Thunderbird Lodge Lake Tahoe

Well worth the cost of the ticket. My favorite feature is the tunnel and opeium den. What a beautiful location! We loved taking a stroll on the grounds with the tour. Lovely, absolutely lovely!

I had an amazing experience visiting the Thunderbird Lodge in Lake Tahoe. The location is absolutely stunning, tucked away along the shoreline with incredible views of the lake and surrounding forest. The guided tour was top-notch—informative, engaging, and full of fascinating stories about George Whittell Jr. and his larger-than-life lifestyle. From the secret underground tunnel to the iconic Thunderbird yacht with WWII fighter engines, every part of the estate was surprising and unforgettable. The architecture and attention to detail are amazing, and every corner of the property feels like a step back in time. This place is a hidden gem that blends history, nature, and a touch of eccentric luxury. If you’re in Tahoe, it’s a must-see!

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!! If you find this review helpful, please give the thumbs up or heart emoji button a tap below.