History
In 1905, Theodosia Butlon Murphy borrowed 8 gold coins from her father and purchased Dawn Ranch and at this time Dawn Ranch was an apple orchard. She realized the San Francisco Elite liked summering on the river. She first built the lodge as a dining hall and added tent cabins amongst the orchards. Guests from the city stayed each summer from 6 weeks to 3 months. The resort was then purchased in the 1970's and renamed Fife's. A century-old guest ranch, Dawn Ranch Lodge was renamed in 2006 in celebration of the rare Dawn Redwood, of which there are two mature trees on the grounds. Originally believed to be extinct for over 15 million years, the Dawn Redwood was rediscovered in the 1940's growing in remote provinces in China, and a handful of saplings were reintroduced to North America. Our 70 year old trees grew from these original saplings.
Specialties
Agriculture Public House at Dawn Ranch Lodge focuses on locally sourced organic product. Dawn Ranch Lodge is a fifteen acre property nestled among towering redwoods on the banks of the Russian River. We are just twenty minutes from the beautiful Pacific Coast, and offer rustic tranquility and a contemporary atmosphere. Individual cottages blend harmoniously into the stunning landscape of ancient apple orchards, bamboo groves, grassy meadows and beautifully landscaped gardens. The long meadow at Dawn Ranch Lodge has been the setting for spectacular weddings and intimate ceremonies for over a century. We are an ideal venue for corporate retreats and family reunions. We are also a dog-friendly resort. Our full service bar offers local beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.