Modern Living on the Prairie
UNLOCK YOUR DREAM HOME
122 East Main Suite 102
Corner of 2nd & Main Avenue Follow
Holiday Open House
November 9th and 10th
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday noon-4pm 20% off all holiday and everything else
Facing breast cancer
Compassion is at the center of what we do. Our multidisciplinary team supports you and your family beyond treatment to ensure you feel seen, heard and safe at every step of your breast cancer journey.
Specialties and services in Bismarck:
• Genetic counseling
• High-risk breast specialty care
• Medical oncology
• Nurse navigation
• Radiation oncology
• Surgical oncology
• Survivorship services
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BY THE NUMBERS
1 IN 8 WOMEN
will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection can save lives
Regular mammograms can catch breast cancer early, at its most treatable stage. Our breast radiologists, certified mammographers and genetic counselors all work together with one goal in mind – protecting your breast health.
Most women should start annual screenings at age 40. If you’re due for a screening, schedule a mammogram through My Sanford Chart or by calling your clinic.
If you’re under 40 years old but have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your primary care provider about when to start screening.
A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer EVERY 2 MINUTES.
An estimated 310,720 CASES of breast cancer are diagnosed in women every year.
Mammogram FAQs
How often should I get a mammogram?
Detecting breast cancer early can make it easier to treat. That’s why all women ages 40 and older should get screened at least once a year.
How long do mammograms take?
Mammogram appointments are quick. Your appointment will typically take less than 25 minutes.
Are mammograms free?
Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women AGES 50 OR OLDER.
Many insurance providers cover screening mammograms, but it’s best to check your plan to confirm your coverage.
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE
Volume 7: Issue 5
River + Ranch Magazine is a collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. The two publishers of Bismarck Magazine decided to embark on a new adventure and create a different magazine focusing on design, art, and western living.
Publishers
Hannah Haynes
hannah@bismarck-magazine.com
Caroline Crary
caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
Layout Editor
Copy Editor
Contributors
Cover Image
Advertising
Jenna Kluting
Jennifer Kranz
Maria Brezny
Melanie Sioux Photography
Caroline Crary
caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
River + Ranch Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2018 River + Ranch and riverandranchmagazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of River + Ranch Magazine. River + Ranch Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.
RIVER + RANCH TEAM
Hannah Haynes Publisher/Co-Founder
Jennifer Kranz Editor
Caroline Crary Publisher/Co-Founder
Jenna Kluting Layout Editor
Karel Sovak Writer
Maria Brezny Director of Communications
Melanie Sioux Photography
Plank
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS
Summer may have come to an end, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t still dreaming of getting out of town for some R+R. The cabin life isn’t only for the warmer months; a good fall getaway always makes for a cozy retreat.
Come with us on a journey through some of the most enchanting getaway homes that beautifully capture the spirit of both North Dakota and South Dakota.
This issue promises to spark your wanderlust, highlighting a unique North Dakota themed Airbnb tucked right outside Bismarck. Picture yourself stepping into a retreat that’s as much a celebration of local culture as it is a sanctuary of comfort. For those craving a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, our feature on a stunning rental in Medora will transport you to your Badland’s Haven with its scenic beauty as a backdrop.
Perhaps you’re seeking something a little more intimate. A quaint cabin just an hour outside Bismarck offers the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Bridget Gerhardt, owner of Bridget’s Room, and Mike Ness, owner of Creative Wood Designs, worked together on this family cabin set for entertaining and relaxing.
And we cannot forget about our neighboring state, the allure of the Black Hills in South Dakota. Our feature on a breathtaking Airbnb and family lake cabin nestled in this majestic region highlights the ultimate blend of rustic elegance and breathtaking views.
As you turn the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll be inspired to explore these exceptional getaways and find your own perfect retreat.
www.daretoaspirend.com
MIDWEST GETAWAYS
In these next pages, you will see homes that were specifically built to be getaways for families. Some of them were built to suit one family’s custom needs but others to accommodate the short term rental market in more touristy areas like Medora and the Black Hills of South Dakota. These rental homes have very specific elements to make them appealing to families looking for more space to spread out over a long weekend getaway. Read ahead to find out about vacation short term rentals and the custom getaways of two different families.
