A Place to Gather
Rooted in tradition and operated by our family, we open our ranch to special events that strengthen and serve our community.
LePlatt's Pond hosts weddings, company gatherings, milestone celebrations, and community events each summer. From employee picnics and anniversary parties to our own Locals Night and longstanding partnerships with organizations, every event is thoughtfully hosted.
Community Tradition
Locals Night
Locals Night brings together Bayfield, Durango, and the surrounding communities for a summer evening on the pond. Locals and visitors alike gather across the lawn to cool down by the water, listen to live music, cast a line, and catch up with friends. Fishing is included — offering rare access to a privately stocked ten-acre pond in a setting that feels both relaxed and remarkable. Neighbors reconnect in a place that continues a long-standing tradition of bringing people together and holds memories for generations of residents in our community.
Tuesdays, June–July | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Gates Open at 5 PM for Fishing, Food & Visiting • Live Music Starts at 6 PM
$10 Adults | $5 Kids Ages 3–12 | Ages 2 & Under Free
Rain or shine — we gather regardless of the forecast.
2026 Music and Food Lineup
Planning Your Visit
Thank you to these local businesses for helping make Locals Night possible.
Special Event
🇺🇸 July 4th at LePlatt's Pond
Celebrating America's 250th Birthday and Colorado's 150th Anniversary
Following the Town of Bayfield's July 4th festivities at Joe Stephenson Park, continue the celebration at historic LePlatt's Pond on L-J Ranch. Cool off by the water, enjoy live music, and grab delicious Hawaiian street food traveling all the way from Grand Junction for the evening.
Freshly stocked by Rainbow Springs Trout Farm, LePlatt's Pond is also home to several tagged lunker trout for the July 4th celebration. Guests lucky enough to catch one of the special prize fish will reel in a surprise of their own.
The evening will wrap up in time for guests to make their way back to Joe Stephenson Park for the Bayfield fireworks at dusk.
Featuring live music by Starry Starry Night with Lisa Blue and Derek Smith.
3–7 PM
Live Music • Fishing • Hawaiian Street Food • Tagged Prize Trout • Kids Free
Adults $20 | Ages 17 & Under Free
Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy an unforgettable summer evening.
Annual Partnership
Cattlemen's Chuckwagon Dinner
The La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen's Association has proudly hosted this beloved gathering for 23 years, and we are honored to welcome it to L-J Ranch at LePlatt's Pond. Five historic chuckwagons, open-fire cooking, western heritage, and community spirit make this one of the most cherished traditions of the summer.
— August 22, 2026
Tickets Coming Soon
Watch last year's Chuckwagon Dinner →Private Event Inquiry
From company picnics and nonprofit fundraisers to family celebrations and milestone gatherings, we welcome events that align with the spirit of the ranch.
Inquire About Your EventWe'll respond within 48 hours to discuss your vision.