In the Beginning

The Double JJ Ranch (formerly the Jack and Jill Ranch) welcomed its first guests in 1937. The resort was purchased by its current owners, Joan and Bob Lipsitz, in 1988, with Wally Wojack joining the team in 1992. Joan and Bob were once teachers and outdoor educators whose passion to their jobs became a way of life. Wally Wojack had been a guest at the Ranch since 1955 and had always dreamt he would someday "own a piece of the Ranch." His love for the Double JJ is evidenced by the long-standing friendships that he has made with the thousands of guests that have become such an integral part of the "JJ Family."

The Great Expansion

Joan, Bob and Wally's dreams to expand into one of the best resorts in the Midwest began in 1993 with the development of the Thoroughbred Golf Club, an Arthur Hills championship course. The Thoroughbred Conference Center opened in 1996 complete with the Sundance Saloon & Steakhouse, the Lofts Hotel and the Homestead Condominiums. The Back Forty Ranch opened in July 1998 and offers families a place to experience the Old West - with a few modern conveniences, like the Swimmin' Hole outdoor waterpark, well-appointed log homes, RV park, and family cabins.

The New Frontier Opens

In 2006, the newest additions to the resort opened! The Thoroughbred Suites offer luxuriously-furnished residential condominiums, each with full kitchen, in-room jacuzzi tub, private balcony, fireplace, and lower level parking. Adjacent to the T-suites is the 60,000 square foot mining-themed Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark, which sports over 1/4 mile of slides, 3 activity pools, 2 hot tubs, and a Lazy/Crazy river. Maintaining an internal temperature of 83°F year round, the Gold Rush nicely complements the Double JJ's winter season of dog sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh riding.

Expansion...But Not Changes

For over 70 years, the Double JJ has been known as "America's Friendliest Resort." Today and tomorrow - no matter how much we grow - we are still determined to take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life so you can kick back, relax and go home refreshed.