Directions

Located in the heart of Southern California's beautiful Palm Springs Valley, Indian Palms is convenient to all of the attractions the Palm Springs area has to offer. From Interstate 10, exit at Monroe and head south (approximately 3 miles from I-10); from Highway 111, turn south on Monroe. Proceed past 48th Avenue to the guard-gated entry on your left.

Indian Palms Country Club & Resort
48630 Monroe St.
Indio, CA 92201

 

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Development Update

City Council Approves Indian Palms Redevelopment Project

On November 12, 2007, the Indio City Council approved the redevelopment project at Indian Palms Country Club & Resort. The project will redevelop approximately 23 acres and will include the following features:

• 78 room hotel
• 42 individual ownership condominium units that may be placed in the hotel
  rental program
• 2600 square foot restaurant and bar
• 3000 square foot conference center
• Clubhouse and retail space
• Outdoor entertainment area
• Condominium units with option for fractional ownership

The project is designed with Tuscan style architecture using elements including stone veneer, stucco siding and window moldings, clay tile roofing, wood trellises, stone veneer columns, and wrought iron rails.

Residents within Indian Palms can look forward to improved security as the development project includes relocation of the visitor entry gate and guard booth from the Monroe Street/Country Club Drive intersection farther east near the intersection of Country Club Drive and Eisenhower Drive and the addition of two homeowner only access gates into the community.

 

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History & Notable Guests:

 

An internationally famous romantic young couple fell in love with the valley and purchased 640 acres of prime land which featured timeless views of the beautiful Santa Rosa Mountains. Floyd Odlum, owner of Hollywood's RKO Pictures, and his wife, world famous aviatrix Jackie Cochran, had a dream. A dream for an especially beautiful place in the desert. Famous friends visited including movie stars and Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. There were parties, golf, sun, excitement, and relaxation. Indeed, it was a wonderful life. Jackie Cochran, Aviatrix and her husband Floyd Odlum, Founder of Atlas Corp. and CEO of RKO Studios, discovered O-C Ranch (currently known as Indian Plams Country Club), quite by accident.

While driving through the Palm Springs Valley early in 1935, the Odlums had a flat tire somewhere near the present site of Indian Palms, which at that time was barren desert. They purchased 640 acres shortly thereafter for less than $100 per acre. They built the Ranch House, currently known as the "Celebrity House," in mid 1935. In 1936 they began construction of their home at the present location of our Golf Shop and Palm Terrace Room. The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1991.

In the fall of 2004, Indian Palms completed the last leg of a three-year process to renovate the golf course. Improvements included new tee and green complexes, installation of tiffdwarf grass on all putting surfaces, adding new sand traps and the movement of 70 Palm trees. The changes are dramatic and we have received tremendous feedback from players.

Notable Guests

Jackie Cochran
The famous aviatrix, was the first woman to break the sound barrier, and she did so flying solo over Indio. On December 17, 1971, she was the first living woman enshrined in the Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. She, along with Helen Detweiler, the first Professional Golfer at Indian Palms, designed and opened the first nine holes here in 1947, presently the Indian Nine. In 1956, Jackie ran for Congress, however unsuccessfully. Jackie and Amelia Earhart were the closest of friends. Most of Amelia's last few months before that fateful last flight were spent here at Indian Palms. She trained here, rode horseback, and used the pool, while making preparations for her last flight. Amelia Earhart disappeared in a flight over the South Pacific in 1937.

Floyd Odlum
Husband of Jackie Cochran, founded the Atlas Corporation, and helped develop the Atlas Missile Program. He also owned RKO Studios. In the late 1940's he sold RKO Studios to Howard Hughes. It took one year to complete the negotiations and they were consummated here at Indian Palms. He was responsible for bringing many celebrities and dignitaries to Indian Plams CC.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower
President Eisenhower spoke fondly of the "Celebrity House," back then known as the Ranch House, "... the only place I ever had complete privacy."

President Lyndon B. Johnson
During his administration, he and former President Eisenhower jointly paid a visit to Jackie Cochran and Floyd Odlum. Ironically, both Odlum and Cochran were Republicans; however, they presented an 8" Stueben donkey to democratic President Johnson. This Stueben donkey holds a place of honor in the center of a second floor display case at the Johnson Library. It has been on display since 1971.

Amelia Earhart
She was to have occupied one of the ranch houses especially built for her in her retirement.

Walter Cronkite
On one occasion Mr. Cronkite interviewed President Eisenhower in the Celebrity House, concerning the death of Sir Winston Churchill.

General James Doolittle
General Doolittle took part in the famous Tokyo air raid of WWII and played golf here at Indian Palms.

Lowell Thomas
Mr. Thomas actually broadcast live radio from Indian Palms.

Dr. Edward Teller
The Father of the hydrogen bomb enjoyed weekend golf retreats here.

General Chuck Yeager
A close friend of Jackie Cochran and he was a frequent visitor of this site.

General Curtis LeMay
The former head of the Strategic Air Command and once considered a presidential nominee, was a frequent guest.

Bob and Dolores Hope
The Hope's were frequent dinner and golf guests of Jackie Cochran and Floyd Odlum.

Roz Russell
Roz enjoyed the Ranch's hospitality while seeking the healing of the desert for her arthritis.

Others who frequented IPCC

President John F. Kennedy
Dr. Billy Grahm
Nelson and John Rockerfellar
Madame Chiang Kai-Shek
Walt Disney
Gloria Swanson
Roy Wilkins
Bing Crosby
Phil Harris
William Demarest
Ralph Bellamy
Jimmy Stewart
Jack Benny
Robert Taylor
Hoagy Carmichael
Clark Gable
Louise Suggs
Babe Didrickson Zaharias
Freeman Gosden (Andy, of Andy and Amos)
George Allen
General Hap Arnold
Eleanor Roosevelt