Historic Hideaways

Name: Lake Tahoe Historic Hideaways

Location: Sand Harbor, Homewood, and Tahoma

Best Time of Year: Spring through Fall

Take a step back in time with us around North Lake Tahoe, with historical landmarks that allow you to experience the region’s storied history. From lifestyles of the rich and famous to stars of the silver screen, check out these three historic places in North Lake Tahoe.

What Is It and Where Can I Find It?

The Lake Tahoe Historic Hideaways are three historic spots around the North Shore that represent different time periods of Lake Tahoe history. These are:

• Thunderbird Lodge – Known as George Whittell’s “Castle in the Sky,” this luxurious 1930’s estate brings to mind the glitz and glamour of The Great Gatsby. The lodge is located just south of Sand Harbor State Park, and property tours are offered spring through fall.
• Fleur du Lac Estate – A lakeside getaway that rose to fame for its appearance in The Godfather Part II. It is located on the West Shore in Homewood, but you can get the best view of the property from the water.
• Hellman-Ehrman Mansion – A prototypical “smart house of the future” from the turn of the century that epitomized the summer homes from yesteryear. The Mansion is located at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoma, and during summer and early fall, you can explore the inside and outside of the property.

View this post on Instagram

Fleur du Lac, Lake Tahoe… a place of cinematic history, can you name it? I’m ashamed to say I haven’t watched the whole trilogy… anyone else? Since I’m heading to the east coast for two months and to a dad and brother, each with enough mafia knowledge to teach a whole curriculum, I’m thinking now is the time.

A post shared by Lake Tahoe Weddings + Family (@courtneyaaronphoto) on Mar 13, 2018 at 10:06am PDT

Insider Tips and Fun Facts

• Guided tours of Thunderbird Lodge are available by land, by tour boat, or by kayak. The lodge also plays host to a series of stunning wine dinners during the summertime.
• Famous guests of Thunderbird Lodge included legendary baseball player Ty Cobb and iconic businessman Howard Hughes.
• Hop aboard the Tahoe Gal, itself a piece of Lake Tahoe history, to cruise by the Fleur du Lac Estate and get the best view of the property.
• The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion was constructed before a road around Lake Tahoe was built, so supplies had to be brought in by boat and all staff lived on the premises.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thunderbird Lodge Lake Tahoe (@thunderbirdlodgelaketahoe) on Oct 5, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT

If You Like This, You’ll Love

• Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay.
• Donner Memorial State Park in Truckee.
• Watson Cabin Museum in Tahoe City.
  

Find more at GoTahoeNorth.com/treasures

Tags: fall, secret season, Tours, trip ideas