Bryce Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
Bryce Inn
|
|
![]() |
|
Nearest city | Bryce Canyon, Utah |
---|---|
Built | 1932 |
Architect | Underwood, Gilbert Stanley |
Architectural style | NPS Rustic |
MPS | Bryce Canyon National Park MPS |
NRHP reference No. | 95000425 |
Added to NRHP | April 25, 1995 |
The Bryce Inn, also called the Bryce General Store, is a special building inside Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. It was designed by a well-known architect named Gilbert Stanley Underwood and finished in 1932. This building was the last big project Underwood designed for the Utah Parks Company.
The Inn was built in a style called National Park Service Rustic. This style uses natural materials like wood and stone to help buildings blend in with their surroundings. The Bryce Inn was once the main spot for visitors staying in small "housekeeping cabins." It offered a cafeteria, laundry, and vending machines. However, these cabins are no longer there, so the Inn's role has changed over time.
Contents
Discovering the Bryce Inn
The Bryce Inn is a one-story building with a unique, uneven shape. It has a porch on one side that is partly closed off. The way it was built, you can see the wooden frame on the outside. This makes the building look interesting and decorative.
What Does It Look Like?
The main entrance to the Inn is through the porch, using double doors. In 1973, a new entrance was added on another side. This new door made it easier for people with disabilities to enter the building.
Inside, the main room is large and open. You can see the wooden roof structure, which adds to its rustic charm. Today, the building works as a store. It sells snacks and quick meals to park visitors.
Services and Additions
On one side of the building, there's an area with showers and laundry services. These have their own separate entrances. In 1937, a new part was added to the west end of the Inn. This addition includes a stone chimney on the outside and a small basement. The roof of the Inn is shaped like a hip roof, and it has a wavy pattern made from its shingles.
A Changing Role
When it first opened, the Bryce Inn was the heart of the housekeeping camp. It provided important services like dining and laundry for tourists staying in the nearby cabins. There were at least 25 of these cabins.
Over time, these cabins were removed from the park. This change meant the Bryce Inn no longer served as the central hub for a group of cabins. Its surroundings and its purpose within the park changed quite a bit.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique design and its history within Bryce Canyon National Park, the Bryce Inn was recognized as an important historical site. It was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 25, 1995. This listing helps protect the building and its history for future generations to enjoy.