Our History
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 came 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. Jennifer Haskin has been running the motel in the winter. Kim, Andy, and Karen are moving to Ashton to oversee the business this 2025 season. Jarod and Katie Haskin will hold the fort down in Texas. Don and Nikolet Lewis, my grandson Kieran, and my granddaughter Addison live busy lives in Washington. Together we continue the journey and enter into a new season with you.
We all welcome you as you travel through the beautiful country of Yellowstone Park and Grand Tetons.
