Indian Ranch holds all the cards when it comes to summer fun. Nestled on Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagaugchaubunagungamaugg in Webster, this concert venue is a perfect place to spend some time and make some memories. The view alone can put anyone in a good mood. Add in live music? Talk about the best of both worlds. And it doesn’t stop there — the Ranch also includes a campground, renovated banquet halls, the Indian Princess and the new Samuel Slater’s Restaurant Patio, which will be up and running this summer!

“When people find us, they can’t believe we’re actually here!” said Suzette Raun, who has been running the business since 2007.

This “diamond in the rough” venue has been open since 1946, when it was only a small outdoor theater for local entertainment. Now, the upgraded amphitheater can fit nearly 3,000 people and hosts concerts every summer. Because of its stage design, attendees have a spectacular view of the stage, no matter where they are seated. This summer, the venue will host about 20 concerts, including The Mavericks, Andy Grammer, The Outlaws with Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones, Let The Led Out, Jamey Johnson, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers and Los Lobos, Lee Brice, Wynonna & the Big Noise, Chase Rice, The Beach Boys, Charlie Daniels Band and Bret Michaels. This year, concert-goers will even be able to grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant before the show.

The Ranch has strong country roots and has been known as the Country Music Capital of New England for decades. It has hosted big name artists, as well as up-and-coming artists (Brad Paisley once played there). More recently, Indian Ranch has hosted a Country Fest, featuring local artists. Another Country Fest is slated for this summer.

Raun said over the last 10 years, Indian Ranch has embraced a broader blend of music — including alternative rock and pop. The expansion of the genres has been a great opportunity to market to all types of music-lovers, young and old. Country music is still the main focus, but the expansion has paid off. No matter the genre, Raun said, “What we are is music.”

Being one of the oldest concert venues in the country, Indian Ranch knows how to ride the fine line of tradition while evoking change. Raun said the balance is about bringing in artists who have played there before, as well as finding new artists to leave their mark on the Ranch. And Raun and Ranch staff work to maintain the quaint, intimate concert venue that everyone loves and preserve its originality.

Don’t forget about the Indian Princess. This grand riverboat has been docked on the lake since 2013 and is one of the few authentic paddlewheel riverboats that is still in operation in the U.S. This boat brings nostalgia back into the lake, while also offering tours and private events.

However, Raun said, the Ranch must change to stay on top. “It’s always changing — there’s always something going on each season that’s a little bit different than the last.”

To that end, Indian Ranch will see the addition of the Waterfront Room, which will accommodate larger hosted events, and Samuel Slater’s Restaurant Patio. Samuel Slater’s will offer American cuisine, a gorgeous view of the lake and patio seating. Because of these new additions — and plans to bring in local bands year-round — Indian Ranch could become the place to go anytime, not just in the summer.

For more information, visit indianranch.com.

Berkeley Wlodarczack