Back in the day, traveling through Gallatin Canyon meant following a harrowing game trail along the Gallatin River. As described by the 1883 Avant Courier:
"A dizzy bridle path [that] leads along the side of the mountain. The range rises abruptly some 1,500 feet above the path. An equal distance below, flow the waters—boiling, seething—madly dashing in their course to the Gulf."

After marrying in 1898, Thomas Michener and Mary Elizabeth (Mamie) Lockhart set out on the newly constructed road for their homestead. They brought horses, a milk cow, winter supplies, a maple drop-leaf dining table, and a ten-volume set of the Ridpath World History.

"Mamie divided their one-room cabin into two rooms by hanging a curtain across a corner to make a bedroom. Dirt provided insulation for the tarpaper roof."

In the 1930s, the Lemons added the Eat Here Café, and the ranch became a full working guest ranch with cabins, cattle, a restaurant, and a small gas station.

"Pearl had several cages of canaries who sang their cheery songs as the morning sun came through the multiple-paned windows. Pearl's bright red nail polish and lipstick were every bit as cheerful as her canaries."

In 2004, a trio from Chicago purchased the ranch and added five new rooms, one suite, a trout pond, and an outdoor infinity hot tub next to a massive river rock fireplace.

Unfortunately, a devastating fire consumed the main lodge, restaurant, and wine cellar in 2008. The new lodge was rebuilt with beautiful views, a cozy seating area and bar, river rock fireplace, and expansive outdoor decks.

In 2011, Scott Gibson purchased Rainbow Ranch with the vision of it being the best wedding and event space in Montana. He has invested extensively in the property and is committed to preserving Rainbow Ranch for everyone to enjoy for years to come.