MARQUIS LANE midwest getaways
story - Maria Brezny • photos - Noctem Photography
For many who grew up in North Dakota, the town of Medora and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park holds a special place in their hearts. Many family vacations, day trips, and camping excursions have taken place in the scenic Badlands. Kate Black’s experience was no different. “I’ve always loved going to Medora, loved the golf course there, loved the town,” she says. “I have such fond memories growing up going there as a family.”
This love for the Medora area has continued into adulthood, as Kate has become more involved in the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation and currently sits on its board of directors. As Medora continues to grow, Kate realized there aren’t many options available for families who want to stay in the area for an extended amount of time.
“You could spend an entire week in Medora, but so many people don’t because it’s one night at a hotel and out,” describes Kate, “Or a lot of families will meet there, but they all have separate hotel rooms, so there wasn’t really a good spot on a rainy day or super-hot day to just go hang out and have some downtime.”
Inspired by her desire to encourage more families to stay in Medora for extended periods, Kate began looking into buying land to build a short-term rental property on.
After buying a lot with a scenic view of the Badlands, Kate began working on the design. She wanted the house to accommodate multiple families staying there at the same time. Because of this, the house has four bedrooms, and each bedroom has a dedicated bathroom or en suite. The home’s layout is open with everything leading back to the middle, creating a central space where the different families can spend time together.
With so many bedrooms, multiple families can comfortably stay together at the same time. Three of the four bedrooms in the house have king-sized beds, something more unique in rental properties. The fourth bedroom is a bunk room with eight beds. “The wow room is the bunk room,” says Kate. “What kid doesn’t see that and relive all their dreams, so the bunk room is one of my favorite rooms.” With three bunks and two beds, the room is perfect for cousin sleepovers.
In addition to plenty of space for family get-togethers, the style of the home evokes the spirit of the West, both in design and in decor. Greens and browns make repeated appearances throughout the house. Green is especially prominent in statement pieces like cabinetry, couches, and chairs.
“The fun thing about building this house was it was easy to take a few more chances on things, like green cabinets, let’s go for it,” says Kate. The green is grounded by different tones of brown in leather couches, the wooden island, and wooden furniture. Tan brick accent walls, stone fireplaces, and concrete flooring bring a sense of earthiness that ties the different rooms together. Western art pieces and Teddy Roosevelt memorabilia give a nod to the history of the area.
Having the gorgeous Badlands as the backdrop to your daily activities while you stay is no small part of the house’s appeal. From the inside, the home’s large windows help you take in the stunning view. If you want to be outside taking in the view, there is an outdoor fireplace and cabana in the back of the house where you can relax with family
“The wow room is the bunk room, what kid doesn’t see that and relive all their dreams, so the bunk room is one of my favorite rooms.”
and friends, enjoying the beautiful outdoors. The front porch has a fire table with the best view of the morning sunrise. “It’s the best place to have morning coffee as the sun comes up,” says Kate.
The home was completed last July, but there were still some details that needed attention, so the first guest did not stay at this stunning Medora retreat until early May of this year. Despite the house not being listed on Airbnb or Vrbo, the house has been booked solid all summer. Kate kept the house off Airbnb, trusting word of mouth through friends and family to do the work, wanting to offer this opportunity firstly to North Dakotans who grew up loving the area. Keeping the house off these sites also allows Kate and her family to stay at the retreat and enjoy Medora.
While summer is the busiest time of the year for Medora visitors, Kate wants to encourage people to visit in the fall as well. “People are still figuring out what Medora looks like in the fall, and fall is actually one
of my favorite times in Medora. It’s a little less crowded, and last year the TMF Foundation put on “Million Dollar Quartet” which was incredible. This year, they’re doing Ring of Fire which I think people need to know about, too. It runs September 11th – October 27th. I think people underestimate the boutique shopping there. I run out of time to do stuff when I’m there.” Organizers are also looking to add more events in the fall and wintertime, which will add a whole extra element of fun to the Medora area.
