Three Bear Lodge

History & Exhibits
As a result of a fire in February 2008, part of the 1932 Three Bear was carefully taken down, allowing the new lodge to utilize many materials salvaged from the original building. You will be awed by the reclaimed wood, which has been recycled and made into the intriguing public area decor and unique hand made guest room furniture. The Forty-four units of the existing motel have also been updated which allows Three Bear Lodge the versatility of offering lodging to fit every budget.
History & Exhibits

Tour the historic Lodge

tourTake a guided tour of West Yellowstones most unique hotel. Learn how this historical hotel, first established in 1932 won the prestigious Eco-Star award after rising like a phoenix from the ashes after a devastating fire in 2008. Exhibits explain the recycling efforts implemented in the new hotel, from the displays throughout the hotel, to the rooms with handmade furniture to the “White shirt Legacy’ that was the inspiration behind the project. Please call 406-646-7353 to schedule your tour.

White Shirt Legacy

Recycling isn’t just a buzz word at Three Bear Lodge – it is our whole philosophy. Nor is it a new concept, it is something bred into our owner and something that has evolved over time. The only way to explain this is in Clyde Seely’s own words. When it came time to demolish Three Bear Lodge after the fire, the old principle of the “White Shirt” that Clyde grew up with came back to the fore.
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EcoStar Award Winning

Everybody involved with the lodge – owners and the staff alike, are very proud of the Lodge, and that pride is evident to everyone who walks through our front door. Guests are invited to visit the historical displays throughout the Lodge to discover how and where these recycled items were re-used – How many white shirt icons can you find?

The Painted Buffalo

Painted BuffaloThe four Painted Buffalo that call Three Bear Lodge and Restaurant home are part of a larger herd that you can find roaming throughout the town of West Yellowstone. They were the idea of the West Yellowstone Economic Development Council, Inc. who wanted to provide a new venue for artistic expression in West Yellowstone and at the same time enhance the economic vitality of our town.

Life and Times of Three Bear Lodge

The lobby balcony (mezzanine) features a pictorial time line of the Lodge. From its humble beginnings back in 1932 through the high points (restaurant opening, refits) and the low (the two fires) to the present day. The balcony offers the best view of the true beauty of the lobby, and the wonderful examples of some of the recycled materials that were given a new lease of life in the new lodge.

Recycled Display

The large display board outside the Big Bear Conference room features many of the recycled materials used in the reconstruction. The display shows samples of the materials, and details their original use along with where they can be found in the current building. Even the culprit of the 2008 fire, a propane gas pipe has been salvaged and now forms the railings on the lobby balcony. You will soon realize that the new lodge really isn’t so new after all!

Rock Display

Rhyolite
This reddish sandstone like rock is abundant in this area. It was used to build numerous buildings in the town and was used in Three Bear Lodge’s original building in 1932.
Montana Travertine
 This white rock was formed by geyser activity and was harvested just North of Yellowstone near Gardiner, Montana. It was used for a more modern and striking look and was put over the original Rhyolite during the remodel in 1973.
Pleistocene Basalt
From an ancient Yellowstone Caldera flow. In 1935, our unique Basalt Lava Rock was blasted to make an irrigation canal that ran through the Seely farm near St Anthony, Idaho (74 miles South). Originally it was just gray rock but over the years has grown colorful likens, and now forms a unique feature of our imposing new Lobby and front façade.