Our Story

Built in 1923 from trees cut on the property, you’ll draw visual comparisons between our lodge and the great national park lodges of the Pacific Northwest.
 

Before the Lodge:

From time immemorial, the head of Wallowa Lake served as campground and fishing grounds for Nez Perce people, although their main encampments were on the terminal moraine which is today protected by Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site. As Euro-American settlers filled the valley, the head of the lake sprouted resorts and amusement activities, including a horse-powered merry-go-round, boat rentals, a riding stable, restaurants and cabins.

1923—1944

The original structure was built in 1923 from trees cut and milled on the property. The original Wonderland Inn was two stories and contained 7 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and small sitting room. In 1926, a large three-story addition that included today’s more spacious lobby and great room was built and the name was changed to the Wallowa Lake Lodge.

1944—1988

In 1944, Irene Wiggins purchased the Lodge along with 300 acres. The Lodge’s guest cabins were constructed in 1953 and some of the Lodge’s property became Wallowa Lake State Park. Irene, her three sons, and their families, owned and managed the Lodge until 1988.

1988—2016

In 1988 the Wiggins family sold the Lodge to the partnership of Steve Larson and Marc & Nancy Zwerling. The new owners upgraded and modernized operating systems, including electrical and plumbing, a new roof, upgraded kitchen and added insulation. The Lodge’s wood floors were all refinished and the exterior was restored to its original appearance.

2016—2020

In 2015, Zwerling family put the Lodge up for public auction following the untimely death of their partner Steve Larson. The potential sale gained immediate attention from large hotel chains and ignited a passion for locals and past patrons to “save the lodge” from major development. After a 9 month whirlwind, a passionate team of locals put together enough local investors to purchase the lodge as a community. Today the lodge has over 100 investors and maintains plans to keep the historic values that the Lodge has held for almost a century.

Click Here for more info and history on the area

Season

Lodge Rooms: May 24 to September 26, 2024

Cabins: Year Round

Lawns & Grounds: Year Round

PLEASE NOTE: The Lodge, cabins and surrounding grounds are pet-free and smoke-free.