Mather Lodge
Mather Lodge is a historic lodge built in the late 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton. The structure features large stone and log construction, expansive windows overlooking the hollows and woods, simple wooden furnishings in each room, a dining room serving meals, and additional spaces including a gift shop and lounge areas added in later renovations.
Built in the late 1930s by workers of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the lodge was part of efforts to expand park infrastructure during that era. Named after Stephen Mather, the director of the national parks system, the structure has been maintained and selectively renovated over the decades while preserving its original character and listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The lodge is named after Stephen Mather, who led the national parks system when the building was constructed. Today, visitors use it as a gathering place where families and friends come together for meals and overnight stays, creating memories within the natural surroundings.
The lodge offers easy walking access to trails and viewpoints throughout the surrounding park, with a restaurant serving meals throughout the day. When planning your visit, consider whether you want to stay overnight or just stop for dining, as this helps determine what to experience during your time there.
An outdoor pool sits on the ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys, offering views while swimming or relaxing, with sunset particularly transforming the landscape into shifting colors. This elevated location creates an unusual bathing experience within the mountain setting.
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