David & Lorie Sly

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I began daydreaming of owning Trailside Ranch back in 1958, when I was just nine years old. My dad and I had been fishing at Big Otter Lake the first time I saw the little hunting shack perched on a rock, now known as The Falls Cabin.  Even at that young age I thought that it would be wonderful if I could someday own it.  At the time the ranch was called Huzzy’s Landing, named for the family that owned it at that time. In addition to The Falls Cabin, there were two log cabins, now known as The Homestead Cabin and the Horse Barn. There was also a trappers cabin and garden shed, now known as The Sugar Shack.  

When I joined the military, I continued thinking about that hunting shack, it was my happy place. After I returned from service, I had the opportunity to buy Huzzy’s. At that time, it would have taken my life savings, so I reluctantly decided against it.  I moved to Arizona to find my future, but whenever I returned to visit my parents in Black River or stayed at my dad’s hunting camp on Partridgeville Road, I would go to Huzzy’s to see that little hunting shack. I never gave up on my dream to own that property. 

I spoke of it often to my wife Lorie. When the opportunity to purchase it in December 2011 arose, Lorie and I discussed it again. We were already in the process of purchasing the Trailside Restaurant & Bar.  We flew in from Arizona to see the ranch.  We trudged all over the ranch through the snow, and found it had been expanded dramatically. We made the decision to purchase it and did so in April 2012.  We fell in love with the ranch and immediately began making improvements. 

It’s taken 10 years to improve Trailside Ranch to what it is today, and we’re not done yet! Sadly, I lost my wonderful wife and best friend Lorie too soon to cancer in 2014. Although she is not here to see the improvements, I know that she is here with me still. We hope you enjoy Trailside Ranch as much as we do. We’re very proud of what it has become. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to meet you during your stay with us. 

Thank you, 

David J. Sly (and for Lorie Lynne)