Painted Desert Inn - Petrified Forest National Park

Originally built around 1920 by Herbert Lore as the "Stone Tree House", the property was bought by the National Park Service in 1935. Under the direction of architect Lyle Bennett, the Painted Desert Inn was enlarged and remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened in 1940 under Fred Harvey Company management. After being closed during World War II, the inn was renovated again in 1947 under the direction of architect Mary Jane Colter. She enlisted Hopi artist Fred Kabotie to paint murals on the dining room and lunchroom walls. Structural problems have plagued the inn for years as the clay of Kachina point does not provide a solid foundation. The inn was closed in 1963 and demolition was scheduled in 1975, but the public rallied to save the structure. In 1987, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Following extensive renovation, the inn reopened as a museum in 2006. The building is open from 9 to 5 every day of the year except Christmas. An information desk and Native American gift shop are located on the main floor. Restrooms with running water are located at the rear of the lower level.

Painted Desert Inn

Lunchroom Counter

Fred Kabotie mural above the booths in the lunchroom

Dining Room

Kitchen

Harvey House china

Skylight over stairs to the basement and mountain lion petroglyph

Another Fred Kabotie mural

The Viewing Room is currently off limits due to structural issues

Exhibits on and behind the basement bar

More exhibits above a stucco bench seat in the basement

Painted Desert viewed from the patio

An entry fee of $10 per private vehicle is good for seven consecutive days. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($10 for lifetime), Access Pass (free with documented disability) and Military Annual Pass (free for active duty personnel).

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm.