Apple Valley city feature
About this landmark
A destination that helped build Apple Valley
The Historic Apple Valley Inn opened on Thanksgiving Day 1948 in the desert town of Apple Valley. Located at 20601 Hwy 18, Apple Valley, CA 92307, the inn was built by developer Newton T. Bass and his partner Bernard "Bud" Westlund. Their company, Apple Valley Ranchos Land Development Co., was formed beginning in 1946 with the goal of transforming the desert into a residential community. The inn served as a centerpiece to attract wealthy land buyers to the development.
Origins and the Golden Era
From its opening, the inn offered guest rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant and dining room, riding stables with haywagon rides, and an outdoor "Steak Fry" venue. A small orchard was maintained on the grounds. The property became renowned for hosting notable guests including Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, and Richard Nixon. During the 1950s and 1960s, the property featured an informal mascot—a dog named "Dixie"—as part of its hospitality culture.
In 1965, Roy Rogers leased the inn and it was renamed "Roy Rogers' Apple Valley Inn." Roy Rogers' horse Trigger Junior was boarded in the inn's riding stables. The inn appeared in the 1956 film "There's Always Tomorrow." Roy Rogers and Dale Evans made Apple Valley their home from 1965 until their deaths (Rogers in 1998, Evans in 2001) and are buried at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in the town. The couple's presence transformed Apple Valley into a destination for visitors interested in Western entertainment and culture.
Today
The Apple Valley Inn closed to the public in 1987. The property was purchased by the Lakritz Partnership in November 2003 and underwent restoration. Though no longer operating as a public hotel, the inn remains a symbol of hospitality in Apple Valley—a place where welcoming culture helped transform desert land into a thriving community.
Today, the inn complex hosts community events through its on-site Apple Valley Legacy Museum, which opened in 2015. The complex holds steak fries, hoe-downs, and historical tours of the property. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., with free admission. Visitors can call (760) 985-1918 for more information about the museum and to arrange tours. The property remains an important gathering place and a tangible reminder of Apple Valley's Golden Era.
Insurance connection: Home Insurance
The restoration of a historic property highlights key homeowners insurance concepts. Dwelling coverage should reflect rebuilding cost, not market value, since homeowners insurance excludes land. Actual cash value policies depreciate payouts, while replacement cost value policies cover full reconstruction. Policies without "ordinance or law" coverage won't pay added costs for meeting updated building codes during rebuilding. For properties that don't qualify for standard coverage, the California FAIR Plan offers basic fire insurance. Insurers must offer earthquake coverage for an additional premium. Eligibility and coverage limits depend on individual policies. The issued policy controls.
Primary sources: Wikipedia's Apple Valley Inn article, Digital Desert's local history page, and San Bernardino County records.
Insurance context is general information only. The issued policy and its endorsements settle coverage.