Situated only 1.5 miles southeast of downtown Gunnison, I Bar Ranch is located in the quiet and picturesque spaces of both agriculture and recreation along Tomichi Creek. Bryan Wickenhauser and Jennifer Michel operate the venue from May to October for community-oriented events such as concerts, weddings and other gatherings.
The converted hay barn features a stage, lighting and sound, and while the sides are open to provide fresh air and scenic vistas, curtains can be closed for inclement weather. Examples of concerts during the Classic Colorado and Burgers N Brews series include Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon and Asleep at the Wheel.
William Clark Howard, a rancher in nearby Powderhorn, originated the I Bar brand that has since passed through three generations of the Howard family. His son, David, took over the ranch and operated it until 1977 when the reigns were handed to Ed Howard. He granted his brothers-in-law Dick Bratton and Gary McCorkhill, use of the I Bar brand for I Bar Ranch, which they built and first operated in 1993. The current ownership of I Bar Ranch falls under Gunnison Valley Properties, LLC, developers of Gunnison Rising.