Kate hopes that people will continue to stay at her Medora retreat and continue to fall in love with the beauty of the Badlands and the charm of Medora that has meant so much to her and her family. The home was built with a love for the land and a desire to share that land with others. If you are interested in booking a stay, you can visit their Facebook page Medora Retreat
Vacation Rental to find availability and booking information.
midwest getaways
THE RIDGE LODGE
story - Maria Brezny • photos - Melanie Sioux Photography
Sitting on 40 acres of land, just outside of NE Bismarck, is a beautiful Airbnb called The Ridge Lodge with tons of historic charm and North Dakotan character. Originally built in 1916, the home pays homage to its own heritage and the heritage of the region.
Before its transformation into a stunning Airbnb, the owner of the property contacted Sommer Jacob, owner of Studio North, to do some interior design work for their future Airbnb. Despite her extensive background in design, Sommer wanted to make sure she knew all the ins and outs of designing for a short-term rental property, so she took a master class to educate herself on the intricacies of such a task before jumping into it.
As she suspected, interior design for a short-term rental property is vastly different from interior design for residential properties. “Things need to be more durable; they need to have certain weight capacities. Then, thinking in terms of the quantities of things you need from towels to plates and forks. It’s really based on how big the property is,” says Sommer. One also needs to keep in mind how a space functions to properly determine the right number of guests. The house may have the space to sleep ten people, but it’s important to remember to determine whether the hot
water can keep up with that number of guests, if the dining room and kitchen can accommodate that many people, and so on.
On the design side, Sommer wanted to ensure staying at the Airbnb was a memorable experience. “From the branding side of things, how you carry everything through every detail of the house, so the experience the guests have when they stay is authentic and the best possible outcome they could have,” she explains. This is achieved through careful attention to detail and embracing the uniqueness of the home.
Since the home was originally built in 1916, Sommer wanted to honor this heritage through the home’s design. She chose to give it a North Dakotan theme as an homage to the home’s heritage and history. This also offers out-of-state visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the place they are staying.
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different place in North Dakota or an important part of North Dakota’s history. For example, she designed a bedroom with a Theodore Roosevelt theme, honoring his time in North Dakota and the impact he had on the state. The Dakota
Room pays homage to the cowboys in North Dakota’s history through different western images and wall decor. The Dream Catcher bedroom is inspired by the culture of the Native Americans who lived on the North Dakotan prairie long before settlers arrived. There is also a Badlands themed bedroom and a Missouri River bedroom. And it’s not just the bedrooms that were carefully designed. A Northern Lights room featuring a 4’x6’ Lite Brite on one wall comes fully equipped with board games, puzzles, books, cards, and coloring books. “I wanted it to be an experience for people…I wanted people to come here, spend time together, and have something to do together,” describes Sommer. Outside the house, there is a hot tub, kids’ playset, cornhole, a patio and grill, and a wooden pergola with string lights and a sunshade. No matter where you go, in or out of the house, the attention to detail is astonishing.
This incredible Airbnb was achieved through the incredible hard work of Sommer, and her husband Scott, who owns You Scott It Professional Handyman Services. Together, the couple is a dynamic duo with Sommer dreaming up new ideas and Scott making them a reality. The two worked insanely hard through the
“From the branding side of things, how you carry everything through every detail of the house, so the experience the guests have when they stay is authentic and the best possible outcome they could have.”
summer to execute Sommer’s client’s goal. “It was fast and furious and crazy. Not realistic typically,” admits Sommer. Despite the fast pace, the attention to detail in the house is unmatched. No detail was overlooked.
This detail is present in every corner of the house. In the kitchen, to help people learn more about traditional North Dakotan food, Sommer bought several cookbooks from small towns around the state and fully furnished the kitchen with basic ingredients and cooking supplies. There is even a recipe box where guests can leave their own beloved traditional recipes.
