Painted Desert Inn, White Mountains Travel Guide

Perched on a mesa within Petrified Forest National Park, the Painted Desert Inn stands as a testament to the Southwest's rich history and stunning landscapes. The inn, originally named the Stone Tree House, was built by Herbert David Lore in 1924 using petrified wood and native stone. In the 1930s, the National Park Service purchased the inn and commissioned a redesign in the Pueblo Revival style by architect Lyle Bennett. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) carried out the construction between 1937 and 1940, incorporating handmade light fixtures, wooden tables with American Indian designs, and concrete floors etched with Navajo blanket patterns.The inn supplied Route 66 travelers with meals, souvenirs, and lodging. It became a popular spot for meetings and special events. In 1947, architect Mary Jane Colter renovated the inn, adding a new color scheme and plate-glass windows to capitalize on the views. Hopi artist Fred Kabotie created murals reflecting Hopi culture on the dining room walls. The inn closed in 1963, and demolition was scheduled in 1975, but a public campaign saved the building.Today, the Painted Desert Inn is a museum open to the public. Visitors can experience the architectural details, admire the murals and a mountain lion petroglyph, and enjoy panoramic views of the Painted Desert. The Trading Post Room features Mexican-style chandeliers and a skylight with translucent glass painted in Native American pottery designs.