BEAR RIVER RANCH

Welcome to Bear River Ranch



Bear River Ranch is a 300-acre property located nine miles north of Rolla, Missouri. Home to Cub Creek Science Camp during the summer, the Ranch welcomes weddings and group rentals, school field trips, and visitors for private animal encounters during the fall, winter, and spring.

Weddings & Rentals
Weddings, receptions, retreats, meetings, banquets, fundraisers, youth groups, Scout groups, and other gatherings.


Field Trips
Hands-on educational experiences that combine science, nature, and our extraordinary animal collection.


Offseason Animal Encounters
Private opportunities to get up close and interact with some of Bear River Ranch's most unusual animals.


A Unique Place to Gather, Learn & Explore

Bear River Ranch was designed to accommodate large groups while offering much more than a traditional event or retreat facility. The Ranch has 15 heated and air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and common areas, providing overnight accommodations for up to 300 guests. A large dining hall, covered pavilions, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and activity buildings provide plenty of room for groups to meet, eat, and spend time together. Groups can prepare their own meals in our kitchen facilities or arrange for meals to be provided.

Tent and hammock camping areas are also available, with campfire sites for gathering and outdoor cooking. Depending on the season and type of visit, groups can take advantage of many of the activities offered at Cub Creek Science Camp, including archery, riflery, fishing, hiking, crafts, team-building activities, high ropes, group games, and our gemstone and fossil quarry.

More Than 100 Species of Animals

One of the things that makes Bear River Ranch truly unusual is our animal collection. More than 100 species from around the world call the Ranch home, ranging from familiar farm animals to exotic mammals, reptiles, birds, and other fascinating species.

Animal experiences are incorporated into many school field trips and can also be arranged for groups visiting the Ranch. Depending on the type of visit, guests may have opportunities to meet, feed, touch, or interact with animals they would rarely have the chance to experience up close. Private animal encounters are also available during the off-season for visitors who want to come to Bear River Ranch specifically for an animal experience.