Moondance Ranch

[Mickbear76]

Moondance Ranch rides off into the sunset
Owners decide on new business focus
by Gail DeBoer, Staff writer
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 04:20:51 PM


In the next few weeks, Moondance Ranch and Adventure Park near Walker will be history, at least at its current site south of the Y on Highway 371.
But parts of the ranch/park will have a new lease on life at the Moondance Fairgrounds, east of the Y off Highway 200.
According to owners Bill and Kathy Bieloh, the building that housed The Grain Bin Restaurant and the park's gift shop will be relocated to the fairgrounds within two weeks, weather permitting.
To do this, movers will cut the building in half and then will move the two 65-foot sections down the highway to the fairgrounds, probably early in the morning, to avoid traffic.
Once reassembled, the Grain Bin will be renamed the Backstage Bar and will have a northwoods country theme. The present Moondance Saloon and Grill will keep a rock 'n' roll theme.
"We will have two licensed restaurants and bars on the premises for special events and adventures," Bill stated.
The decision to close the longtime animal-wildlife park near Walker was a sad but necessary one, he said, driven by economic factors.
"Kathy and I made the decision last August. We did it mainly because of changes in the tourism industry in this area, from fewer weekly guests staying at resorts, to more owners of second market homes."
After making the decision, the Bielohs auctioned off last September the riding stable horses, tack, wagons and related equipment.
Last Tuesday, the park's animals were acquired by the owners of Animal Land of Bemidji.
"They'll have a good home, and they're still in the area," bill commented.
Changes in the local tourist economy are also reflected in the new name the Bielohs chose for their corporation: Moondance Events and Adventures, based at Moondance Fairgrounds.
Moondance Fairgrounds is best known as the home of the Moondance Jam Classic Rock music festival, this year set for July 11-14; and the new Moondance Jammin' Country Music Fest, June 28-30.
Moondance facilities also can be rented for large gatherings, weddings, birthdays, reunions, fundraisers and similar events.
On March 24, the Northstar Sportsmens Club will hold their annual Wild Game Extravaganza at Moondance.
Seven weddings already have been booked at Moondance, starting in June, Bill noted. After the two music festivals come two state softball tournaments.
Once The Grain Bin building is moved, Bill plan to have the perimeter fencing and the water slide disassembled and sold.
He is hoping to find a developer who would turn the property into an RV park. It'd be perfect, he explains, since the infrastructure is already there: electricity, water, and a sewer system that can handle up to 200 units.
The Bielohs started Moondance Ranch in 1989. In 1995, they bought Deer Valley, which had been owned by Donna and "Eggy" Egglestons for more than two decades, and renamed it Moondance Ranch and Adventure Park.
"It's been an exciting adventure, one that we'll never forget," Kathy concluded.




 ??? ??? WHAT A BUMMER THIS IS!!!