Regarded as the largest log building in the world, Old Faithful Inn is the only national parks’ service rustic resort that still stands. Built-in 1904, Old Faithful Inn has faced various challenging eras that threatened its existence before it was finally abandoned.

The story behind Old Faithful Inn

The Old Faithful Inn was constructed to replace the substandard Shack Hotel. Financing and the supervision of the construction work was done by the Yellowstone park. Majorly built using lodgepole pine and rhyolite stone, the constructing company had to establish a mill nearby to produce a surplus of logs needed in the construction. Over the years, the town has gone through various reconstruction that has seen the inclusion of new rooms and bars in the massive log mansion. Fire sprinklers and other modern safety pieces of equipment were included in the building by 1948. The renovation and restoration was supervised by the actual architect who designed it.

Turbulent days of the Old resort

By the time World War II began, hotels at the local parks including the Old Faithful Inn were all closed leading to the closure of the Inn for more than 18 months. A decade later in 1959, Old Faithful Inn received unmatched destruction when the Hebgen Lake earthquake struck. The earthquake led to the collapse of a section of the building including the dining room fireplace and the lobby fireplace. Although there were no injuries or death from the effects of the earthquake, there was a decline in its profit margins as some floors of the building had to be closed. A fire in 1988, would again threaten Old Faithful Inn destroying dozens of rooms in the east and west wing. Renovations were done on the Inn in 1993 and 1994.

What is the current state of the Old Faithful Inn?

After years of a shamble, a multimillion-dollar renovation of the log structure was launched. This was done to bring the building to the current norms and codes of public infrastructure or building. The old electrical, plumbing, and heating systems are to be replaced and the building fitted with new and safe modern pieces of equipment. All these renovations are being done putting into consideration the maintenance of its historic materials and uniqueness. The resort is currently under reconstruction with sophisticated and dangerous types of equipment or tools that can cause injury to the un-expecting public. The resort is set to be opened for bookings after renovation is complete. The aim of the renovation is to make the log resort a preferred destination to both the locals and foreign tourists that visit the park. It always makes sure that the tourists maximize their stay by providing accommodation.