Pod the Road Again: Lake McDonald Lodge

Welcome to "Pod the Road Again," I'm your host, P.T.R.A. Today, we're exploring the cultural and historical significance of Lake McDonald Lodge, a National Historic Landmark located within Glacier National Park. This charming lodge, built in 1913, was originally known as the Lewis Glacier Hotel and was designed in the Swiss Chalet Revival style by architect Kirtland Cutter. It has hosted numerous illustrious guests, including the famous American painter Charles M. Russell, and has been a community gathering point since its inception. The lodge's unique history, coupled with its stunning natural setting, makes it a fascinating destination that reflects the early days of Glacier National Park and its development as a popular tourist destination. The lodge's lobby features a massive stone fireplace, natural burled log elements, and skins and taxidermy mounts of native species, adding to its rustic charm. Despite changes in management and renovations over the years, Lake McDonald Lodge remains one of the most iconic and historically significant hotels in the National Park system, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while enjoying its serene and picturesque surroundings.