Preserving the Past: The Story of the Rippling River Ranch Cabin

Nestled within the welcoming grounds of Island Acres Resort Motel stands a cabin that’s more than just a cozy getaway—it’s a living piece of Colorado history. The Rippling River Ranch cabin tells a story of resilience, remembrance, and revival—an ideal spotlight for this year’s Historic Preservation Month, where we honor places that connect us to the people and events that shaped our communities.

A Legacy from Lost Landscapes: Iola, Colorado

Originally located just outside the town of Iola, Colorado, the Rippling River Ranch cabin hails from a community that once flourished along the Gunnison River. Founded in 1896, Iola was a modest yet vibrant settlement in Gunnison County, where cattle ranching and recreational fishing sustained its economy. Anglers traveled from near and far to cast their lines, and local ranchers helped put the town on the map.

But in the mid-20th century, everything changed.

Progress with a Price: The Blue Mesa Dam

The construction of the Blue Mesa Dam, a key component of the Colorado River Storage Project, led to the formation of what is now Blue Mesa Reservoir—Colorado’s largest body of water. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, at peak water surface elevation, the reservoir covers an area of 9,180 acres. Completed in the 1960s, the dam promised irrigation and hydropower benefits but came at a significant cost: the complete submersion of Iola and several other small communities.

As the waters rose, residents were forced to leave behind homes, businesses, and memories. But in a remarkable act of foresight and care, a few structures were saved—including the Rippling River Ranch cabin.

A New Chapter: Island Acres Resort Motel

Rather than vanishing beneath the reservoir, the cabin was relocated to Island Acres by former owners, the Johnsons, who saw its potential not only as lodging but as a historical treasure. Today, fully renovated and lovingly maintained, the Rippling River Ranch cabin offers visitors a chance to experience Colorado’s rich past firsthand.

Crafted in charming lok-log style, the cabin now boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and dining area—perfect for extended stays and gatherings. It sleeps up to nine guests comfortably, with ample parking for vehicles, trailers, and boats. A private lawn and picnic table offer the ideal setting for enjoying Gunnison’s fresh air with family, friends, and even pets.

Why Historic Preservation Matters

Historic preservation is about more than restoring old buildings—it’s about protecting the soul of our communities. Each preserved structure tells a story of the people who built it, lived in it, and shaped the land around it. In places like Gunnison County, where towns like Iola were sacrificed in the name of progress, preserving what remains becomes even more vital.

When we save places like the Rippling River Ranch cabin, we’re not just keeping wood and nails intact—we’re preserving a way of life, a landscape that no longer exists, and the memories of those who once called it home. These efforts remind us of the delicate balance between growth and remembrance, and why some stories deserve to be told again and again.

Preservation also enriches our present. It fuels heritage tourism, fosters community pride, supports local economies, and offers future generations a tangible connection to the past. Every visitor who stays in the Rippling River Ranch cabin becomes part of a larger movement to honor, protect, and share the historical threads that weave through our region. 

Be Part of the Story

Staying at the Rippling River Ranch cabin is more than a vacation—it’s a living tribute to a lost town and a testament to the power of preservation. When you sleep beneath its restored rafters, dine in its cozy kitchen, or relax on its lawn surrounded by Gunnison’s natural beauty, you’re engaging with history in a uniquely personal way.

This Historic Preservation Month, we invite you to not just remember the past, but to step inside it. By booking your stay, you become a steward of Colorado heritage—helping to ensure that places like this are not forgotten, but lived in, loved, and laced into our collective memory.

Reserve your stay at Island Acres Resort Motel today and celebrate Historic Preservation Month by living history—not just reading about it.