The scenic Knife River Ranch in west-central North Dakota proves you don't have to head out West to find ranches and wide-open spaces.

Owners Ron and Lois Wanner operate this pretty 7,500-acre working ranch, located on the Knife River and featuring six rustic cabins. Guests can help with ranch chores, like rounding up cattle and branding.

Or they can just relax and enjoy numerous activities, ranging from bird-watching, hunting and fishing to swimming, horseback riding, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. I love to canoe and watch wildlife along the 10-mile stretch of river that runs through the ranch.

The ranch is 1 mile east of County Road 90, and about 10 miles south of Golden Valley (which is on State Highway 200) and roughly 20 miles north of I-94.

Cabins sleep from four to 10 people and rent for $75 a night for double occupancy; $5 for each additional guest. There is an additional charge for home-cooked ranch-style meals, although room/meal packages are available. For details, call 1-701/983-4290.