Thunderbird Lodge Lake Tahoe — Local services in Incline Village-Crystal Bay

We heard about this place while chatting it up with other vacationers in South Lake Tahoe. We decided to give it a go ourselves and bought tickets. We went on a Tuesday (8/6/24).

You are shuttled in from 969 Tahoe Blvd which is the North Tahoe Nevada Welcome Center. There’s no parking at the Lodge. The shuttle ride is about 10 minutes to the lodge.

The tour starts in a large open space inside the newer part of the Thunderbird Lodge. The tour guide spends about 10 minutes giving a narrated history of George Whittell. Really interesting history. From there we take a guided walk through the property where the narration continues. We make our way through various quarters of the lodge. The interesting part is walking through the 600+ feet tunnel that takes you to the Thunderbird Yacht. The yacht is an absolute beauty and very well taken cared of. The tour continues with a walk through the exterior part of the property where you get to see the lake and yard. Everything is beautifully cared for. The views and scenery are absolutely amazing!!

It’s a very unique experience and something to do while you’re in Lake Tahoe. Our tour guide was wonderful. Ticket prices were on the higher side at $75/each for what you get to see but still worth the experience. Buy tickets in advance. They sell out quick!!

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Although the tickets come at a high price, visiting this reserve is well worth it for any aspiring history buff or architect. The property is gorgeous and in great condition, considering it is almost a century old. On a summer day, the Thunderbird Lodge offers a picturesque view of the glittering Lake Tahoe. The staff were friendly and attentive, and returned my lost item within two hours of my search request. I relished in learning about the story of the eccentric landowner, his menagerie of zoo animals and nepotistic decadence.

There are some negatives to keep in mind on this trip, however. Some of the hallways and the underground tunnels are narrow, which could be uncomfortable for people with larger statures or claustrophobia. People with physical disabilities will not have easy access, as there are only stairs to access higher and lower levels of the property. Young children are not likely to enjoy it very much, as the tour is very "look-but-don't-touch" to preserve the historic pieces, and the tour guides' long lectures may not be exciting for everyone.

This was an informative and entertaining experience, especially considering I was dragged along by my family. Depending on your parties' personal interest and mobility, this tour could be well...

I am one of the fortunate persons to have stayed and lodged at the Thunderbird. In 2001 friends of mine were the curators of the property. We celebrated New Years Eve as part of our 3 day stay. Besides all the beauty of the lake and history of the property I was allowed to sleep in George Whittels bedroom and bed. The furnishings are the same as when last lived in with the exception of renovations long after George resided there. I was warned of George's presence in spirit but nothing like I expected. From the SLAMMING of doors and windows to the hiding under my sheets fearing the super natural (George Whittel) so they tell me. I spent the last night sleeping in a group in the living room. I think George was pissed off at someone sleeping in his bed....