History of Byrncliff
Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center started in 1964 under the name "Big Tree Development" by Clifford Meidenbauer and four others. Construction of the golf course began in the spring of 1965 under the direction of chief architect, Russ Tryon. In the fall of 1966, Big Tree Development opened its clubhouse, restaurant and nine-hole course. The complete 18-hole layout opened in the summer of 1967 and Big Tree Development changed its name to Byrncliff Country Club.
Originally established as a semi-private country club, Byrncliff CC featured a small clubhouse with a golf pro shop on the first floor and a glass-enclosed dining and lounge area on the second floor. A larger banquet room, locker rooms and outdoor swimming pool were added in 1971 to accommodate golf outings, banquets, meetings and weddings. Up until this time, Byrncliff was a seasonal operation, open from April through December.
The addition of Byrncliff’s winter program came in the 70s, thus opening the facility year-round. In 1970, under the direction of a Chicago-based management team, the “Snow Ranch” at Byrncliff was created. Its primary attraction at that time was renting snowmobiles to the general public. This program was eventually phased out the following year, and for the next seven seasons Byrncliff closed again from January to March.
In 1979, Byrncliff re-introduced its winter program with the addition of 4 miles of cross-country ski trails. Lights were placed on the ski trails in 1983 and Byrncliff became the only area in Western NY that offered lighted, night skiing in the cross-country recreation market.
In 1984, Byrncliff decided to change directions from a semi-private country club, to a year-round recreational resort open to the public. Shortly after, Byrncliff Country Club changed its name to Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center. Looking forward, overnight lodging was a natural fit to the plan. Construction began on the Brookview motel in 1985, followed by the Fairfield motel in the summer of 1990. In 1994, the pool area was renovated to include a hot tub and miniature golf course as an added attraction. Byrncliff had become a destination resort for both summer and winter activities that you see today.
Under the direction and management of the Meidenbauer family, Byrncliff has made a continual effort to upgrade the facility and grounds. The golf course has undergone many changes including the addition of sand traps, reconstruction of holes, and additional ponds to enhance the golfer’s experience. Byrncliff also purchased a state-of-the-art Pisten Bully snow groomer in 2001 that provides the very best in grooming and conditioning of the snow for our skiers to enjoy.
Over the years, the Byrncliff restaurant and banquet facility has seen many changes, additions and renovations. The Grille Room, an indoor/outdoor party room was added in 1995 adjacent to the pool. Durf’s Den, a quaint addition to the Main Dining Room was added shortly after. Byrncliff has also offered a variety of indoor entertainment. Entertainers from around the Western NY region have provided both music and theater performances throughout the year.
Today, Byrncliff is a popular and notable year-round "Stay & Play" resort with many activities for guests to experience. Many of Byrncliff’s guests come from the Western New York Region, New York State, Canada and the surrounding states. In the future, Byrncliff looks to continue to develop and enhance the resort to maintain its status as one of the premier destinations and conference centers in the region.
