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Founded in 1905, our wonderful inn is located along the banks of the Big Thompson in Drake, Colorado. Our lovely ten-room inn and restaurant boasts wonderful views and wildlife. Approximately 15 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, it is the perfect quiet retreat on your Rocky Mountain vacation. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can satisfy your appetite in our restaurant. Enjoy casual Dining in our historic lodge. We serve a variety of western favorites. And after dinner, stop on by the bar, where we have music on the weekends and libations all evening. |
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We offer 10 rooms boasting of western hospitality. Warm and inviting, our rooms are modeled in the theme of the Rocky Mountain experience. Our cabins are also a wonderful experience for your private getaway, for a night or a week. You may never want to leave!
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The canyon community of Drake was originally called "The Forks" by early settlers due to its location at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Big Thompson River. In the late 1800s, Frank Bartholf owned the land where the River Forks Stage Stop now stands. His large herd of cattle grazed under the watchful eye of Louis Papa, stepson of Loveland's first permanent settler, Mariano Medina. No sooner was it announced in 1902 that a new road was to be built from the mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park than Mr. Bartholf built the Forks Hotel. The new dirt and gravel road opened in 1905, and in December of that year a post office was established at The Forks. That same year, The Forks' name was changed to Drake as Senator William A. Drake, who represented Larimer County in the state legislature from 1903 to 1907, was instrumental in securing a post office for the community. |
Frank Alderdyce bought The Forks hotel about 1906. Most Coloradoans know about Enos Mills, the "Father of Rocky Mountain National Park" but few know about his younger brother, Enoch Joe Smith. It seems Joe came to Estes Park as a teenager and trained as a naturalist and guide under brother Enos at Longs Peak Inn. Then, after a few years, Joe returned to Colorado in 1912 where for the next two years he leased and managed the Forks Hotel for Mr. Alderdyce.
In September, 2004, the property was purchased by William (Bill) E. Jones, DVM and his wife Ann. They have been busy restoring and fixing the neglected parts of the hotel. They invite everyone to join them as they usher in the next century for The River Forks Inn.
River Forks Inn is located only 14 miles west of Loveland on Highway 34.
From Denver (I-25 North), take the Highway 34 Exit at Loveland and head west.
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River Forks Inn 1601 Big Thompson Canyon P.O. Box 206 Drake, Colorado 80515 (970) 669-6732 Toll Free: (888) 447-8817 email: 
Bill Jones, Innkeeper |
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