The Idaho Cowboy (or girl) celebrating history in Island Park.

Island Park, Idaho, located in the eastern part of the state near the western border of Yellowstone National Park, has its own unique cowboy history. Here's a look at Island Park's cowboy heritage:

Early Settlement and Ranching: Island Park was initially settled by pioneers in the late 1800s, attracted by the vast grasslands and access to water sources. Ranching quickly became the primary industry in the area. Cowboys played a crucial role in managing cattle herds, driving them to graze on the abundant open range and ensuring their well-being.

The Island Park Cattle Association: In the early 1900s, ranchers in the Island Park area formed the Island Park Cattle Association. This association focused on protecting ranchers' interests and coordinating efforts to prevent livestock theft and manage grazing rights. Cowboys were integral members of the association, working together to maintain order and ensure the success of the ranching industry.

Cattle Drives and Roundups: Island Park's geography, characterized by rolling hills and meandering rivers, provided ideal conditions for cattle drives and roundups. Cowboys would gather and move cattle from various ranches to market or designated grazing areas. These drives required skilled horsemanship and navigation across challenging terrain.

Sheep Ranching: In addition to cattle ranching, Island Park also had a significant sheep ranching industry. Cowboys herded large flocks of sheep to graze on the open range, much like their counterparts in other parts of Idaho. Sheepherding camps dotted the landscape, and cowboys undertook the tasks of herding, shearing, and tending to the needs of the sheep.

Outdoor Recreation and Cowboys: Island Park's scenic beauty and proximity to Yellowstone National Park have made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Cowboys and ranchers have played a role in the area's tourism industry by offering guided horseback riding tours, fishing trips, and pack trips into the backcountry. They share their knowledge of the land and their cowboy skills with visitors, providing an authentic Western experience.

Researching the area two locals gave me permission to share about their own beloved cowboys.

“My dad bought our ranch in 1942. This is a picture of him as a teenager. Have more of our family history. He made the bridle and breast collar. I still have them. “ Deborah Empey

Modern Ranching and Preservation: Today, Island Park continues to be a hub for ranching, with several working ranches still in operation. Cowboys in the area continue to uphold the traditions of their predecessors, managing herds, maintaining the open range, and preserving the cowboy way of life. The Island Park community values its cowboy heritage and actively promotes and celebrates it through events, rodeos, and the preservation of historical artifacts and stories.

Island Park's cowboy history showcases the symbiotic relationship between the land, the ranchers, and the cowboys who have shaped the region. Their contributions to the ranching industry, outdoor recreation, and the local culture have left a lasting legacy in this picturesque corner of Idaho.

Join then fun and stay in Island Park for your next adventure. Check out the cabins here at Visit Island Park Idaho.

“Dennis Moedl...a true cowboy and rancher! Owned Meadow Vue Ranch in Island Park. He had his own cattle and horse operation. He was also the range rider for the cattlemen asociation in the Henry's Lake area. He held NCHA cow cutting shows in Island Park for 20 years. He started a youth summer horse camp 30 years ago in Island Park and it is still going today! Over 140 kids attend each summer coming from all over the United States participating in a horse program that he started!” Rockabye Rigby