Our Ranch & Northwoods Heritage

Originally founded in 1997 as West Shore Ranch, the property featured rustic camping cabins, four paddock areas, an open-style barn, and a small office house. In July 2000, Ann and Skip Maletzke happened upon the ranch by happy accident while seeking a lifestyle change.

By the time they left that afternoon on July 4th, 2000, Ann had named it Spur of the Moment Ranch — because buying it truly was a spur-of-the-moment decision! By September 18, 2000, Ann and Skip officially became resort owners in Wisconsin's Northwoods.

To make the resort viable year-round, Ann and Skip embarked on a major expansion in 2005. Skip, their son Ben, and friend Brad spent two and a half years designing and building 4 full D-log housekeeping cabins with in-floor heat, propane fireplaces, private baths, and full kitchens, alongside 5 independent RV campsites and expanded paddocks.

In 2013, Skip and Ann's daughter Sarah moved home from Arkansas with her two children — now young adults working hard to establish their own lives. Sarah quickly became an irreplaceable General Manager. After 26 years, Ann considers herself semi-retired, basically helping out with a little cleaning, ranch laundry, and taking care of some monthly bills.

Back in 2016, Skip and Ann moved into their log home on the property and turned their old office/home into a full-time office and camp store, with a spot set aside for our Saturday night happy hours. Happy hours offer opportunities for guests of different recreational interests to spend a fun social time together. The office now has a deck and patio door which allows for more seating for happy hours and relaxation.