10 Most Incredible National Park Lodges in North America
Photo: Thinkstock. Design by Erik Mace for Yahoo Travel
By Diana Gerstacker
If you thought that staying overnight in a national park meant roughing it, you might want to take a closer look at your options.
Although sleeping under the stars in Zion National Park and pitching a tent in Yosemite certainly sounds appealing to some, that kind of getaway isn’t for everyone. Those looking for a roof over their heads and a warm meal can find that and more in these incredible national park lodges.
From the bustling Grand Canyon National Park to the uncrowded North Cascades National Park, there are lodging options that range from four-star resorts to cabins on a lake and everything in between. The best part is that you never even have to leave the park (or the unbelievable views).
For a national park getaway you’ll never forget, check out these incredible national park lodges and book early—they fill up fast.
El Tovar—Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.
Photo: Shutterstock
This historic lodge sits on the south rim of the Grand Canyon and blends with the surrounding landscape in a combination of earth tones and elegance. The hotel was designed by architect Charles Whittlesey, built for $250,000 and opened in 1905. Since then, El Tovar has reportedly hosted famous folks like Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Sir Paul McCartney, it has undergone upgrades and it’s still considered one of the finest lodges in the U.S. national park system.
Ahwahnee—Yosemite National Park, Calif.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/ Almonroth licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Tasked with designing a beautiful hotel that blends with the landscape, architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood came up with the six-story Ahwahnee. The lodge that opened in 1927 was all about luxury, meant to draw wealthy and influential visitors to boost support for the national park system, and it succeeded in drawing many celebrities and politicians. Surrounded by Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point, the setting alone is breathtaking, but the lodge adds an air of extravagance. yosemitepark.com
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Crater Lake Lodge—Crater Lake National Park, Ore.
Photo: Shutterstock
There is no hotel amenity that could top the views at Crater Lake Lodge, as it’s set on the rim of an extinct volcano. Located in Crater Lake National Park, the lodge overlooks North America’s deepest lake and the 2,000-foot-high peaks that surround it. Currently celebrating 100 years, the lodge features access to a wide array of outdoor activities and an on-site restaurant that utilizes the freshest ingredients.
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Zion Lodge—Zion National Park, Utah
Photo: Shutterstock
Famed for red rock and incredible star gazing, Zion National Park is a spectacular natural land and Zion Lodge puts explorers right in the middle of it. The only lodging option in the park, Zion Lodge is open year-round and features a restaurant, historic cabins and gas log fireplaces.
Old Faithful Inn—Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.
Photo: Shutterstock
Sitting just 100 yards from one of the most famous natural attractions in the U.S., the Old Faithful Inn looks out onto its namesake. While its proximity to the famous geyser is a draw, the building itself is a national historic landmark and it’s reportedly the largest log structure in the world. Built in 1903-1904, this lodge is the most popular lodging unit in Yellowstone National Park and staying overnight is an incredible way to enjoy the fourth most-visited national park in the country.
The Inn at Furnace Creek—Death Valley National Park, Calif.
Courtesy: Furnace Creek Resort
Initially built by a mining company in the 1920s, the Inn at Furnace Creek has long been considered an oasis in the awe-inspiring Death Valley National Park. When it opened in 1927, the Inn had 12 guest rooms and rates were $10 a night, including meals. Today the resort features 66 rooms, a spring-fed swimming pool, a golf course, and tennis, volleyball and basketball courts — room rates typically range from $300 to $600 a night in peak season. The AAA-rated Four Diamond resort is closed from mid-May to mid-October each year, with select dates in the summer. The Inn opens on July 10 with rates starting at $209.
Ross Lake Resort—North Cascades National Park, Wash.
Ross Lake Resort is a remote getaway like no other. The rustic cabins that make this resort stand out don’t just sit on the shoreline, they float on the lake. The beautiful views and serenity of the North Cascades wilderness is a big draw, but getting there isn’t easy—Ross Lake Resort isn’t accessible by car. Visitors can get there by boat or truck and must bring their food and supplies, as there is no grocery store at the lodge. There are fish in the lake, though, and the resort offers guided fishing trips and boat rentals.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort—Olympic National Park, Wash.
Photo: ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
The rustic cabins surrounded by evergreen trees offer the perfect escape in Olympic National Park—the hot spring pools are an incredible bonus. Soak in the mineral water after a long day of exploring or book an appointment with the on-site massage therapists, staying at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a great way to end a day in the park.
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Volcano House—Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Photo: Nps.gov
Set in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this historic lodge has been recently restored but has managed to keep both its roots and unbelievable views. The Volcano House is perched on the rim of Kīlauea caldera, overlooking the summit of Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Pull up a window-side seat in the Rim restaurant for a view of the active Halema‘uma‘u Crater and some seasonal Hawaiian dishes.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—Banff National Park, Canada
Courtesy: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Built more than 100 years ago for outdoor adventurers and alpinists, Chateau Lake Louise is nestled among mountain peaks, the Victoria Glacier and a beautiful alpine lake, within the bounds of Banff National Park. The high-end resort continues to offer outdoor activities like guided hikes, cave tours and canoe rentals, while featuring premium services through their spa and fine Canadian dishes at Fairview.
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