Built in 1947, El Rancho Motel was the original name of the Dunsmuir Lodge
Welcome to Dunsmuir Lodge. This property and its buildings were originally named the “El Rancho Motel”, built in 1947 by the McCoy brothers. The McCoy’s had their living quarters in the front of the original building shown in the postcard. The building had 12 units for rent. It was the newest and brightest star in the Dunsmuir business community at that time. With its bright red tile roof and immaculate landscaping, it drew favorable attention. It was located directly beside the old Highway 99 which was the main thoroughfare through California and up into Oregon and Washington. The El Rancho was seen by many! In the 1950’s the McCoy brothers, added two more buildings with additional units and an owners residence in 1954. Dunsmuir was booming at this time, with the Railroad as the main industry and source of employment. The Railroad heritage is still dear to the hearts of many Dunsmuir residents and history buffs around town. We continue to celebrate that history with the picture of the Shasta Daylight train we knew and loved as part of our logo and our new sign.
The current owner is Eric Burger. Eric’s mom, Donna grew up in a house directly behind the El Rancho Motel. She was fascinated as a youngster with the building of the new motel. Her parents knew the McCoy brothers and she was allowed to come see some of the new rooms as they were built and decorated. The family home behind the motel stayed in the family and is still occupied by Donna’s brother, Bill, and his family. The family has had a sentimental attachment to the motel throughout the years and watched as business continued under different owners.
In 2005 Eric had the opportunity to buy the motel. He invited his parents to become his partners in the business. Donna and Jon came up from the Bay Area to live in the motel residence and manage the business. Back home again in Dunsmuir! It took a lot of renovating, decorating, and general marketing to make the “new” motel, now known as Dunsmuir Lodge what it is today. We have stayed open as our well loved guests continue to return and enjoy our charming lodge.
We made our Lodge, above all, clean, comfortable and quiet. Our goals was to give it the welcoming feel of the country with big Pine beds and lots of quilts. We decorated in Country log home decor to make the point, and are completing hardwood floors in the rooms. All units have new beds with country pine log frames and headboards as well as comfy “pillowtop” mattresses.
The best view of the Dunsmuir Ridge in all of Dunsmuir
The ambiance here at the lodge is friendly. Buildings are one story and all rooms open out to the “courtyard” where you will find other guests wandering with their pets, conversing, and enjoying the surrounding mountains. Our housekeepers and managers like to be out and about visiting with guests and making sure they are taken care of. We like to talk about our town and tell you “where to go” and “how to get there”. Perhaps we will share with you a shortcut to a famous waterfall, or a spot for fishing on the Sacramento River, which is within walking distance.
We are proud of the progress in our renovation and invite you to stay with us as you travel through and need a rest, or have this as your destination for fishing, hiking, enjoying the mountains and the peace of the surrounding area. There are many outdoor activities here and as many or more outstanding places to visit and enjoy as Mother Nature’s wonderful creations.
