Dude Ranchers’ Association Celebrates a Century of Heritage and Hospitality

Nov. 13, 2025 | Cody, Wyoming – With 2026 fast approaching, the Dude Ranchers’ Association is kindling with anticipation for the 100th anniversary celebration that will commemorate the heritage of its founding members, the history of dude ranching in the West, and advocacy for the rich Western lifestyle that thrives today.

The Centennial Celebration for the Dude Ranchers’ Association will kick off at the organization’s 100th  annual meeting and convention in Billings, Mont., the fourth week in January, but much more is being planned for unveiling throughout the year to pay homage to the work that has been done to memorialize the history of dude ranching while helping propel the organization into its next 100 years.

DRA Executive Director Bryce Albright, who has been helping coordinate all of the festivities and anniversary projects, says she is looking forward to the year ahead with not just admiration for the ranchers who brought the organization to this point but with optimism for what the next century may have in store.

“As we enter this landmark era, we are not just celebrating 100 years. This milestone represents a century of stewardship of our natural resources by long-time family ranchers who seek joy in sharing their livelihood with visitors from around the world. The ways we have planned to honor those ranchers and our founding members are among the things I am very much looking forward to,” said Albright.

Aside from the upcoming annual convention that will be attended by hundreds of dude ranchers from across the West, the Association has partnered with Wyoming PBS to release a documentary about dude ranching, Call of the West. The world-wide premiere presented by Billings Livestock Horse Sales will take place during the Centennial Convention in Billings, Mont., on Jan. 27, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at 6:30 p.m. This premiere is a free event, open to the public. A historical Centennial book is also soon to be released, as well as multiple online resources to help the public fall in love with the West all over again.

As current President of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, the Centennial Celebration is a milestone that Hunter Sullivan of the CM Ranch in Dubois, Wyo., says he is honored to be part of.

“Sharing the Western way of life with guests from across the globe is a dream job that I take a lot of pride in day in and day out. It’s a humbling reflection to know that the Dude Ranchers’ Association has been helping other ranchers do that for 100 years. Where the Association has come from, what it has been built into, and the thousands upon thousands of people who have been exposed to this lifestyle as a result of the organization’s efforts is inspiring,” said Sullivan.

Those interested in attending the 100th Convention can find more information on the DRA website. For more information on the Centennial Celebration, the different projects being launched, or the ranchers highlighted in this release, please click here, where a myriad of resources about the celebration, those involved, and other dude ranching information can be found.

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