thunderbird lodge

This is a must do tour if you don't mind the cost. Very interesting stories about George Whittell (and his pet lion). The Thunderbird Lodge itself is also a cool place to check out.

There is a lot of history in Lake Tahoe and the Thunderbird Lodge is a part of the rich past. The owner was one of the original party animals. He was somewhat of a recluse and certainly odd in many ways. He inherited his money and vowed never to work and evidently, never did. He built Thunderbird Lodge as his party place. The exterior is quite interesting but the interiors are somewhat plain. The tour of the property is interesting and colorful but the highlight is the the opportunity to see the vintage yacht in all it's original glory. The man loved his toys!

I'd heard about Thunderbird Lodge for years and finally visited it. In a word, fascinating. The history, the architecture, the insights onto the eclectic owner who accidentally became an environmental visionary through is preservation of thousands of acres, all make for an enjoyable 1/2 day expedition. The docents are very informative, and happy to answer questions. You have to take a bus ride from Incline Village, NV, but during the trip there's a historic narration which provides you with excellent background on the place. As you drive into the estate, you learn that its owner, George Whittell, was so into technology, he had an electronic security system, an exercise machine, air conditioning, and many other devices that at the time were considered revolutionary.Once on site, you will have a chance to explore the house, walk through the strange tunnel to see the once-walled up swimming pool and the opium den, and on to the boat house where the magnificent yacht is undergoing fundraising for restoration.My only "complaint" was that I wanted more time to explore and digest all there was to see. Because you have to catch the bus back, you are on a bit of a schedule, and that can put a bit of a restraint if you're an explorer like I am. - Author Claudia Newcorn

This was the highlight of our recent trip to Nevada. It was an incredibly interesting peek into a lifestyle that the vast majority of us could not experience. Fabulous views and really wonderful docents added so much to the tour.

While most people think that most millionaire businessmen are only out to develop land to make more money, many would be shocked to learn that one eccentric millionaire from the 1930's is single-handedly responsible for most of the undeveloped land being the way it is today on the 27 miles of Nevada Tahoe shoreline. The place is a beautiful lakeshore retreat of this man, and administered by a non-profit foundation these days, and is totally worth a visit for its incredible views and beauty, not to mention the history of the area.

The total lodge property is beautiful with interesting history and a terrific boat house, main lodge, and card room...to tour and see....If you have a half day and want to take the tour it is well worth the time. It requires walking and might be difficult for disabled persons.

I have traveled a lot of the world, and most of what I see is pretty similar to something I've seen before. But this was truly a unique experience. This house is like no others. A unique house for a Corky billionaire good no one ever heard of because he wanted to be a recluse. I know there is a lot to see in the Lake Tahoe area, but you will be missing something special if you skip this attraction.

If you are into the history of Lake Tahoe and want to see how the rich and famous lived in times gone by don't miss this tour. Its not cheap $39pp but I thought worth it. Book in advance. Very entertaining guides and it would be worth it just to see the Thunderbird Yacht!

Who new that there was an accidental conservationist, zookeeper, playboy living on the east side of Lake Tahoe in the 40's? And that he's bought all the land on the east side of the lake so he'd have no neighbors? And that land would later be sold to the state for conservation? It's very much worth a couple of hours of your time to hear the fascinating story and see the lodge George Wattell built near incline village. Yes it's a little pricey. Yes you have to take a shuttle from incline to get there. But those detractors aside, it's definitely something every visitor to Tahoe should see.

I never knew this place existed until a co=worker told me about it and suggested the tour so I booked it when I was there last week. It was a great tour and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it. You must purchase a tour ticket as there are no self guided tours, they are all led by volunteers of the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society. It is a lot of walking and there are stairs involved but the views of the lake from the lodge and the property are worth it. The guides will give you the history behind the man who had it built, George Whitell Jr and his family which is quite interesting. The boat house at the lodge also is home to a beautiful 55 foot yacht made from wood and runs on 2 jet size engines (it is currently undergoing work on the engine but you do get to see it). Put it on your to do list next time you are in Lake Tahoe.

Very interesting, quirky but modest home of a very interesting gentleman. The siting is magnificent, with views of the clear water from almost every window. The water system, which features a series a waterfalls and fountains, is inspiring. The oddities, like the tunnel and opium den, add to the mysterious allure. His boat is the coolest wooden yacht on the lake, bar none. George Whittell was a republican back when republicans were smart and fun, and I'd like to thank him for an almost development-free east shore. T

A unique residence by a unique man. The guides do a great job of showing the home and grounds with stories that make the visit well woth the time.

