Locals have been welcoming visitors to Grand Lake even before the Town was officially established in 1881. Hotels began springing up on the lake shores in the 1890’s when early settler, Judge Wescott, began guiding hunting parties through the area. The Kauffman House was built by prospector, trapper and builder, Ezra Kauffman, and opened its doors to guests from 1892 to 1973 until the Grand Lake Historical Society purchased the building for use as a museum which was placed on the National Register of Historical Places on November 21, 1974.
Kauffman House Museum in Grand Lake, Colorado
Kauffman House Museum and Alexander Phimister Proctor Statue
Grand Lake’s first motel, Cottage Court (Smith Eslick Cottage Camp), came in 1915 and is believed to be the oldest original motel structure in the country. Settled among the pines, these overnight accommodations for automobile travelers operated until the mid-20th century providing a bed, fold-down table, chair, wood stove and car port.
Smith Eslick Cottage Camp in Grand Lake, Colorado
Smith Eslick Cottage Camp in Grand Lake, Colorado
The Spitzmiller’s Cabins were built in the 1930’s and are still welcoming guests to Grand Lake as the Western Riviera Courtyard Cabins. Our remodeled cabins mix historic features of Grand Lake with the modern conveniences you desire. While the original cabins were not winterized and sat directly on the ground, they are now a connected U shape structure of 12 cabins (small, medium and large) facing a landscaped courtyard with a gazebo, grills and picnic tables providing the perfect setting for reunions and parties.
Original Spitzmiller Cabins in Grand Lake, Colorado
Western Riviera Courtyard Cabins