MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342 provides amenities, such as a garden and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire cabin
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61318 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342
HISTORIC Mountain Log Cabin with Antique Furnishings 2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / Sleeps 6 Grill / Screened Porch Mountain Views of Longs Peak and Continental Divide Free, secure and private Wi-Fi.
20-NCD0342
This historic cabin was built and owned by the first Park Ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park, Dixie MacCracken. Many of the antique furnishings and items in the cabin belonged to Dixie. If you are okay with floors that are a little uneven and true mountain rustic, you'll love this sweet cabin.
Enter the rustic cabin at the back door into the enclosed mudroom complete with the original wood box. The country kitchen is next with Dixie's original wood cookstove. The original cookstove no longer works but is part of the historic charm. The spacious kitchen has all the modern appliances that you'll need to cook meals during vacation.
The dining room, surrounded by windows that let in the mountain light, features a charming antique oak table for six people.
The living room is the heart of the historic cabin. The first thing you notice are the original log walls, wood beamed ceiling and large stone fireplace. The fireplace is not operational but adds to the rustic authentic charm. A Queen sleeper sofa with a comfy memory foam mattress provides extra sleeping space for your party. This room is filled with antiques along with many of Dixie's original photos, art, and mementos.
From the living room, step into the hall and just past a stacked washer/dryer you'll access the first bathroom, complete with a shower. Just past the bathroom, you'll enter a pine-paneled bedroom that features a comfy Queen bed with a comfy quilt comforter that you will want to sink into. Several antiques and a big closet add to the cabin comfort of the room.
Just off of the living room is the door to the second bedroom. This rustic bedroom features original log cabin walls, a wood-beamed ceiling and French doors to the large screened porch. This bedroom contains a Full/Double bed. Golden oak antiques give you a spot to settle in for your stay. You are really in for a treat with the attached bathroom. You'll love the original extra long clawfoot tub for hot soaking bubble baths. A shower ring and attachment have been added if it is showering that you prefer.
Just off of the living room you will enjoy the large screened front porch. The porch spans the entire front of the MacCracken cabin. You'll love the gorgeous views of Lake Estes and the backdrop of Longs Peak along with the Continental Divide. Wicker seating provides the perfect spot to hang out with friends or curl up with a book. A corner table provides the perfect spot to play a game of checkers.
The MacCracken Homestead is a real treat - you'll feel like you are at camp. This cabin is historic and a true rustic experience with some modern day conveniences. There is no air conditioning but fresh mountain breezes and fans for each room will keep you cool at night. Book the experience of one of Estes Park's original historic cabins!
5 miles to the Beaver Meadows (South) entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park 3 miles to downtown Estes Park.
What To Be Aware Of:
NO A/C
Fireplace is not operational for the safety of the home
Fires of any type are not allowed inside or outside of the home.
Parking for 4 cars in driveway.
Please do not mail or ship anything to this home.
No large vehicles, i.e. RVs, trailers.
No Parties. No Smoking. No Pets. Fines apply.
Quiet Time 7p.m.
Guest buys own soaps/paper items when provided starter kit items are depleted.
Estes Park is a Dark Sky Community. Bring a Flash Light. BEARS in the area - secure trash, lock doors and windows when leaving.
This home does not have a weekly trash pick up service. Trash will be picked up at departure. If necessary, trash will be picked up mid-stay for a nominal fee. Call the office at 970-480-8845. Trash must not overflow the bear proof trash can or be stored in the garage or home.
Local On-Call Staff available after hours for emergency issues only, i.e. gas leak, broken furnace, broken water line.
Plowing/shoveling occurs when we have 4 inches of fresh snow on the ground prior to your arrival.
Management provides a starter kit of amenities to get you through your first day, including: an extra roll of toilet paper in each bathroom, one extra roll of paper towels, 2-3 garbage bags, sample-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner, small bar soap, 2-3 laundry powder packs, 4-5 dishwashing pods, liquid dishwashing soap, and a single brew coffee pack. Guests will need to provide or purchase additional toiletries and products as needed beyond this starter kit.
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Internet
Available in the cabin: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Porch/lanai
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the marina
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sledding nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,318 square feet
Similar properties
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Inviting cabin with stellar panoramic Rocky Mountain views
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Estes Park, this cabin is in the mountains. The Stanley Hotel and Historic Estes Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Rocky Mountain National Park and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Mustang Mountain Coaster and Estes Park Memorial Observatory are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging. Visit our Estes Park travel guide
Fort Collins, CO (FNL-Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal)
56 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's
4 min drive
Kind Coffee
4 min drive
Notchtop Bakery & Café
4 min drive
You Need Pie!
4 min drive
Starbucks
4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342 located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Lake Estes Marina and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from The Stanley Hotel. Lake Estes and Mustang Mountain Coaster are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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MacCracken Homestead - Historic Cabin Built by 1st RMNP Park Ranger - 20-NCD0342 Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We loved the ambiance of this old ranger homestead - beautiful mountain views right out the screened in porch, so peaceful every day, away from the hustle and bustle, yet a short drive from town. All the comforts of home and then some. We would definitely stay at this old homestead again in a heart beat!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kay N.
6 Sept 2023
One of a kind cabin!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this historic cabin. The inside was clean and very cozy. The acreage surrounding the home was beautiful. There was wildlife joining us for breakfast every morning. My favorite place was the large front porch. The location was very convenient to downtown Estes and the National park. I love history and this cabin do not disappoint!
Very nice property with an outstanding view of Long’s Peak. Very clean, comfortable home (except for the sofa bed and trundle bed mattresses)that was very well stocked with necessities and amenities. Check-in and departure were easy
This was my first VRBO rental although I’ve stayed at many similarly rented places. I didn’t realize I’d get the entry code 15 minutes before check in so was nervous on the day we were driving there. It all worked out fine however. The cabin was delightful and well represented! We loved the view and convenient location. We would stay here again!
