Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station

Skyland Camp--Bowman Lake Ranger Station
Nearest city West Glacier, Montana
Coordinates 48°49′51″N 108°12′3″W / 48.83083°N 108.20083°WCoordinates: 48°49′51″N 108°12′3″W / 48.83083°N 108.20083°W
Built 1920
Architect Unknown
Architectural style Other
Governing body National Park Service
MPS Glacier National Park MRA
NRHP Reference # 86000365
Added to NRHP February 14, 1986[1]

The Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station in Glacier National Park was originally built as the Culver Boys' Military Academy. The main building, known variously as the Skyland Camp Messhall, Culver Boys' Military Academy Messhall and Skyline Chalet, was built in 1920 and is a good example of National Park Service Rustic architecture.[2] The main cabin, known as "Rainbow Lodge" was built by the boys of the academy in 1920 from red cedar logs, and is more elaborate and carefully detailed than typical ranger stations of this period. The interior is dominated by a stone fireplace.[3]

The camp was originally owned by the Culver Military Academy of Culver, Indiana, which operated the camp as a concession within the park, on the shore of Bowman Lake. It operated for a few seasons, but poor management caused the National Park Service to terminate the camp's contract. With the camp falling into disrepair, the Park Service demolished all buildings except the Rainbow Lodge in 1940, rehabilitating the lodge for use as a ranger station. Two boathouses are included in the listed area, and many furnishings in the ranger station are contributing features.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2008-04-15.
  2. ↑ "Skyland Camp Bowman Lake Ranger Station". List of Classified Structures. National Park Service. 2008-11-13.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Historical Research Associates (June 1984). National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station (pdf). National Park Service.