#63 Chisos Mountain Lodge

Roosevelt Cabins, built by CCC in the 1930's

Chisos Mountain Lodge is the only non-camping option in the 800,000 acres of Big Bend National Park.  There is a "newer" lodging, but we were pretty thrilled to reserve one of the 5  Roosevelt Stone Cottages, which were constructed by the Civil Conservation Corps in the late 1930's.

What's Different?

Very little has changed since the cottages were built.  The fireplaces are no longer used for heating, but open windows are still the only means of cooling!  The cars that bring the guests look a little different now, but the scenery remains the same!

Room 105

Our cottage duplex had cozy covered porches with bouncy metal chairs.  I do love a screened door, especially a blue one that matches the window trim and chairs!

2-Room Cottage

The main room in the cottage had  2 full-size beds and a sitting area.  There's obviously been some updating over time, with western style furniture and decor, fridge and microwave.  I kept searching for hints of the original  cottage.  The white painted stone wall was trying to hide the old fireplace and side door.  I so wish I could have seen what it looked like in the thirties.

What's Original?

I'm pretty sure this old floor must be original.  This floor and the thick walls keep the cottage a little cooler in the warm months. 

The bathroom was quite amusing.  The old wooden door was covered with important messages (?) and there was a big old water heater taking up a bit of space.  The shower and soap dispenser were pretty much what you'd expect for a State or National Park.  Very functional.

Music in the Cottage

There was a hallway with shiny wood paneling, leading to another room.  Probably a lot of families make good use of this 2-room set up.  But I can just hear the kids now, "But where's the TV?"  Luckily we brought our own entertainment. Nothing like a few tunes on the ukulele when your hanging out in your cottage!

What's Notable?

There's nothing luxurious about staying in a CCC cottage, but who cares. You're sleeping in history and you're surrounded by one of the most unusual landscapes in the world.  
You can step out your door and walk a couple minutes to see  "The Window", which is the formation on the left side of the bottom photo.  OR, if you have the kind of clout that only President Roosevelt might have had, you can attempt to reserve Cottage #103!  It's the one pictured with the fog lifting!  It has a porch that gives you a sunset view of The Window, which means everyone wants to stay there!  
Some day!