Painted Desert Inn

The Painted Desert Inn is a stone and wood building set on a mesa with thick walls, flat roofs, and large windows that look out over the colorful desert landscape. The structure blends traditional southwestern architectural features with functional spaces including dining areas and exhibition rooms.

Herbert David Lore built the original stone house in 1924, which the National Park Service took over in 1936 and extensively renovated. This takeover marked the start of systematic preservation of the building as a cultural site within the developing national park.

Fred Kabotie painted murals in 1947 that show Hopi ceremonies and daily life of Native American communities in the dining areas. These artworks give visitors a window into the traditions and way of living of the indigenous people from the region.

Today the building operates as a museum with summer ice cream service and interpretive exhibits about regional history and Native American heritage. Visitors should plan time to walk through the exhibition spaces and enjoy the panoramic views from the windows.

The building was partly constructed using petrified wood pieces from the surrounding area, following Pueblo Revival design principles. This use of local petrified materials connects the architecture directly to the geological character of the landscape.

Location: Apache County

Inception: 1937

Architects: Lyle E. Bennett

Architectural style: Pueblo Revival Style architecture

GPS coordinates: 35.08398,-109.78810

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41