About Us

Riter Mansion History

The Riter Mansion is Cache Valley's finest luxury inn and event venue. The stately eclectic Victorian home with its beautiful columned porch was built in 1898 by a prominent pharmacist named Benjamin Franklin Riter (ry·ter). As one of three "designated" mansions in the area, the home features a formal ballroom which was used for music, entertainment, and social gatherings.  

The mansion designation was given only to large homes with a formal ballroom where the community could gather for social events and activities. The estate was often used as a gathering point and a center for music and entertainment. One gentleman familiar with the home in his youth remembered counting seven pianos in the mansion and playing marbles on the ballroom floor. 

In the 1930's, the home was part of fraternity row at Utah State University. For a period of time around World War II, the house next belonged to a university professor of landscape architecture. Much of his landscaping remains today -- including fragrant lilac bushes, magnificent evergreens, and Norwegian maple trees that sparkle with dew in the quiet mornings. 

The Mansion

The Riter Mansion has been beautifully restored to its earlier grand state, with modern enhancements that include jetted tubs in every room. Many of its historical features have been carefully preserved or restored. The leaded stained-glass window over the grand staircase is reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts and Art Deco movements of the early 1900s.

One of the many "treasures" that were found during renovation was a box of valuables carefully hidden in the walls of the attic. It once belonged to a little boy who grew up in the home many years ago. Among the mementos found were his baseball and a "Magic" magazine dated 1923. Other documents and papers were found dated to the early 1920s. 

Many high-profile personalities and performers have stayed at the inn, including well-known movie and television actors, Pulitzer Prize winning authors, and national and state political leaders. The history of the Riter Mansion continues to grow each day as people from all over the world visit us and share stories of their families and homes -- and make new friends in the process. 

The Riter Mansion Today