Cave Creek Local Landmarks announces that Rancho Manana will receive a Local Landmarks award on November 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM. Local Landmarks awards community destinations with a brass plaque in celebration of being part of the town’s heritage.
The Rancho Manana presentation will take place in conjunction with the November Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber mixer on the Fathom Realty Elite patio lawn (next to the restaurant). Beer and wine will be offered as well as a homemade meal by hosts MariaElena Rizzo and Tom Fulton.
For more information about the Local Landmarks program, visit cavecreekmuseum.org or call 480.488.2764.
Rancho Mañana was one of the first busiest places in early Cave Creek. A historic site that began with early settlement in the area, it featured a stage stop, a sheep shearing station and a wool shipping business. James Houck owned the businesses and served people who were settling into the burgeoning community. Rancho Mañana transitioned into Howard Ranch, a cottage resort operated by Ed Howard. This special property also played an important role in the settlement of Cave Creek. The land originally was a stagecoach and U.S. Calvary stop. In the early 1940s, Romy and Jean Loudermilk acquired the property and named it Rancho Mañana. In 1945, Edward “Ted” and China Loring purchased the property and ran it as a dude ranch until it closed in the mid-1950s. In 1994, the land was sold to the Allred family for residential development.
Throughout the 1940s and1950s, desert-welcoming Rancho Mañana dude ranch became a high-end guest getaway. Today, this beautiful, historic property showcases a challenging desert golf course and the award-winning Tonto Bar & Grill restaurant. Local Landmarks chair Marcia D’Alessandro says Rancho Manana is one of Cave Creek’s most amazing landmarks.
“The Rancho Manana property was a draw to the area for early settlers and continues to be a draw to residents and visitors today,” says Luke Kautzman, development services director and zoning administrator for the town of Cave Creek. “The town’s history is closely tied to this special place.”
To learn more, visit or for more information about the Local Landmarks program, visit cavecreekmuseum.org/local-landmarks. Rancho Manana is located at 5720 E. Rancho Manana Blvd in Cave Creek.
The Local Landmarks effort focuses on iconic buildings and special spaces. Landmarks are recognized with a bronze plaque that connects the celebrated locations with a storytelling map.
Also check out other Sports events in Cave Creek, Workshops in Cave Creek.
