Lake McDonald Lodge Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lake McDonald Lodge Historic District
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Lake McDonald General Store
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | West Glacier, Montana |
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| Area | 73 acres (30 ha) |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Kirtland, Cutter, and Malmgram |
| Architectural style | Swiss-Alpine |
| MPS | Glacier National Park MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000280 |
| Added to NRHP | May 22, 1978 |
The Lake McDonald Lodge Historic District is a special area inside Glacier National Park in Montana. It's home to the famous Lake McDonald Lodge and many other old buildings. These structures are located right on the shores of Lake McDonald.
The main lodge building is the most important part. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The district also includes guest cabins, dorms, homes for employees, and shops. Some buildings are still privately owned but are part of this historic area.
Cool Buildings and History
The Lake McDonald Lodge was built a long time ago, between 1913 and 1914. A man named John Lewis built it. It was first called the Lewis Glacier Hotel. It replaced an older hotel called the Snyder Hotel. This spot on the lake was chosen to be the main place for tourists to stay on the park's west side.
The lodge building looks like a rustic Swiss chalet. But there are many other interesting buildings too!
- Eleven log cabins were built in 1907 near the lodge. Two more were added in 1918.
- The Garden Court is a two-story building from 1927. It was used as a dormitory for guests or staff.
- The Cobb House is another two-story dormitory. It has cool rustic details inside and a stone fireplace.
- Snyder Hall was built in 1911 as a meeting place. Later, it became a dormitory.
- The Soda Fountain building was built in 1927. It became a fun recreation hall for employees.
- Other buildings include a barbershop from 1909 and a caretaker's home from 1922. There was also a lumber shed built in 1922.
- The McDonald Cabin was a private home built in 1935. It's made of rustic logs.
- The General Store looks like a chalet and was built around 1937. It's near the main road.
- The district also has a stone bridge built in 1934 over Snyder Creek. There are six private log homes too.
Historic Recognition
The Lake McDonald Lodge Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1978. It was mainly listed under its original name, the Lewis Glacier Hotel. This recognition helps protect these important buildings for the future.
