Our Story

The gates of the historic Chief Joseph Ranch were opened to the public in the summer of 2004 under the new ownership of the Shupp family.  These year-round Owners-Operators of the ranch are Bob, Janet, Ryan and Shelley.  Since arriving, they have sought to restore the historic grounds and buildings of what was once known as the Ford & Hollister Ranch. 

Purchased in 1914 by the glass tycoon William Ford and Judge Hollister of Ohio, the 2,500 acre ranch was, at that time, a thriving apple orchard.  Using both log and stone native to the grounds, William Ford began a three-year endeavor to build the historic Chief Joseph Lodge - now a historical landmark in the Bitterroot Valley. 

Featured in such publications as Architectural Digest and American Log Homes, the Chief Joseph Lodge occupies a place alongside the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone and the Lodges at Glacier National Park - all architectural feats of the west during the turn of the century.

Along with the Lodge, Ford built three massive barns as the backdrop for his model dairy.  He then replaced the apple trees with the largest herd of Holsteins west of the Mississippi. 

With business to attend to in the east, however, Ford ultimately spent little time at his Montana getaway.    As the years passed, the dairy operation would give way to a guest ranch, run by Mrs. Ford and her daughters, along with the help of their ranch manager, Ben Cook. 

After forty years, the Ford and Hollister Ranch was finally sold and renamed the Chief Joseph Ranch, in honor of the great Nez Perce chief.

Now, as the eighth owner of the ranch, the Shupp Family invites you to come explore the Bitterroot Valley.  They're ready to help you plan your stay in Montana. 

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