How one beloved inn and one iconic Rocky Mountain town grew up together
Estes Park is a place where the mountains tell stories — and so does Riversong Inn Retreat. Tucked along the banks of the Big Thompson River, Riversong has quietly witnessed the unfolding history of this mountain town for over a hundred years. From homesteaders and hot springs to Hollywood stars and hiking boots, Estes Park has transformed — and Riversong has evolved right alongside it.
So let’s take a walk back in time together. Here’s a look at how our inn and our town have grown — decade by decade, memory by memory.
1920s: A Summer Escape Is Born
- Estes Park: A popular destination for wealthy families from the Midwest escaping summer heat. In 1917, Estes Park officially became a town. The Estes Park Trail newspaper is in full swing.
- Riversong: Construction begins in 1922 on what was then called Marshall Lodge, a private summer retreat for the Marshall family of Lincoln, Kansas. A single-story cabin with a cistern for water, starlight and lanterns for light, and pancake breakfasts by the fire.
1930s–1940s: Mountain Romance & Wartime Memories
- Estes Park: Tourism continues to rise despite the Great Depression. During WWII, soldiers on leave meet their families in Estes for precious reunions. The Stanley Hotel still glows with guests and ghost stories.
- Riversong: The lodge is remodeled by Frank Chase (Belle Marshall’s new husband) who adds upstairs bedrooms, canals, ponds, and a flower carousel by the river. During the war, soldiers came to the cabins to reconnect with loved ones on leave — moments full of fishing, laughter, and tears.
1950s–1960s: Parties, Pioneers & Ponderosa Pines
- Estes Park: The town is bustling. Drive-in motels, cowboy festivals, and pancake breakfasts reign. Estes is featured in travel brochures as a “quaint Colorado escape.”
- Riversong: The lodge is owned by N.R. “Tubby” Field, a Florida socialite who hosts costumed “cowboys & Indians” parties, arriving in his white Cadillac with a cigar in hand. The lodge sparkles with laughter, parties, and lavish summer guests.
1970s: Stillness & Waiting
- Estes Park: Tragedy strikes in 1976 with the Big Thompson Flood, one of Colorado’s deadliest natural disasters. The town grieves and rebuilds. Estes Park’s identity as a resilient mountain town begins to deepen.
- Riversong: After Tubby’s passing in 1971, the lodge sits empty for a decade. The echoes of summer laughter fade into quiet stillness, waiting for its next chapter.
1980s: A New Dream Begins
- Estes Park: Tourism rebounds. Hiking, fishing, and Rocky Mountain National Park attract adventurers and nature lovers year-round.
- Riversong: In 1986, Gary and Sue Mansfield take a leap of faith — trading their Denver home to open Riversong as a bed and breakfast inn. With just $500 in the bank and a lot of hope, they pour heart and soul into reviving the lodge. A fresh coat of paint, a new bathroom, and elegant breakfasts mark the rebirth of a quiet legend.
1990s–2000s: Love Stories & Legacy
- Estes Park: The town grows as a four-season destination. Fall elk season, winter wonderland escapes, and booming wedding tourism shape the next generation.
- Riversong: Known for its charm, peace, and romantic setting, Riversong becomes a beloved escape for honeymooners, nature seekers, and families returning year after year. The gardens flourish, the trail system expands, and new rooms are added.
2010s–2025: Renewal & Riverside Magic
- Estes Park: Estes weathers fires, floods, and tourism booms. Downtown is revitalized with new shops and dining, while still holding on to its quirky, vintage charm.
- Riversong: In 2017, Jay and Krystal Jakosky became the next stewards of RiverSong, trading a fast-paced tech career for quiet mornings by the river. With their children grown and hearts ready for a new adventure, they lovingly carried on the inn’s legacy — welcoming guests, honoring its history, and continuing to nurture the magic that’s made RiverSong special for generations.
🌞 A New Chapter Begins
Over the years, Riversong Inn Retreat has passed through many hands — each caretaker leaving their own quiet mark while preserving the soul of the place: its charm, history, and deep connection to the land. From family getaways to romantic escapes, and from WWII reunions to riverside weddings, the inn has remained a haven for rest and renewal across generations.
Now, as of January 2025, a vibrant new chapter is unfolding under the stewardship of Carmen and Mark Sample. As longtime vacation rental owners with a passion for creating incredible guest experiences, they saw something special at Riversong — even on one of the snowiest, coldest days of the year when they could barely see the property. They trusted their vision… and the former owners’ words: “Wait until you see it in summer.”
With a deep appreciation for the inn’s rich history, they’ve lovingly refreshed the space — quietly enhancing comfort, preserving its character, and adding thoughtful touches that elevate the guest experience. Their heart for hospitality ensures that RiverSong remains as serene, welcoming, and magical as ever.
With its 4.9-star reputation still going strong and the summer season nearly fully booked, Riversong continues to thrive — offering the magic of the mountains, the melody of the river, and a sense of peace that guests return to, year after year.
From its 1922 beginnings as a family hideaway to today’s thoughtfully updated retreat, Riversong Inn remains an unforgettable part of Estes Park’s living history — and it’s only getting better.