Zion Lodge–Birch Creek Historic District

Welcome to Zion National Park! As a tourist guide, I am excited to take you on a tour of the Zion Lodge Historic District. This district surrounds the rustic lodge originally designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. The Zion Lodge complex was developed by the Utah Parks Company to provide lodging for tourists at Zion. The Utah Parks Company was owned by the Union Pacific Railroad, which had developed a strong relationship with Underwood. Underwood designed most of the structures in the lodge community using principles of rustic design favored by the National Park Service, a style that was developed and promoted, in part, by Underwood himself. The district is centered on the Zion Lodge. Underwood's National Park Service Rustic style lodge burned in 1966 and was replaced by a prefabricated structure on the same foundation. A 1990 renovation added elements of Underwood's original design to the 1966 structure. Today, the lodge serves as the perfect base camp for exploring the park and offers comfortable accommodations for visitors. One of the highlights of the district is the Female Dormitory, built in 1927 to Underwood's design, in the "studs out" style with wall framing exposed outside of the wall sheathing. The one-story building measures approximately 36 feet by 69 feet, with a log-framed hipped roof. The entry porch features stone piers and heavy log roof construction. This building is a great example of the rustic design principles that Underwood used throughout the district. In addition to the lodge and the Female Dormitory, the district includes a group of cabins, employee dormitories, and support buildings. The district was expanded in 1986 to include an Underwood-designed former photography studio and additional cabins. Unfortunately, a swimming pool and bathhouse were demolished in 1976. As you explore the district, you will be transported back in time to the early days of Zion National Park. The rustic design and natural materials used throughout the buildings blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. I hope you enjoyed this tour of the Zion Lodge Historic District. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the history and architecture of the district, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you for visiting Zion National Park!

Location: Washington County

Inception: 1925

Architect: Gilbert Stanley Underwood

Architectural style: National Park Service rustic

Source: Wikimedia