Our History

The Rankin Motel Today The Rankin Motel 1921 Rankin Farm 1921 Cutting Wheat on Farm, 1922 Rankin Farm 1922 Grandma & Grampa Rankin 1922

As the automobile became popular, the lodging industry was born. My granddad, David K. Rankin and his brother Hugh built the Rankin Auto Court cabins along with Log Cabin Motel cabins. D.K and his wife Eva along with their five children (Margaret, Kenneth, Betty, Janis, and David) ran their farm and rented the cabins. Tourists traveling to Yellowstone Park have enjoyed staying with us ever since, and many return year after year, bringing their family and friends.

My parents, Betty and Byron, bought the business from my granddad in 1967. They expanded by adding motel units. I and my siblings, Kim and Robert, grew up in the hospitality business. Kim and I inherited the business.

My husband, Robert, and I began running the business in 2008 after my mother died in the summer of 2007. Kim and Family come from Texas to help. I refurnished and redecorated the rooms and the cabins, painted everything, and landscaped the grounds with flower gardens. Our journey was interrupted when Robert passed away in the fall of 2015. He so loved to welcome guests at the Rankin. We cherish his memory. Kim and I are stepping up to the plate alongside our new generations of representatives Nikolet Lewis, grandson Kieran, granddaughter Addison and Kim and Andy’s family Jarod, Karen and Jennifer. Together we continue the journey and enter into a new season with you.

Our new sign and logo now welcome you as you travel through the beautiful country of Yellowstone Park and Grand Tetons.

See you soon!
Jennifer