travel
LODGES
Five National Park Lodges
You May Not Know About
words & photography by KAY & DAVID SCOTT
Amention of national park lodges most likely brings to mind an iconic structure similar to Yellowstone ’ s Old Faithful Inn . Classic lodges in America ’ s most popular national parks garner heavy media attention . While Old Faithful Inn is certainly special , Yellowstone is home to nine lodging facilities ranging from rustic cabins without a private bathroom to modern lodge buildings . If this comes as a surprise , it is likely there are a number of national park lodges you may not know about . Lodging in America ’ s national parks is quite diverse , with about 85 lodges spanning a wide spectrum in terms of age , size , season , amenities and price . Like Yellowstone , Grand Canyon , Yosemite , Shenandoah and several other national parks each host multiple lodges . Other well-known national park units such as Mesa Verde , Mammoth Cave , Zion , Bryce Canyon and Big Bend have only a single lodging facility . Some smaller , lesser-visited parks also offer lodging . During more than 50 years of travel we have stayed in most of America ’ s national park lodges and thought it might be worth mentioning a few facilities that escape the notice of many travelers . Being less well-known often means a more intimate facility , and a more relaxing and less-expensive stay .
Lodging in America ’ s national parks is quite diverse , with about 85 lodges spanning a wide spectrum in terms of age , size , season , amenities and price .
38 Valdosta Scene | December 2023