Watson Log Cabin

Watson Log Cabin is a two-story structure built in 1908 from hand-hewn logs and local stone that sits on a bluff overlooking Commons Beach. The construction uses materials sourced directly from the surrounding Tahoe area.

Robert Montgomery Watson and his son constructed this building in 1908 and presented it as a wedding gift to Robert Howard Watson and his wife Stella. The structure was later developed as a commercial space and earned national historic recognition.

The building functioned as a shop for Navajo rugs and Native American artifacts from 1947 to 1976 under the Hunt family's direction. This period established its reputation as a destination for collectors and visitors interested in regional crafts.

The museum space is accessible from Tuesday through Sunday during summer months and is operated by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society. The location is easily reached near the beach, making it convenient to combine a visit with time by the water.

The structure is the oldest remaining wood building in the North Tahoe area and appears on the national historic register. Its position on a rocky outcrop offers visitors an unusual vantage point over the lake and surrounding landscape.

Location: California

Architectural style: rustic architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.17139,-120.13889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02