Location
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Jackson Lake Lodge is the premier accommodation in Grand Teton National Park. Built in 1955, it was the first example of modernist architecture in a national park. The contemporary design was intended to express a sense of a new era after World War II. Its ambitious size was a nod to the importance of the national parks to American culture and tourism, and a boost to the post-war economy. Though its look was very different from other grand national park lodges, the flat concrete and glass structure was designed to blend in with the landscape as much as its rustic-style predecessors. In 2003, the lodge was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, Jackson Lake Lodge offers guests the same impressive encounter with one of the West's most striking settings as it did when it opened. In the main lounge, soaring stone walls hold 60-foot floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows that showcase the lake and Teton peaks beyond, which rear straight up from the valley floor. Walking paths along the willow flats area in front the lodge may reveal glimpses of deer, moose and other wildlife. 

Accommodations are in lodge rooms and classic cottages in a forested setting just a few minutes' walk from the main lodge. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms. Rooms also have a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, phone, USB charging station, iron, hair dryer and bathroom toiletries. Rooms do not have television or air conditioning, though you likely won't miss them, as the lodge is located at 6,867 feet—evenings can be quite cool—and we'll be outside observing nature and wildlife most of the time anyway, which is the draw of any stay here. 

Jackson Lake Lodge is still operated by Grand Teton Lodge Company, which was founded in the mid-1950s by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in tandem with the construction of the lodge. The company is a leader in environmentally responsible practices, implementing an extensive recycling program, using high-efficiency lighting, low-flow water fixtures, eco-friendly cleaning agents, and recycled-content carpet and mattresses, and building its dining room menus around local and sustainable food sources.