In the bedrooms, in addition to the beautiful decor, Sommer thought practically, providing an alarm clock in every room with Bluetooth, white noise, USB and USB-C chargers and night light capability. There are fans in every room, and each room has a mattress and pillows of varying firmness, so everyone who stays in at the Airbnb can get a good night’s rest. In the morning, you can get just about any coffee you want at the extensive coffee and tea bar set up in the kitchen.
The details in the house go on and on. Sommer spent an intense amount of energy carefully crafting a beautiful Airbnb with a uniquely North Dakotan character. “I feel like I had a baby, and I had to give it to someone else. I really poured a lot of myself into it, so it’s definitely a labor of love and thought,” says Sommer. Little bits of Sommer remain behind, hidden in different parts of the house. “There’s a lot of me in it,” she describes. “For example, these are my grandpa’s old cowboy hats hanging on the wall, who was like my dad to me. I couldn’t think of a better place for them to be. I know he’d be so proud of me.”
Thanks to her passion, The Ridge Lodge Airbnb is a tribute to Sommer’s ingenuity and hard work.
LAKE VIEW LODGE midwest getaways
story - Maria Brezny • photos - Melanie Sioux Photography
An hour and a half from Bismarck, right inside the South Dakota border, sits a stunning family cabin. The cabin is right outside Pollock, SD on Lake Oahe, a large reservoir on the Missouri River. The cabin has stunning views of both water and forest, and the inside of the home is its own scenic location.
The owners of the lot never planned on building anything on it. However, one day, the owners were standing on the road in front of the lot and realized if the lot was slightly lifted, they could build a cabin with a water view. They contacted Joe Vetter Construction to get started on their new getaway cabin. Construction began in January of 2023 and finished in January of 2024, and the family has been enjoying their new cabin ever since.
Despite the distance from Bismarck, the process went quickly and smoothly because Joe Vetter, owner of Joe Vetter Construction, was able to bring down his usual subs from Bismarck since they only had to travel an hour and a half to work. Using the same team meant Joe was able to keep the same rhythm and pace as his other builds. This meant the home came together in an impressive amount of time, while still getting the usual amount of attention and detail.
Like every other build Joe Vetter Construction has completed, the cabin is stunning. The style is less rustic and more glamorous, or as Joe puts it, “This isn’t rustic cabin. It’s more beach house.” Joe worked carefully to design a home that would still feel like a cabin, but have more luxurious finishes.
One way he did this was by building the cabin in the classic A-Frame shape that carried throughout the cabin. “We ended up doing that through the foyer and then all the way to the back and then actually carrying it out into the front porch,” he explains.
This classic cabin design is accented with modern appliances, decor, and finishes. For example, in the kitchen, the appliances are stainless steel and the cabinetry around them are white and bright. The lights above the island bring in that beach house feel. Everything is light, bright, and fresh.
The living room right next to the kitchen has its own unique take on classic cabin characteristics. The fireplace is not the traditional wood-burning stone fireplace you might expect. Instead, the homeowners wanted a fireplace that would stand out. “They wanted a fireplace that was bold to bring some color in
“They wanted a fireplace that was bold to bring some color in here, it really stands out and grounds the room.”
here,” says Joe. “It really stands out and grounds the room.” The dark color of the fireplace both draws the eye and pulls together the rest of the room.
While the look of the cabin was obviously important, so was the functionality. Since so much of the owners’ time is dedicated to being outside, the home needed to be conducive to people coming in and out all the time. Joe designed a large mudroom to facilitate a better flow, exactly for that reason. “Every day coming in off the lake and family running around, I thought a nice mudroom off the kitchen where they can drop things would be helpful,” says Joe. “It’s big enough to hold a lot of stuff and not get crammed.” The mudroom also has a washer and dryer to make washing laundry much easier.
