation!

I can’t believe no one has ever reviewed this place. It’s very well hidden and very much a step out of the norm (at least for folk like me in the city). The deal is you rent a cabin. The cabin has a kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, etc its in the wood so you’re full of wild life. They serve your breakfast every morning and dinner twice a week in a commune type setting. They offer horseback riding lessons for all ages, swimming, boating, golfing, skiing, hiking. It’s a great mini vacation spot.