{"id":2158,"featured":0,"modified":"2026-10-20 04:25:03","latitude":45.78496390000000104691935121081769466400146484375,"longitude":-108.50987639999999601059244014322757720947265625,"title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","subtitle":"","fullsize":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/0f74a55b8068ebd6b3d6c0a2b57ba821.jpg","address":"415 North 29th Street, Billings, Montana","all_locations":[],"zoom":17,"creator":["Montana National Register Sign Program"],"description":"The number of motels in Billings grew rapidly as the national economy boomed after World War II. Millions of Americans took to the road on vacations and for business trips, creating a tremendous need for roadside accommodations. Among all the motels in the Magic City, the Dude Rancher Lodge was the most unique, incorporating the most modern amenities, yet also providing a link to the region’s Old West roots. Billings businessman Percy Goan and his wife Annabel worked with the well-known Billings architectural firm of Cushing and Terrell to develop a design that harkened back to the ranch houses of the Montana frontier. The design integrated bricks salvaged from the old St. Vincent’s Hospital and wood beams from a recently demolished milling company. The rustic Ranch style motel displays weeping brick mortar, full-length porches in the center parking area, and guest rooms with wood-paneled doors. Annabel Goan cleverly designed the interior, which features knotty pine paneling, decorative lampshades, custom-built western-style furniture, and carpeting with the brands of local ranchers who invested in the project. An added treat was The Stirrup coffee shop, which served mouth-watering meals in a western atmosphere. Completed in 1950, the Dude Rancher Lodge quickly became a local showcase and popular hostelry for people from all over Montana and the United States. Promoters promised that the “Spirit of the West was everywhere evident” at the Dude Rancher Lodge. The Goan family operated the Dude until 1990. It was, and still is under its second owner in 2010, Billings’ most distinctive motel.","sponsor":null,"accessinfo":"Private","lede":"","website":"","related_resources":["Read about the Dude Rancher Lodge"],"factoids":[],"files":{"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/0f74a55b8068ebd6b3d6c0a2b57ba821.jpg":{"id":6889,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"View of facade and entrance, facing northwest. | Montana Historical Society | September 2026 | Arizona Duff","alt":"alt=""","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/0f74a55b8068ebd6b3d6c0a2b57ba821.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/d2a724b8d3d19baabc835ab66b6d5aa1.jpg":{"id":6888,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"Front to side view of building, facing northeast on North 29th Street. | Montana Historical Society | September 2026 | Arizona Duff","alt":"alt=""","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/d2a724b8d3d19baabc835ab66b6d5aa1.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/ed523ddc6325126e41c93871bcf95460.jpg":{"id":6887,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"View of building, facing southeast on North 29th Street. | Montana Historical Society | September 2026 | Arizona Duff","alt":"alt=""","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/ed523ddc6325126e41c93871bcf95460.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/ad74faf6fbfebe2aa2c73638bfde5b3e.jpg":{"id":6886,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"View of the rear gateway to the parking lot, facing west. | Montana Historical Society | September 2026 | Arizona Duff","alt":"alt=""","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/ad74faf6fbfebe2aa2c73638bfde5b3e.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/6927b13bc77ecd596f5f61f90bd1fe89.jpg":{"id":6892,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"Postcard featuring the view of the Dude Rancher Lodge from the street at 415 North 29th Street in Billings, Montana. | Montana History Portal | Circa 1950-1960 | Published by Christian's Color Card Service, Inc., Portland, Oregon.","alt":"The building features sections of both one- and two-story height. A tall rectangular chimney rises near the entrance to the interior parking area. Parked cars line the curb in front of the Lodge. There are trees and landscaping in front of the Lodge, and canvas awnings hang over first-story windows. ","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/6927b13bc77ecd596f5f61f90bd1fe89.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/c60cb1265c53c1860b3af07f27a3003e.jpg":{"id":6893,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"Color postcard featuring the a streetview of the Dude Rancher Lodge. | Montana History Portal | Circa 1950-1960 | Unidentified photographer","alt":"View of the Dude Rancher Lodge, a 'Downtown Motor Lodge,' located at 415 North 29th Street in Billings, Montana. A car is in the covered entryway to the parking lot, and another car is parked on the street. The Northwestern Auto Supply Co. building is visible on the block behind the lodge, and the Rimrocks formation can be seen in the distance.","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/c60cb1265c53c1860b3af07f27a3003e.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/2fddccbe5a8fc351dc65e07799539940.jpg":{"id":6894,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Dude Rancher Lodge","description":"View of the lobby of the Dude Rancher Lodge located at 415 North 29th Street in Billings, Montana. | Montana History Portal | Between 1935-1950 | Published by Colourpicture, Boston 15, Mass, USA.","alt":"A sofa and 2 chairs sit on either side of a lit fireplace. There is a painting of a mountain landscape hanging over the mantel. Lamps, tables, and decorative displays fill out the room. The rug is decorated with livestock brands. ","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/2fddccbe5a8fc351dc65e07799539940.jpg"}}}