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Posted by Granite Head (209.252.105.20) on 18:36:19 07/20/12
In Reply to: Our neigh-bors at Chico posted by Granite Head
Flagg Ranch. It of course also has a long august history in the hospitality business, and another must-stop. First pit-stop outside South Entrance ;-)
I didn't get a chance to do much fancy picture-taking, and I sure wish I had the skills to get rid of that nasty no parking sign! But you can see the design of the main lodge, which contains a good restaurant, gift shop, convenience store, and lodging registration, in case you've never stopped in to investigate. Fits the category of modern-day parkitecture for sure.
The history is interesting. According to the material they provided, "1872 the US Cavalry made the first permanent occupation of the area. The original Flagg Ranch was the 1st Cavalry outpost of Yellowstone." It became a resort in 1910-1916, passed through a couple of individual/family owners, and finally, in 1964 the NPS purchased the resort and the concession contract was given to International Leisure Host. The original lodge burned in 1981, the building in this photo was completed in 1995. It is "now the oldest continually operating resort in Upper Jackson Hole."
The NPS concession has recently passed to Vail Resorts, DBA Flagg Ranch Company. The only difference we noted from last year was the restaurant food was much better and the selection of t-shirts in the gift shop was worse - otherwise, not many changes evident upon a quick lunch stop.
I think who the concessionaire is can make a big difference. Let's hope the current ones take good care of the historic Flagg Ranch for a long time.
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