Big Falls Inn
Posted by: Volcanoguy
N 44° 11.273 W 111° 19.675
12T E 473792 N 4892793
History sign about Big Falls Inn in the Upper Mesa Falls area.
Waymark Code: WMC82E
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 08/06/2011
Views: 3
This history sign is located near the NW corner of the Big Falls Inn and deals with the building’s history. Inside the building are other signs about area history and geology.
Marker Name: Big Falls Inn
Marker Type: Roadside
Marker Text: Holding a unique niche in Idaho’s history, Big Falls Inn was built around 1915 by the Snake River Electric Light and Power Company. Although it may originally have been constructed as a combination office and residence for workers, it eventually evolved into a well-known waystation on the Yellowstone highway. With its spectacular setting, the Inn also became a popular spot for dances and social gatherings for local ranchers, farmers, sportsmen and tourists.
In 1936, Big Falls Inn was sold to Montana Power Company who utilized it as a company resort. It was also used as a restaurant and dance hall, Boy Scout lodge and as a retreat/meeting hall. In 1986, the Forest Service acquired the inn from Montana Power through a land exchange.
A Unique Partnership
The restoration of Big Falls Inn was the result of a unique partnership between the USDA Forest Service, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation as well as other interested private and public entities. WIth the objective of revitalizing the area and making it more accessible to the public, this partnership overcame many obstacles, and the Inn was opened to the public the year 2000.
County: Fremont
Group Responsible for Placement: U.S. Forest Service
City: Not listed
Date Dedicated: Not listed
Marker Number: Not listed
Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions: In your log, please say if you learned something new, and if you took any extra time to explore the area once you stopped at the historic marker waymark.
If possible please post a photo of you OR your GPS at the marker location.
Also if you know of any additional links not already mentioned about this bit of Idaho history please include that in your log.
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