Preserving Local History at Island Acres Resort

Sitting on an island straddled by two forks of the Gunnison River, Island Acres Resort Motel stands as a living testament to mid-century Americana and the vision of its founder, Elmo Bevington. Established in the 1950s, this restored historic tourist court motel offers guests a unique blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. Units feature kitchenettes, full kitchens, and suites, all set within a tree-filled park-like setting on the Gunnison River.

But none of this would have been possible without two things: Elmo Bevinginton and the introduction of US Highway 50.

The Legacy of Elmo Bevington

Elmo Bevington, was more than just a motel owner; he was a dynamic entrepreneur deeply invested in Colorado’s tourism and natural heritage. Originally from the Midwest, Bevington and his wife and business partner Etha became property owners in the Gunnison Valley in 1953. In 1954, he co-founded the Monarch Crest gift shop and restaurant atop Monarch Pass, providing a rest stop for travelers and Greyhound buses traversing the mountainous terrain. His ventures, however, didn’t stop there. In 1966, Elmo and his brother Mac constructed a scenic tramway at Monarch Pass, enhancing the area’s appeal to visitors.

Elmo’s commitment to conservation and wildlife was evident through his involvement in founding the International Order of Rocky Mountain Goats in 1966. This organization aimed to preserve the Rocky Mountain Goat population and funded scholarships for students pursuing studies related to wildlife conservation.

In 1967, Elmo Bevington acquired a controlling interest in Monarch Ski Area, marking a significant chapter in Colorado’s skiing history. Under his leadership, the resort underwent substantial enhancements, including the installation of the Breezeway double chairlift in 1968 and the Garfield lift in 1969. These developments not only expanded the skiable terrain but also modernized the resort’s infrastructure, solidifying Monarch’s reputation as a premier skiing destination.

Beyond his contributions to Colorado’s tourism industry, Elmo Bevington’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to international ventures, including involvement in refrigeration projects in China. While specific details are scarce, his participation in such initiatives underscores his diverse interests and commitment to innovation across various sectors. As one of his employees, Forrest Miller, said in a 2004 interview when asked about Elmo Bevington “He had an ego that wouldn’t stop. But, he’s done a lot of things around here”—a statement that followed a slight chuckle from Forrest.

A Brief History on US Highway 50

The early- to mid-20th century was a golden era for the American road trip. With the advent of widespread automobile ownership and improvements in national road infrastructure, families took to the highways in search of adventure, natural beauty, and a taste of freedom. One of the most iconic thoroughfares of this era was US Highway 50, once a vital artery connecting the East Coast to the West. The Facebook post below shows US Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose in 1940.

Stretching from Ocean City, Maryland, to Sacramento, California, US Highway 50 carved its way through the heart of Colorado, including the scenic Gunnison Valley. As this highway brought increasing numbers of travelers through the Rocky Mountains, the need for accommodations grew—fueling the emergence of tourist court hotels.

Unlike traditional urban hotels, these roadside motels—often called tourist courts—offered motorists easy access, affordable rates, and a unique charm. Designed with car travel in mind, these properties typically featured individual cabins or side-by-side units with parking just steps from the door. They embodied the spirit of the road trip: convenient, comfortable, and full of character.

It was in this vibrant and transformative travel culture that Island Acres Resort Motel was born.

Island Acres Resort is Born

Island Acres Resort reflects Elmo’s dedication to creating welcoming spaces that honor the past. The resort’s architecture and ambiance capture the essence of 1950s travel culture, offering guests a nostalgic experience complemented by modern amenities. The property’s expansive outdoor areas, with picnic spots and fire pits, encourage communal gatherings and a connection to nature.

The resort’s layout is emblematic of the classic tourist court style: individual units arranged semi-circular or linearly with parking directly outside each door. This car-centric design was revolutionary for its time, offering families and adventurers the freedom to pull in, rest up, and be back on the road at their own pace. But Elmo went further than the average motel builder—he created a place where travelers could linger, not just pass through.

Each room at Island Acres featured modern comforts for its day, including private baths, kitchenettes, and inviting décor that offered a cozy home-away-from-home feel. Elmo understood the importance of hospitality. Repeat visitors were not uncommon, with families returning year after year, building their own traditions at Island Acres, as is still the case today.

Island Acres Resort Today

Over the decades, Island Acres weathered the changing tides of the travel industry. While many vintage motels were torn down or fell into disrepair, Island Acres endured thanks to careful stewardship and a deep respect for its historic value. It’s had many owners over the years, some of whom had the capital to invest in its longevity, and others did not. The current owners have embraced it’s mid-century charm, inspiring its now hipster hotel vibe.

Today, the resort blends retro charm with modern amenities, including updated suites and full kitchens. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the Gunnison Valley, Crested Butte, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

The setting itself is also part of the charm. Located on a spacious, tree-lined property beside the Gunnison River, the resort feels like a park as much as a place to stay. Picnic tables and outdoor grills dot the grounds today, encouraging guests to cook meals outdoors and gather around fire pits beneath the stars. Children run safely through the grass while parents relax nearby—an experience hard to find in today’s chain hotel culture.

It’s also a beloved part of the local community. Residents often recall childhood memories of the property. At the same time, visitors rave about the sense of nostalgia and authenticity they find here—something that can’t be replicated in a franchise hotel or your typical vacation rental. Island Acres continues to serve as a touchstone for Gunnison’s heritage, honoring the legacy of Elmo Bevington and the tourist court motel era while providing a peaceful, welcoming place for guests from all across the country, and sometimes beyond.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

Island Acres Resort’s continued operation and preservation serve as a tribute to Elmo Bevington’s legacy and the broader history of Gunnison, Colorado. By maintaining the resort’s historical integrity, the current stewards allow visitors to experience a piece of Colorado’s rich mid-20th-century heritage.

Island Acres Resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a portal to a bygone era, embodying the spirit of innovation and preservation championed by Elmo Bevington. As guests relax under the shade of mature pine, cottonwood, and aspen trees or gather around a fire pit, they become part of a living history, ensuring that the stories and values of the past continue to enrich the present.