Thunderbird Lodge, located on the east shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, is a historic waterfront estate built in 1936 by George Whittell Jr., a wealthy San Francisco real estate magnate. The lodge is a testament to Whittell’s eccentric life and his contributions to the conservation of Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty.
Original Plan and Conservation Efforts
Whittell originally planned to develop the 40,000 acres he purchased into high-class summer properties, a ski resort, and a $1 million casino hotel. However, he eventually abandoned these plans and instead focused on maintaining his secluded hideaway and lifestyle. This decision ultimately led to the conservation of a significant portion of Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline.
Thunderbird Lodge’s Contribution to Conservation
Whittell’s decision to keep the property for himself and not develop it commercially helped preserve the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. The Thunderbird Lodge and its surrounding land were eventually protected through a series of land exchanges and conservation efforts. In 1998, the Del Webb Corporation purchased the estate and 140 acres of land, which were later exchanged with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. The Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society was established to manage and protect the property, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Key Facts and Figures
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | 5000 State Route 28, Incline Village, NV 89450 |
| Area | 6.51 acres (2.63 ha) |
| Architect | Frederick DeLongchamps |
| Architectural Style | Rustic, Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP Reference No. | 00001207 |
| Phone Number | 1-800-GO-TAHOE (1-800-468-2463) |
| Tours | Available by reservation only |
| Conservation | The Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society manages and protects the property, ensuring its preservation for future generations. |
Unique Features of Thunderbird Lodge
Thunderbird Lodge is known for its unique architectural features and the eccentric lifestyle of its former owner, George Whittell Jr. Some of the notable aspects of the lodge include:
- Rustic Design: The lodge was designed in a rustic style, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Lake Tahoe.
- Private Yacht Harbor: Whittell had a private yacht harbor built on the property, where he docked his 55-foot yacht, the Thunderbird.
- Exotic Animal Collection: Whittell was known for his collection of exotic animals, including a lion, a tiger, and a bear, which he kept on the property.
- Secluded Lifestyle: Whittell lived a secluded lifestyle at the Thunderbird Lodge, rarely venturing out and preferring to entertain guests on his private estate.
- Conservation Efforts: Whittell’s decision to keep the property for himself and not develop it commercially helped preserve the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shoreline.
Visiting Thunderbird Lodge
Thunderbird Lodge is open for tours by reservation only. Visitors can explore the historic estate, learn about its unique history, and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society manages the property and ensures its preservation for future generations.
Conclusion
Thunderbird Lodge is a remarkable example of how a single individual’s decision can have a significant impact on the conservation of a natural wonder like Lake Tahoe. George Whittell Jr.’s eccentric lifestyle and his commitment to preserving the property’s natural beauty have left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated and protected by the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.
References
- Sierra Nevada Geotourism. (n.d.). Thunderbird Lodge National Historic Site. Retrieved from https://sierranevadageotourism.org/entries/thunderbird-lodge-national-historic-site/6cba9a55-4f0f-4424-9418-5d6d8125e7aa
- Go Tahoe North. (n.d.). Thunderbird Lodge Historic Tours. Retrieved from https://www.gotahoenorth.com/listing/thunderbird-lodge-historic-tours/
- Carson Now. (2018, September 12). Nevada Lore Series: ‘Captain’ and the bizarre history of Thunderbird Lodge at Tahoe. Retrieved from https://carsonnow.org/story/09/11/2018/nevada-lore-series-captain-and-the-bizarre-history-of-thunderbird-lodge-at-Tahoe
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Thunderbird Lodge (Lake Tahoe, Nevada). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbird_Lodge_%28Lake_Tahoe,_Nevada%29
- Visit Lake Tahoe. (n.d.). Thunderbird Lodge. Retrieved from https://visitlaketahoe.com/tour/thunderbird-lodge/.