Jace Lamonica
Some buildings in U.S. national parks reflect the land’s personality in their own way. These places were shaped by the terrain, history, and the challenges of remote construction. Each one adds character to the parks and tells a story that goes far beyond the walls. Let’s take a closer look.
Crater Lake Lodge: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
The only sound you get to hear loudly here is the wind moving across the vast, deep waters. Opened in 1915 after construction began in 1909, this lodge is perched above sapphire waters with locally quarried stone that seamlessly blends into the cliffs. You’ll witness light shifting over the caldera, which paints a masterpiece in real time.
Old Faithful Inn: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
This towering log-and-stone masterpiece stands just steps away from Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. Its soaring, asymmetrical timber framework mimics the wild unpredictability of nature. You’ll find an 85-foot stone fireplace warming guests beneath a handcrafted wood-and-iron clock that’s been ticking for over a century.
Many Glacier Hotel: Glacier National Park, Montana
Built in 1915, Many Glacier Hotel is one of the largest historic lodges in the national park system, offering stunning views of Swiftcurrent Lake and towering peaks. Its Swiss-inspired architecture was designed to attract railroad tourists, creating a unique alpine atmosphere in the heart of Montana’s rugged wilderness.
Lake Quinault Lodge: Olympic National Park, Washington
There’s something timeless about this 1926 lodge. Raised during the Roosevelt Administration, it has hosted generations escaping the Pacific Northwest’s shifting skies. Cedar walls crafted from local timber showcase old-world skill, and its location near a rare temperate rainforest immerses visitors in the region’s vibrant, living ecosystem.
Grand Canyon Lodge: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
If you ever find yourself at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, this lodge is the perfect spot to take it all in. Since 1928, it has welcomed visitors with incredible views. When evening sets in, shadows stretch across the cliffs, and the canyon takes on a whole new kind of night beauty.
Zion Lodge: Zion National Park, Utah
It stood for decades, set among Zion’s towering cliffs—until disaster struck. In 1966, fire engulfed Zion Lodge, leaving behind only memories. But in a stunning turnaround, it was fully rebuilt in just 108 days. Today, it’s the only place to stay within the park, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Mount Rainier Paradise Inn: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
A century of adventure starts here—Paradise Inn has been a refuge for travelers since 1917. Its sturdy timber beams, pulled straight from Rainier’s forests, hold stories of explorers seeking warmth and breathtaking scenery. Positioned at 5,400 feet, it offers unparalleled access to alpine meadows and year-round mountain views.
El Tovar Hotel: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Perched on the South Rim since 1905, El Tovar’s rough-hewn elegance perfectly matches the canyon’s raw grandeur. A fusion of European refinement and rugged Western spirit, its dark wood interiors and stone archways invite you to settle into a view that stretches beyond time itself.
Bryce Canyon Lodge: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Imagine waking up in a lodge that’s been part of Bryce Canyon’s story since the 1920s. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it showcases native timber and stone, echoing the landscape. It’s located near Bryce Amphitheater, and offers unmatched access to iconic hoodoos, scenic trails, and panoramic canyon views.
The Ahwahnee: Yosemite National Park, California
Art Deco meets Native American design in this grand Yosemite retreat, opened in 1927. It’s a building made from granite and ponderosa pine. During World War II, The Ahwahnee was temporarily converted into a military hospital, providing care to wounded soldiers amidst Yosemite’s towering beauty.