The basement is another area of the house where style, function, and fun all come together. The basement was designed to be a cozy hang out zone, with fun things to do for adults and kids. Joe and his team built a special kid’s play house, complete with a toy phone, mailbox, fake window, and the
same siding as the exterior of the cabin. The basement living room furniture was chosen for comfort over style, and the basement has three guest bedrooms, perfect for cousin sleepovers.
Built for a family and for hosting, the cabin has reportedly been well-used since it was finished last January. The owners and their family come up almost every weekend to enjoy their wilderness retreat. A beautiful blend between rustic and modern, the cabin has a little something for everyone, from the wilderness enthusiasts to the professional relaxers.
midwest getaways
BISON RIDGE
story - Maria Brezny • photos - submitted
Bison Ridge is a beautiful five bed, five bath Airbnb located 10 minutes from Deadwood, SD, across from Terry Peak, with Spearfish Canyon right down the road and direct access to ATV and snowmobile trails. In addition to its convenient location, the Airbnb comes with many modern amenities and entertainment areas making it the perfect getaway for a few families looking to vacation in the Black Hills.
The Airbnb is owned by Brett Lefor and Casey Olheiser. The pair have spent a lot of time in the Black Hills with their families, and they both love the area. The more time they spent there, the more they realized there was a need for large vacation rentals. In 2021, Brett and Casey finally took the leap and began researching building and starting their own Airbnb.
To get better acquainted with the precise needs of the area, Brett and Casey bought a software that allowed them to research other Airbnb properties in the area and compare them, seeing data on things like number of bedrooms and bathrooms, different square footage, occupancy rates, nightly rent, and so much more. After their research, they decided to build a five bed, five bath cabin right under 4,000 square feet. Three of the bedrooms are king suites with private bathrooms. The cabin can sleep 14 people comfortably.
The more time they spent there, the more they realized there was a need for large vacation rentals.
Brett and Casey also took into consideration how to make the cabin entertaining for their guests. The basement has a large recreation room with a full wet bar, foosball table, retro arcade game with 400 games, pub table to play games on, large TV for watching movies and shows, and a comfy sectional to watch them on. There is also a hot tub and sauna right off the rec room. “We made it an entertainment place,” describes Casey. “Everyone seems to love them. Our reviews are great.”
Upstairs is a full living room with a stunning fireplace and large open windows that overlook the scenic outdoors. The back of the home has a large, covered deck with a grill, perfect for entertaining people in the scenic outdoors.
Building such a large and complex cabin took about a year. Casey, who owns Legendary Homes, built the cabin himself as much as possible to keep costs down. Because of the remote location and distance from Bismarck, he couldn’t use many of the subcontractors he usually would on a Legendary Homes project. Instead, he hired subcontractors from the area, especially from Spearfish and Rapid City, making it a 30–40-minute drive instead of a five-hour drive for the subs. After it was built, Brett set up the management of the Airbnb. Brett has a lot of experience in the hospitality industry, so he used this experience to find the best fit for their new Airbnb. He ended up hiring a management company that does a lot of marketing. Their Airbnb is listed on around 16 sites, including Airbnb, VRBO, Google, and booking.com.
Since it was listed, the Airbnb has been constantly booked in the busy seasons, May through September and again in the winter for skiers and snowboarders. Despite this, Brett and Casey do occasionally get to stay in their cabin during the off seasons. Casey plans to spend some time down there with his family at the end of October. The success of their first Airbnb has made Casey and Brett consider building another one in the future, so keep an eye out for what this duo will do next.
LOGO TO LOUNGE
Elevate your brand inside and out.
For over 12 years, we’ve been expertly crafting brands that make a lasting impact — from the first impression of your logo to the seamless experience of your website. Now, we’re extending our expertise to transform your physical spaces, including shortterm rentals, that stand out in a competitive market. Whether it’s designing an office that reflects your company’s identity, curating a stylish rental that guests won’t forget, or creating a personalized home, we ensure every detail aligns with your brand’s story. From concept to completion, we bring your brand to life in every dimension.
