Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station

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]

Skyland Camp--Bowman Lake Ranger Station
Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station is located in Montana
Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station
Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station is located in the United States
Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station
Nearest cityWest Glacier, Montana
Coordinates48°49′50.2″N 114°12′8″W / 48.830611°N 114.20222°W / 48.830611; -114.20222
Built1920
MPSGlacier National Park MRA
NRHP reference No.86000365
Added to NRHPFebruary 14, 1986[1]

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

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References

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  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. ^ "Skyland Camp Bowman Lake Ranger Station". List of Classified Structures. National Park Service. November 13, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Historical Research Associates (June 1984). National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station (pdf). National Park Service.