On the outskirts of Weatherford, Fuller’s Folly River Ranch perfectly reflects Bill Fuller’s nature-inspired vision, good-heartedness and humor.
A native of Fort Worth, Fuller has embraced a natural affinity for adventure and a deep love of the outdoors throughout his life. These passions first took root in his early years when his grandfather introduced him to the joy of fishing the Brazos River at about age 5.
“I grew up hunting and fishing,” recalls Fuller, a third-generation landowner of his Parker County ranches. “I think this is a great way for many people to connect with nature – but you don’t want to stop there. You want to learn new ways to connect with the natural world, for the sake of nature itself.”
From skiing in Chile’s majestic Andes Mountains to whitewater rafting along the Colorado River and scuba diving off the coast of Cozumel, Fuller’s appetite for adrenaline-fueled adventures knows no bounds. Each exciting experience leaves an indelible impression on him, fueling his hunger for new and exciting opportunities.
“In other words, I haven’t stopped hunting and fishing,” Fuller says. “Everyone knows that you don’t get a sense of wonder and awe when you sit in front of a computer. And I think everyone believes that it’s important to have some wonder and awe in your life.
Now, generations later, those passions have continued to flourish as he passes that same adventurous spirit to his children and grandchildren – an invaluable gift passed down to him for generations to come. And the 350-acre wooded estate along the Brazos River was his answer to igniting a love of adventure in others.
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A look at Fuller’s Folly River Ranch
Every detail of the ranch has been carefully considered to enhance its mission.
The enchanting drive along Dennis Road, lined with blooming wildflowers and vibrant umbrella trees, sets the scene even before arriving at the ranch gate. As soon as you enter the grounds and drive down the miles of gravel road, the beauty of nature unfolds: butterflies float along the path, small droplets of rain fall on the windshield, squirrels dart across the road, a turtle strolls slowly and a few cardinals watch from above to.
“You find wonder and awe at the sunset,” Fuller reflects. “You get it from the meadows and forests and rivers.”
Located on the banks of the Brazos River, Fuller’s Folly River Ranch offers four unique accommodations: a 1920s ranch, a safari tent, and two impressive treehouses, all designed to connect guests with nature.
Upon arriving at the Magic Treehouse, the newest addition to the ranch, a few details are immediately noticeable. Thousands of trees surround the two-story house, which stands 15 feet above the ground, bringing visitors among the wildlife in the lower canopy. The smell of rain hangs on the cedar-lined treehouse, and a large wooden veranda surrounds the entire building and overlooks a small creek. At night there is a palpable silence in the area, briefly interrupted by hooting barn owls and the sound of rain falling on the leaves.
“What gives people so much pleasure is aromas,” says Fuller. “These aromas of freshness – the smell of petrichor – and the tactile feeling of sand and water. While the city is all about thinking, in the country it is all about feeling.”
Fuller emphasizes that nature not only brings peace, but also fosters a connection with our ancestors and those who came before us, almost allowing visitors to step back in time.
“About two years ago I held an arrowhead out of the river,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘I’m the first person in 5,000 years to hold this.’ The person who created this was born here, grew up, had children and died here. I think: am I thinking about him, or am I on his land? It was a profound experience and a real sense of connection to whoever this person was and their survival.”
“You can just immerse yourself and experience what generations before you did on the same land,” he adds.
What activities are offered at the ranch?
Ranch activities at the ranch include:
This article originally appeared in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: A magical treehouse in Texas awaits adventure. Take a look inside
