Episode 19: Parkitecture and Historic Hotels

Have you ever heard the term “parkitecture”? 

You’re in for a treat because in this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are chatting about all things parkitecture and park lodges. 

You’ll love learning about the history of parkitecture and why you should be paying attention to it on your next trip to the national parks.  We’ll also talk about our favorite national park lodges and some amazing fun facts about them!

Join us as we cover: 

• What parkitecture is
• The history of this style
• What the CCC did for the parks
• The best inn in Yellowstone 
• The architects that brought these lodges to life
• The amazing lodge at Yosemite 
• The unexpected first jester at the Ahwahnee Hotel
• The must-see hotel in Glacier National Park
• Preservation efforts 
• The fate of the sawmill at the Many Glacier Hotel
• Our favorite hotel in Mount Rainier
• The best place to stay at the Grand Canyon
• The crazy history of the Crater Lake Lodge 

All of these lodges built in the “parkitecture” style are so cool and definitely worth checking out. If you want to stay in any of these lodges, we highly recommend it! They really do add to the experience of visiting the parks. 

Even if you don’t stay in these lodges, you’ll see examples of parkitecture all over the country.  These buildings are an amazing part of the history of the National Park Service!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Herbert Maier – Yellowstone National Park
• The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
• History of the NPS Arrowhead
• Old Faithful Inn
• Robert Reamer
• Lake Quinault Lodge
• The Ahwahnee Hotel
• The Bracebridge Dinner
• Ansel Adams
• Gilbert Stanley Underwood
• Many Glacier Hotel
• Stephen Mather
• Paradise Inn
• El Tovar
• Crater Lake Lodge

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