The boat tour to Thunderbird Lodge is a superb way to view beautiful Lake Tahoe while absorbing a piece of its colorful history. Book it in advance and board the boat "Tahoe" at Zephyr Cove Marina. While you enjoy coffee and pastry on your cruise to Thunderbird, the captain will point out stunning contemporary homes along the lake and regale you with historical tidbits. Captain Dave was an expert who also guided us smoothly through Thunderbird Lodge, the lovingly preserved summer home of eccentric millionaire George Whittel, Jr . After a fascinating tour you will enjoy a tasty lunch by the shore and cruising back to Zephyr Cove. If you only have time for one tour in Tahoe, make it this one.

Guides are excellent. Admission cost is $39 pp from incline visitor center , tickets are bought through them and then you take the shuttle for a ten minute ride with narration.You can also get there by boat, or kayak ,on an escorted tour. Admission money goes to the restoration and upkeep and it is worth it. All tours must be escorted.Thunderbird Lodge was built by George Whittell in 1935, a playboy who inherited the money both his maternal and paternal grandparents made during the California gold rush in the 1840's, about $50 million ( today about $50 billion ). (Fortuitously, In 1929, George pulled $50 million out of the stock market about a week before the crash. ) His grandparents owned most of San Francisco. George bought up 40,000 acres on the east shore of Lake Tahoe , from where the Cal Neva casino is ( California-Nevada border) to Zephyr Cove on the south shore. He wanted to preserve the lake's pristine beauty without construction, but eventually through eminent domain, he was forced to sell at a fraction of its worth, the property that is now Sand Harbor. In 1960, he sold Incline Village for $5million cash ( which he carted up his elevator in Thunderbird Lodge.)George believed in the 4 G'S : gambling, girls, gadgets, and good times. Thunderbird means strength and power and both the home, which was used only in summer, and his 55 foot speedboat, made of mahogany and stainless steel, were named that. His boat originally had 2 - 500hp motors , but in the 1940's, they were replaced with 2 -1100 hp airplane engines, that gets 4 gallons to the mile. During WW II, he hid the boat in his inside boat dock, fearing the US government would seize it and use it for its speed.As we always say, when you're rich, you are eccentric and when you're poor, you are crazy.The house is not elaborate, but the property and views are spectacular. It is now owned by the state and parks department.The house is made of stone, built by Native American high school students, and consists of a few bedrooms, really modern bathrooms, the first Carrier air conditioning, alarms, tunnels with secret passageways ( tunnel is 600 feet long - the size of 2 football fields ),private balcony where he could sunbathe in the nude or shoot at trespassers, private beach and waterfalls, a card house ( for gambling ), light house,a series of multi colored lights, so he could signal the casino across the lake for gambling, girls, etc., opium den, and of course the requisite animals, like a lion, named Bill and an elephant. Often, he would take Bill into San Francisco bars and restaurants, paying the proprietor off to allow him in with the lion. He also had a 2 way mirror in the front door, so he could see you, but you could not see him. He once shooed Ronald Reagan away, slamming the door in his face, because he was not invited. This was way before he became president, He was married three times. The first time, his parents wanted to arrange a marriage for him, and he ran off with a chorus girl, and pretty much did the same thing, the second time. His parents cut him off financially, so that marriage ended quickly. They must have reinstated him, because the third time, he picked a French woman who was higher class and built Thunderbird lodge. This place is a well preserved piece of Tahoe history and is a must see. Tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

This is a great side trip from anywhere on the Lake. We were staying in South Lake Tahoe, and, it was only a 45 minute drive with spectacular views along the way. You start at the visitors center at Incline Village, park your car and board a van to the Lodge since there is no parking at the site. It is just a short drive and there is narration along the way to educate you about Thunderbird. Once there, you are dropped off in front of the door and met by a docent to take the tour. The group size is relatively small, and, you are free to ask as many questions as you like along the way. Mr. Whittell is not your normal rich guy, but, you will not be disappointed with the lodge, tour or scenery that you can see from the shore here. It takes just about an hour and a half, and, then you are picked up at the door and taken back to your car. If you go online and think it is sold out for your date, pick up the phone and call direct. I was able to get in on the day desired, and, it was showing not available on line. Highly recommend this tour!