Bettles Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Bettles Lodge
|
|
 Location in Alaska
|
|
| Location | 1 Airline Drive, Bettles Field, Bettles, Alaska |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1951 |
| Built by | Killen, Warren; Evans, Wilfred |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000401 |
| Added to NRHP | May 8, 1997 |
Bettles Lodge is a special historic building in Alaska. It is located near the small community of Bettles, Alaska. The lodge sits on the south bank of the Koyukuk River. This area is part of the beautiful Brooks Range mountains.
The lodge was built in 1951. It has served as a hotel and a restaurant for many years. In 1997, Bettles Lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Contents
Discover Bettles Lodge!
Bettles Lodge is more than just a building. It tells a story about life in the Alaskan wilderness. It has been a welcoming place for travelers and locals alike. The lodge helps us understand the history of this remote region.
A Glimpse into History
The main lodge building was finished in 1951. It was built by two people named Warren Killen and Wilfred Evans. However, there was an even older lodge building from 1948. Both buildings were important to the area.
When Bettles Lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places, it included both of these buildings. They are called "contributing buildings." This means they both help make the site historically important.
Why Bettles Lodge is Special
Bettles Lodge is very important for a few reasons. First, it is the oldest lodge in the Bettles community. It was the very first one built there.
Second, it was a major center for air travel in northern Alaska. Before roads were common, airplanes were the main way to get around. Bettles Lodge helped connect people and supplies across this vast area. It was like a busy airport hub for small planes.
Far North Location
Bettles Lodge is located far north in Alaska. It is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line around the Earth. Being north of it means the lodge experiences very cold winters and unique daylight patterns. In summer, the sun stays up almost all day. In winter, it can be dark for long periods.