Let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact us today at 701-595-7300 to discover how we can elevate your brand in every space.
www.studionorthdesigns.com
midwest getaways
A MODERN CABIN
story - Maria Brezny • photos - Melanie Sioux Photography
Bridget Gerhardt, owner/CEO of Bridget’s Room thinks of literally every detail when she plans out a space. “I tried to maximize every single space but give the square footage that I needed to do the things,” explains Bridget. Her detail-oriented process pairs well with the practicality and ingenuity of Mike Ness, owner of Creative Wood Designs. The two have worked together on many projects over the last 20 years, and their collaboration always results in something stunning like this unique lake cabin located right on Lake Sibley.
Clean, practical, and modern, this lake cabin flows from beginning to end with no part of the layout underutilized or unthought of. Bridget worked hard to make sure every square foot of the 1,638 square foot space has a purpose. “I methodically planned out everything,” says Bridget. One example of this is the kitchen cabinets which go all the way to the ceiling. “I was like, it’s a cabin,” explains Bridget. “There’s enough cobwebs and bugs and things to go around. I know what it’s like to clean, so I take this practical approach with my clients, a fine line between design and how it will work and then how will my client take care of it.” Ensuring her designs won’t create more work for her clients is one way Bridget goes the extra mile when considering all the details.
“I wanted it to feel like a cabin, but not too rustic. Clean lines, happy, like home,”
Another important kitchen cabinet detail was the material. Bridget really wanted walnut cabinets but was worried about the expense. “I’ve always loved walnut, but it’s expensive. Mike came up with the idea of doing slab walnut. It’s smooth, it’s simple... Mike made it all the things I wanted and simplified it so I could get those walnut cabinets,” she explains.
Mike excels at finding creative but practical solutions to his client’s requests. “Mike won’t overpromise, but he will overdeliver,” describes Bridget. “Mike is always going to be real with you, and that’s what takes him to the next level.” Because of this, Bridget tries to get Mike working on every project with her, finding ways to fit him into her client’s budget, even if it takes some creativity.
Another detail Bridget and Mike worked on together was how to make the home functional for entertaining guests. “In second homes, we are really diving into how much entertainment is going to be taking place. We ask questions like, are you going to be hosting big crowds and will the guests be staying with you,” describes Mike. This thoughtfulness is especially apparent in the flow of the kitchen to the outdoor patio. Bridget can easily entertain outside on the patio, then walk inside and make a drink at the liquor bar. The bar has a big rollout on the bottom and an ice maker on the counter making it simple and easy to mix drinks for guests. From there, you can walk into the kitchen for more seating around the huge island with seating on three sides. Because the kitchen island is so large, Bridget decided against having a kitchen table, opting to save the space instead.
The whole design of the lake cabin encourages entertaining and relaxing. Despite only being 1,638 square feet, the cabin can sleep up to 12 people comfortably. Bridget designed a bunk room with two extra-large twins with queens underneath that sleeps six, two bedrooms with king beds, and a Murphy Bed in the indoor/outdoor patio. The cabin also has three bathrooms, making staying at the cabin comfortable and practical.
Beyond efficiency and practicality, the home’s aesthetic design was carefully planned as well. The homeowner wanted a simple look with a refined finish. This meant clean lines and modern finishes. “I wanted it to feel like a cabin, but not too rustic. Clean lines, happy, like home,” explains the homeowner. Bridget and Mike worked together to pull this vision together for the cabinetry in the kitchen and master bathroom. “Mike has a really good eye for design,” says Bridget. “Together, we make a premium finished product for our clients.”
In addition to his talent for design, Mike makes the entire process of building cabinetry easy.
“I admire his process,” Bridget says. “Clean, organized, efficient. He is one of the only guys who lays everything out on the table.” Mike’s clear timelines, clear vision, and honesty makes it easy to communicate and rely on him and his team at Creative Wood Designs. Paired with Bridget’s incredible eye for design and intense attention to detail, the duo has proven time and time again the prowess of their skills through stunning projects like this cabin on Lake Sibley.
