User:Starkirby64/Lake Wilderness Lodge

Lake Wilderness Lodge is a multi-purpose building overlooking Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley, Washington.

History
In the 1890's, the site was used as a logging mill. In the 1900's, the Jacobson family purchased a homestead at the site, eventually growing into resorts, including Gaffney's Grove, which opened in 1939. The resort had dance halls, swim beaches with slides, sports fields, trapeezes, diving towers and a skating rink. The resort could accommodate 9,000 visitors daily.

The lodge itself was opened in the 1950's out of a dance hall. After the land was consolidated under single ownership, the resort was active year round, having a restaurant, swim beach and facilities, airstrip, ballroom, and accommodations. It was later remodeled as a multi-purpose building.

The interior staircase wraps around a 33 foot tall totem pole.

Events
The building is able to accommodate conferences, weddings, and other special events. The lodge hosts the annual Holiday Lights at the Lodge, a Christmas carnival event with hay rides, displays, kids activities and holiday choirs.