Benbow Inn

Benbow Inn is a hotel near the Eel River featuring Tudor Revival architecture with distinctive Douglas fir construction details. The property occupies roughly 3 acres and provides accommodations alongside space for recreational activities along the waterway.

The building was constructed in 1926 from designs by architect Albert Farr and quickly became a well-known destination. It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a California Historical Point of Interest.

The inn hosted prominent figures from entertainment, politics, and high society who were drawn to its setting and refined hospitality. This legacy of notable guests continues to shape how visitors experience the place today.

The site suits various activities including horseback riding, golfing, hiking, swimming, and fishing, with the nearby river providing many of these opportunities. Visitors should note that the area combines maintained grounds with natural surroundings, offering different accessibility depending on the season.

The Benbow family developed not only the inn itself but also created a broader complex including a dam, a power company, and a recreational vehicle park. This comprehensive infrastructure was unusual for the time and reflects the ambition behind the venture.

Location: Humboldt County

Official opening: 1926

Address: 445 Lake Benbow Drive

Website: https://benbowinn.com

GPS coordinates: 40.06752,-123.78998

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24