Although not every national park lodge is as spectacular as Yosemite's Awahnee Hotel, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, or the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, plenty of others are still worth visiting. The lodge in Maine's Acadia National Park offers families a wonderful combination of rustic charm and natural surroundings.
JORDAN POND HOUSE RESTAURANT
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
OVERVIEW: While you can't stay overnight, it's worth stopping at this lodgelike restaurant overlooking Jordan Pond.
WHAT'S COOL: You can sit on a lush lawn and enjoy enormous homemade popovers and jam, a longtime park tradition.
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, biking, carriage rides, camping, swimming, scenic drives, and ranger programs.
SEASON: The park is open year-round, weather permitting. The restaurant operates from mid-May to late October.
RESOURCES: Call 207-276-3316 or click here for more information. Park headquarters can be reached at 207-288-3338.
For more lodging ideas, see THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL PARK LODGES by David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott. For park brochures or more information on individual parks or lodges, write the National Park Service, Office of Public Inquiries, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20240, or call 202-208-4747. Click here for the National Park Service's Web site.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
