Circle J Ranch under new management

TEN SLEEP – For former law enforcement officer Greg Bankert, living at Circle J Ranch, tucked away in Ten Sleep Canyon, is a nice change of pace.

“After retiring from law enforcement, it is really kind of nice to be secluded,” said Bankert, the new manager of the United Methodist retreat made famous by 200 acres of orchards, cabins and camping areas along Ten Sleep Creek.

A former chief of police in Worland, and finally retiring from the Bozeman, Mont., police force, Bankert and his wife Mackenzie moved onto the Circle J in August and look forward to hosting their first apple festival this weekend, an event that has become an annual favorite for visitors to Ten Sleep.

Founded in 1901, the Ten Sleep Methodist chapel was moved to the Circle J in 1925.

Each year, the retreat sees hundreds of visitors of all denominations, to enjoy not only the religious facilities, but the Ten Sleep area and the recreation provided.

“We get a lot of pretty eclectic people that come to share the faith,” noted Bankert. “It’s a pretty amazing place.”

Along with the chapel, the Circle J features guest cabins, picnic areas, and an 18-foot tipi for guests.

Next year, Bankert says the ranch will add a pumpkin patch to the acres of sprawling apple trees.

The Apple Festival will start this Saturday at 11 a.m. and will feature all-you-can-eat apple pie, chili, games for the kids and vendors from around the state.

“We’re constantly doing repairs and upgrades, so we could always use volunteers,” said Bankert. “Feel free to stop in and say hello.”