We completely enjoyed our stay at the MacCracken House! We spent so much time just admiring the antiques and other “era appropriate “ decorations and the construction of the cabin. It was so cool to be in a unique place that was built by a person who planned to live in the cabin. Totally different feel from mass produced condos…. The cabin was toasty warm in mid-October. A huge heard of about 20 elk bedded down nearby. The kitchen was fine and had all pans and utensils that we needed. The newer shower had HOT water and AMAZING water pressure. Our favorite part was the screened in porch with the phenomenal view of Longs Peak! The only negative was that although we couldn’t see Highway 34, we could hear the road noise when out on the porch. Other than that, it was a very fun weekend!
Loved this charming cabin with so many authentic/original furnishings and decor. It is so cozy and I loved all the windows. We came the end of Oct first of Nov and it was toasty in the cabin- you can’t use the fireplace but it’s still beautiful to look at.
We appreciated having the washer/dryer and being able to wash a load of clothes before leaving.
Some complained about the rules re: food only in certain places but that didn’t bother us-
If you like coffee first thing in the morning, bring your own as well as get any sugar or cream you need- it’s not supplied there.. in fact I don’t think any food item including apices if you want to cook (I could be wrong about that.. but either way it didn’t bother us.. it would have been nice to have sugar for coffee… I bought a small bag and left it in the blue container on the counter where it is tightly sealed).
We loved spending time here- it was peaceful, homey and rustic. Also something that I find important when traveling is having good internet reception and they had very good internet there. They also have cable tv. There is a small tv in the living room and we only turned it on one morning for my hubby to get caught up on the news… so having a single small tv didn’t bother us.. I enjoyed sitting on the front porch drinking coffee and taking in the beautiful views.
Another thing is the shower was nice and hot with good water pressure. There was also a hair dryer in the drawer which I don’t think VRBO mentioned.
Beautiful cabin just few minutes from town. Stayed 2 nights and had a fabulous time there. All the amenities you need. Beautiful views of town and mountains. Would DEFINITELY stay again. 5 Stars
The MacCracken cabin is on a hillside just east of Estes Park, up the hill from the lake. There were a few cabins nearby, but that was no problem at all. It was very quiet and still at night. We loved the snow showers and the big snowstorm that arrived just as we did! Henry, from the KOA campground down the hill, took it upon himself to “be a good neighbor,” as he called it, and plowed our driveway. The cabin provided everything we needed. Seriously, everything. We are checking our schedule to see when we can return to the MacCracken cabin. Thank you!
-I love rustic, and this cabin hit all the marks.-We loved the antique stove in the kitchen.-It would "up" the experience if there were some historic facts about the cabin and all inside! Just short paragraphs about the original owner, the stove, the picture above the fireplace.
Great property, spectacular views, very convenient
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Rebecca S.
7 Jun 2026
Liked: Communication, location
It definitely has a cabin feel, the one downside it that it smells very dusty and old (like a museum). I know some things can't be helped, the lighting was unique and the beds were smaller and firmer than expected. The fridge froze a few of our items on the top shelf. The kitchen was functional, the stove top had one burner that did not work well. The dining room was beautiful and fun to hang out in, the porch was equally wonderful. The tub worked well and there was enough hot water for all 4 of us. Using the fans at night helped with the heat and closing the blinds during the day. Overall a good stay.
I am a firm believer in knowing what you sign up for - that being said, the fact that there were mice was not a surprise. It definitely wasn’t a deal breaker - just would be nice if it could be better controlled. The views were incredible, the atmosphere cozy and the porch and dining room were wonderful. Anyone looking for fancy - this is not the place. But if you appreciate the history of a place and like antiques, it is definitely for you. We loved our stay and exploring the area!
Great location. I loved the setting. As others have described is rustic. Is clean. Kitchen well stocked.. New stove. The one complaint from others in my party is the furnishing in the living room are different than photos. 2 chairs and sofa are not as nice, worn and not very comfortable.. Pictures should match. With living room furnishing changed was hard to gather comfortably. Would have spent less time there but was Olympics time and did gather to watch in the evening.
We arrived shortly after 4:30pm and it was already dark. No outside lights, all windows with closed shutters. It was difficult to get the lockbox open, instructions were not clear. The property inside is dimly lit. Tiny lamps everywhere. One bedroom was very warm and the other very cold. The bedsheets smelled like old sweat, we had to wash them before using them. There are too many extension cords connecting multiple lamps. Upholstery smelled musty and one armchair is really too old. The place is “broom clean” but not really clean. The flatware is mismatched with multiple chips. The TV is about half the size as the one in the photo .The cabin could be delightful if it had more attention to detail and nicer antique furniture.I paid $872 for 2 nights, way over priced!
This is a lovely historic place to stay. We truly enjoyed the cabin and all the beauty surrounding it. The only thing we didn't like was the house was pretty cold in the evening. Especially one of the bedroom. But still would recommend!When we arrived there was an elk in the front yard. So cool!!
The property was rustic and nice enough. I thought it was nicer than the pictures portrayed it to be. Right away we noticed rules were posted everywhere throughout the entire house. We felt as if we couldn’t truly use the house because of all of the rules. I truly understand the need for rules but felt it was excessive. I was on edge the whole time worried about doing something wrong and incurring more expenses. Didn’t have the bare minimum utensils in the kitchen such as a spatula or salt and pepper. Didn’t know that quiet time at the house starts at 7pm each night until a week prior to our arrival . We are quiet anyway but this seems like another excessive rule. I personally wouldn’t stay at this house again.