About Morrison Inn
A restaurant rooted in Morrison history.
Since 1979, Morrison Inn has been part of the town’s story, serving guests in historic buildings at the heart of Morrison, just minutes from Red Rocks.
Historic Morrison
Since 1979
Minutes from Red Rocks
A piece of town history
More than a restaurant. Part of Morrison’s story.
Morrison Inn sits in one of Colorado’s most character-filled small towns. What began as a railroad and quarry stop in the foothills eventually became the Morrison people know today — a historic gateway to the mountains, to Red Rocks, and to generations of visitors looking for a place with personality.
How Morrison began
From Mount Morrison to a historic Colorado town.
The historic town of Morrison, originally called Mount Morrison, was developed in the 1860s by George Morrison, a Scottish stonemason. The town began as a small settlement of a few homes, tents, and businesses, then quickly grew into an important stopping point for travelers and workers headed into the foothills.
Morrison’s early growth was tied to the region’s quarries, transportation routes, and the flow of people moving between Denver and the mountains. Over time, the town built a reputation for both utility and charm — a place people passed through, and then wanted to return to.
Railroad era
The railway helped put Morrison on the map.
In 1872, a group of Denver businessmen led by Colorado Governor John Evans incorporated the Denver & South Park Railway, creating a narrow-gauge route from Denver to Mount Morrison. Completed in 1874, the line turned Morrison into a more active destination and transportation hub.
The railroad made multiple daily trips until 1918. Service later declined, and flood damage in the early 1930s helped bring that chapter to a close. Even so, the rail era left a lasting mark on Morrison’s identity as a gathering point between the city and the foothills.
Historic timeline
Key moments in Morrison and Morrison Inn history.
A simplified timeline based on the historical content displayed at the restaurant.
1860s
George Morrison develops Mount Morrison, creating the foundation of the town that would later become Morrison.
1872
The Denver & South Park Railway is incorporated, beginning a major transportation chapter in the town’s history.
1874
The railroad line to Mount Morrison is completed, helping establish the town as a lively and practical destination.
1880
The building at 301 Bear Creek Avenue dates to around this period and originally housed the Pike & Perry Mercantile Company.
1938
Flooding reshapes Morrison and marks another turning point in the life of the town and its buildings.
1950
Mount Morrison officially becomes the town of Morrison.
1976
Morrison is recognized as a Colorado Historic District, reinforcing the significance of its preserved buildings and identity.
1979
Morrison Inn opens at 301 Bear Creek Avenue and begins its own chapter in the town’s story.
1987+
The Inn expands with patio and additional dining areas, growing into one of Morrison’s best-known gathering places.
The Morrison Inn building
Historic buildings with many past lives.
Morrison Inn opened in 1979 in its original location at 301 Bear Creek Avenue. The building dates back to roughly 1880 and originally served as the Pike & Perry Mercantile Company, one of Morrison’s early commercial buildings.
Over the decades, the structures that now make up the Inn served many purposes, including a mercantile, dance hall, tobacco and barber shop, pool hall, and drug store. One connected building was even known for having one of Morrison’s early gasoline pumps on the sidewalk in the early automobile era.
Since 1979
Growing with Morrison, while staying rooted in its character.
Since opening, Morrison Inn has expanded into neighboring historic buildings, added new dining rooms and patio spaces, and welcomed generations of locals, travelers, and Red Rocks concertgoers. What has remained constant is the atmosphere: lively, memorable, and unmistakably Morrison.
Historic location
Patio & dining room expansions
Part of Morrison’s story
Still writing the story
Proud to be part of Morrison’s past and present.
Today, Morrison Inn continues to welcome guests for Mexican comfort food, margaritas, patio afternoons, and nights before Red Rocks — all in a setting shaped by more than a century of Morrison history.