The Old Faithful Inn, a historic lodge in Yellowstone National Park, has stood for over a century. Known as the grandfather of national park lodges, it is a significant architectural landmark. Ruth Quinn, a tour guide with over 30 years of experience, describes the inn as a benchmark of national park architecture.

Quinn explains that the architect, Robert Reamer, sought out unique trees, referred to as the "freaks of the forest," to construct the lodge. These trees, sourced from approximately 10,000 logs, formed the foundation of the inn when it opened in 1904. At that time, it was advertised as the largest log cabin in the world.

The Old Faithful Inn has hosted numerous notable guests, including presidents and royalty, and has welcomed millions of visitors. It has withstood natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires, as well as the wear and tear from tourists.

Quinn highlights the innovative design of the lodge's lighting, which was intended to resemble candles. The original section, known as the Old House, features wiring that was cleverly concealed within the logs, a modern approach for its time.

For those wishing to stay in the Old House, reservations should be made months in advance. Rooms typically cost around $250 per night, and guests share bathrooms with others.

Rich Henderson, a carpenter responsible for maintaining the lodge, aims to preserve its historic charm. "I don't want people to even know I was there," he said, emphasizing his goal of blending repairs seamlessly into the structure.

Quinn notes that the Old Faithful Inn's influence extends beyond Yellowstone. She states, "If people had not liked the Old Faithful Inn, we might not have The Ahwahnee in Yosemite. We might not have Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood in Oregon. We might not have the grand lodges of Glacier. This is the building that popularized the style."

The Old Faithful Inn remains an iconic symbol of American heritage and continues to attract visitors with its timeless appeal.