Island Acres Resort Motel

10/06/2026

Mark your calendars for a local history event delivered to you in your living room!
Dave Primus will present on what lies beneath the Blue Mesa, including the Rippling River Ranch and the Tex Lodge. From the Rippling River Ranch, Island Acres has the last cabin that was built there. From the Tex Lodge, we have their ferry boat (Dave had to explain that one to us!) and the fabulous drainboard sinks in the remodel of 3 and 4.
Dave's presentation will be at the Gunnison Public Library on Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time. And also on Zoom!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7654798435?pwd=YbHhNAsAsyGs3raBOfE00jBM0ZC7ZX.1&omn=82051144684
Dave's book, "Beneath Blue Mesa: The Gunnison River Valley Before the Reservoir," is an excellent read. The story includes the fascinating history of three towns (Iola, Cebolla, and Sapinero), sixteen fishing resorts, and fifteen ranches along the scenic Gunnison River west of Gunnison, Colorado. The book includes the Rippling River Ranch and ferry boat.

10/05/2026

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09/25/2026

09/20/2026

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Amazing view near Crested Butte in Colorado

09/19/2026

We have availability this week through Friday. Friday and Saturday, the 25th and 26th, we are full with Western Colorado University Alumni for Homecoming Weekend.

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For those hoping to see fall colors this year, this weekend might be your best chance.

Forestry experts say that Colorado’s persistent drought and hot temperatures mean that peak fall colors are about a week ahead of schedule. A large portion of the state’s mountains remain in an exceptional drought — the highest level of intensity on the U.S. Drought Monitor’s map.

Jonathan Coop, a professor of environment and sustainability at Western Colorado University, advised people to get out to see the fall foliage sooner than later.

“Earlier is better this year,” Coop said. “There's still fall colors. Go out and enjoy them. They're going to be a little earlier and … they're going to be a little less.”

Read more at rmpbs.org/news

09/18/2026

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09/05/2026

Fall color predictions: See Seth's below. Our prediction: It may be an earlier year. Colors were already showing a week ago.
Lodging tip: Weekends are already pretty booked up. If you have flexibility, try coming on the weekdays. Rates are discounted, and you will have a better experience.
Travel tip: Years ago, when colors were at their peak, Kebler Pass was bumper-to-bumper traffic. But only on Saturday and Sunday. We went on Tuesday and almost had the pass to ourselves.
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08/19/2026

We at Island Acres have a cabin from the Rippling River Ranch, the 'ferry boat' and drainboard sinks with their metal base cabinets from the Tex Lodge. Both the Rippling River Ranch and Tex Lodge were in the Iola area. Dave Primus has an excellent book, 'Under the Blue Mesa,' that covers much of the area's history. 'Go as a River' is a bestselling 2023 historical fiction debut novel by Shelley Read, set in Iola. That is also a great read!

https://www.uncovercolorado.com/colorado-abanonded-towns-under-lakes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTyqXNwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4tddH53oMrJ_4uTvUdGvaOtRee1-yjfhhKJ_6o-X-HjgjGdtRDVrT7JcQZ0Q_aem_uTd8zTs0XG1u2c6cs7I7QA

What exists at the bottom of some of Colorado’s reservoirs might surprise you. To show you why, we’re highlighting some of the state’s long forgotten towns that have been abandoned and flooded over the years.