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Old Faithful Inn - Classic Lodge in Yellowstone National Park

By Teresa Plowright, About.com

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Introduction to the Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn photo ©  Teresa Plowright
TheOld Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park is a stunning piece of architecture, and one of the best examples of a "rustic elegant" log hotel.

Location is just a stone's throw from the famous Old Faithful geyser. Architect Robert Reamer placed the Old Faithful Inn so that a visitor's first sight, on arrival, would be the natural and not the man-made wonder.

"I built it in keeping with the place where it stands. Nobody could improve upon that. To be at discord with the landscape would be almost a crime. To try to improve upon it would be an impertinence."

-- Reamer actually spoke these words about his masterpiece, the Canyon Hotel, but the sentiment applies equally to the Old Faithful Inn.

The gabled roof is famous, as are the porte-cochere and the huge balcony that offers a prime lookout to the famous geyser. Guests gather there day and night, to watch the geyser erupt.

Note the "widow's walk" on the very top: early visitors could climb up via interior stairs.

- continue to History of the Old Faithful Inn

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