At first glance, the Colter Bay Cabins at Colter Bay Village may all look like similar styles of historic rustic cabins. When you look closer, there are several different types of historic cabins at Colter Bay Village. These cabins each have a story to tell. Thanks to some pretty good record keeping, those stories can still be told today and Grand Teton National Park is richer for it.
Over 200 years ago, the Lewis and Clark Expedition's, John Colter was the first Caucasian American to see and describe the valley that is now known as Jackson Hole. The American public thought it sounded too beautiful to be true. Slowly, Colter's descriptions proved true. The first phase of occupation in the Jackson Hole Valley was by fur traders who seasonally came through the area to take advantage of the bountiful wildlife. As early as 1870, pioneering settlers were living in year round homestead cabins raising cattle and farming. If you can imagine, tourism in the Jackson Hole Valley began in the early roaring 20's. By 1929, Grand Teton National Park was officially a national park. These lifestyles created a variety of residents in the Jackson Hole Valley until WWI when the cattle market crashed. Cattle ranching dwindled and tourism took over. Many homestead cabins were abandoned while some were converted to dude ranches and tourist accommodations.
Colter Bay Cabin photo by lydiadehn on Flickr
In the late 20's, J.D. Rockefeller, Jr. visited the Jackson Hole valley. He was disheartened by the clutter of unused and unkempt structures littering the gorgeous valley. He set out to purchase what he could of the Jackson Hole valley in order to protect it for the people. He succeeded in securing over 35,000 acres which he later donated to the National Park Service. Rockefeller and the National Park Service created a plan to harvest the buildings and log cabins from the purchased land and use them as guest lodging for the Grand Teton Lodging Company in Grand Teton National Park. This project manifested into what is now Colter Bay cabins in Colter Bay Village on the shores of Jackson Lake.
From beginning to end, the process took about 30 years. They had to move the 187 future Colter Bay cabins and buildings to three separate temporary areas while Colter Bay Villagewas prepared. During this time, the cabins were restored and used by both Grand Teton Lodge Company staff as well as visitors to Grand Teton National Park. Finally, in 1957, the Colter Bay cabins were placed where they are today nestled in the trees of Colter Bay Village at the edge of Jackson Lake. This history of the fur traders, homesteaders and early tourism are all reflected in the Colter Bay cabins as well as the architectural history of the log cabin itself. When you stay at Colter Bay Village, notice the difference between these cabins and ask to learn their stories. The history of the Colter Bay cabins add a whole new element to your stay in beautiful Grand Teton National Park. Call National Park Reservations today to reserve your historic Colter Bay cabins.