This last year, the Rankin Motel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. We are ordering the plaques now! The historic significance of the Rankin is in its architecture. It is representative of the early architectural development of the motel building type, exemplifying the cabin camp, cottage court, and motor court phases of early roadside hostelry architecture. It is a testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit capitalizing on the industrial development of the automobile and West Yellowstone National Park.
The period of significance for the Rankin Auto Court is 1920-1973, beginning with its opening and ending with the construction of its most recent buildings.
These photos represent Ashton’s appeal to the fisherman, hunter, and traveler. Right off of Hwy 20, The Rankin Auto Court was a favorite stop. We look forward to your visit and hope you will make it a favorite memory as well.