Cyprus Hills

story by Michael Fagin
Meteorologist, Travel writer, wine enthusiast

Historic Reesor Ranch

Entrance to Historic Reesor Ranch

WD Reesor Jr. (son of one of Canada's first Senators) was the first of the family to settle in Cypress Hills region. WD ran a ranch in Markham, Ontario in the late 1890's but was looking for more land and opportunity by 1900. WD came to the Cypress Hills area which was then part of the Northwest Territory. It did not officially become a province until 1905. WD brought his four sons and wife to Cypress Hills and established the Markham Ranch Company. Times were harsh and in 1903 most of the cows died and the Markham Ranch Company folded. However, that did not deter WD. He and his wife fled for a homestead. The modest log building (called shanty) which was constructed on the homestead in 1905 still stands today. The existing ranch house (where we stayed) was designed by a famous home designer out of Calgary built in 1916. Just east of the house is Reesor Lake, renamed from Twin Lakes in 1960 to honor WD.

Our hosts were Scott Reesor and his wife Theresa. Their youngest daughter also lives there and she (Leanne) is the fifth generation Reesor to live there. Scott is a very personable and witty host with a dry sense of humor. He has been aptly described as a cowboy/poet. Theresa is the behind the scenes person taking care of all of the details, providing a wonderful breakfast every day and just generally making sure that everyone has everything they need.

Activities and Accommodations: I took the self guided hike on the “Kinnikinik Kliff Trail”. This trail starts right from the ranch and is a 1.8 miles (3 kilometer) loop which borders the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. After walking about 30 minutes I reached the top of the plateau. With a panoramic view of the surrounding valley, you might think you were on top of the world – but the highest point is actually only 4000 feet (1212 meters). The plateau is home to a number of “buffalo wallows”, created when the buffaloes rolled in the grass and created a rather large indentation in the earth. The highlight of the hike was the Conglomerate Cliffs which are a mixture of rounded pebbles and gravel, with Kinnikinik plants around the rocks. Along with taking care not to fall into a buffalo wallow – the cliffs should also be avoided.

The delicious homemade breakfast at the large family table will always fill you up. Getting to know the other guests and discussing the wide variety of things to do in the area is a great way to start the day. There is also a comfortable sitting area for quiet talk, reading or even napping in the downstairs living room and library. In the evenings, the conversation and coziness is greatly enhanced by sampling the delicious wines from the Cypress Hills Winery (only 40 minutes from the ranch).

Other rooms at the ranch include the Old Barn, built in 1905, which has been totally restored. It sleeps up to 26 and has a full kitchen. The large family and game rooms make it a terrific place for family reunions or retreats. There is also a newer log cabin which sleeps 6 and also has a full kitchen. The ranch offers many activities including an Adventure Packages which includes participation in cattle drives, brandings and round-ups. For the less adventurous there are buggy tours and horseback riding (bring your own or rent one of the ranch's).

Conglomerate Cliffs Near the Ranch

It was hard to leave after a very relaxing two day retreat and we promised ourselves that we would return. In the meantime we were looking for a treat on our way back to the Regina airport. There are many places to eat in the town of Maple Creek about 30 minutes from the ranch. The Star Café and Grill offers gourmet meals in an elegant and unique setting. There are several other places as well if you are looking for something more casual. The Rockin' Horse Cookhouse & Bar would certainly fit the bill. The town of Maple Creek was established in 1883 so it preceded WD Reesor by 17 years.

We spent our last evening at the Hotel Saskatchewan http://www.hotelsask.com/ in Regina. The hotel (about 10 minutes from the airport) is in downtown Regina and was built in 1927. We thoroughly enjoyed this luxurious hotel with its great dining room. We recommend the local beef. Also a lovely city park across the street will help with the digestive process or an effort to burn off some of the calories .

Cypress Hills Winery
Reesor Ranch

Additional Stories by Michael Fagin
Wineries of Saskatchewan