The Magic of the North Shore
One massive lake, two diverse states, 12 unique... Read Article
How much do you know about Lake Tahoe’s storied past?
Lake Tahoe is most widely known for its sparkling shades of blue waters, picture-perfect alpine views and endless year-round recreation opportunities. But there is so much more to the region than the “main attractions” we see on social media.
Tucked along the secluded shorelines, you can find preserved historical estates that tell a different story of Tahoe. Before Tahoe was internationally known as a world-class ski or summer destination, it was a summer retreat for the Washoe Tribe. As gold and silver were being discovered in the region during the late nineteenth century, Lake Tahoe grew into a resort community for the miners during their leisure time. The Roaring 20s brought elite families and socialites into the region, and Lake Tahoe became their primary hub for opulent summer vacation retreats. These architectural masterpieces, mostly on lakefront property, were built to blend in with the natural beauty of the area, utilizing intricate stonework, woodwork and meticulous garden landscaping and design.
Photo: Get a tour of the storied Pope Estate, along with two other stunning mansions of the bygone era, at the Tallac Historic Site. Photo Credit: taylortallac.org
Visiting these preserved estates allows you the opportunity to step back in time and gain insight into what life was like over a century ago for these high-profile figures. Below, I have highlighted some of the region’s most prolific historic estates, which have been preserved and restored to share Tahoe’s vibrant past.
Vikingsholm is an architectural treasure nestled along the shores of Emerald Bay. Photo Credit: parks.ca.gov
Vikingsholm
No trip to Emerald Bay is complete without visiting Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-inspired architectural masterpiece commissioned in 1928 and built in 1929. This meticulously maintained, lavish summer home was designed by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, who was inspired by the beauty of the Scandinavian fjords and architecture.
This historical estate, often referred to as a “castle,” is only accessible by foot and is considered a moderate hike of approximately 1.7 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 400 feet (you hike down, and then up on the way back to the parking lot). The hike begins at the official parking lot, which offers stunning panoramic views of Emerald Bay. Here, you will make the trek down through switchbacks, offering various gorgeous spots to snap photos and stop along the way to take it all in. Tip: Make sure to bring enough water, snacks, a camera and layers! Find information here.
Once down at lake level, you will see for yourself how the Vikingsholm estate blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty and landscape. The exterior of the mansion was intricately designed with granite boulders in the mortar, a nod to historic Scandinavian castles and churches. You can also find intricate wood carvings on the roof and various other intriguing features throughout. The interior is equally impressive, featuring an array of paintings, Nordic-inspired fireplaces and antiques.
You can opt for a guided tour of the estate, which will grant you access to see the interiors and learn about its history from a knowledgeable guide from the Sierra State Parks Foundation. I highly recommend it!
Note: Vikingsholm is currently undergoing some restoration initiatives but is still available for summer seasonal guided tours or to visit on your own.
The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion tour is a must-see attraction in Sugar Pine Point State Park. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Located in the West Shore’s secluded and stunning Sugar Pine Point State Park, the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is considered a crown jewel of the bygone era’s opulent summer retreats in Tahoe. Also known as The Pine Lodge, the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion was completed in 1903. Commissioned by wealthy businessman I.W. Hellman and designed by Walter Danforth Bliss, the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion was an architectural masterpiece, a seamless blend of natural materials and modern infrastructure systems. The family used the home for summer leisure and entertainment.
On the vast property, the main house is surrounded by a caretaker’s lakefront cottage, a children’s home, a tennis court, two boat houses, a boatman’s cabin and more.
Today, the estate is maintained and owned by the California State Park System. Tours of the mansion are available through the Sierra State Parks, and tickets can be purchased at the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis. I highly recommend getting there as early to can to confirm your spot!
Did you know that the Pope Estate is one of Tahoe's oldest standing buildings? Photo Credit: taylortallac.org
Tallac Historic Site
Visit three unique historical estates when you wander the grounds of the Tallac Historic Site and Taylor Creek Visitor Center, just a few miles from South Lake Tahoe. Here, you will feel worlds and decades away as you walk the well-maintained grounds and tour the mansions, once private summer homes for the elite.
The Tallac Historic Site includes the Pope Estate and Baldwin Estate, currently co-managed and operated by the Great Basin Institute and USDA Forest Service, and the Heller Estate, managed and operated by Valhalla Tahoe. You can begin your day at the Tallac Museum, where you can learn about the storied past and schedule informative tours on the stunning property. These tours are fun and even led by volunteers adorned in the attire of the bygone era. It’s truly Tahoe history coming to life!
Each estate has different stories, features and architecture, so I highly recommend visiting all of them if you have time.
The Thunderbird Lodge is a fine example of Revival-inspiredpired architecture and Tahoe legends.
Thunderbird Lodge
In 1936 San Francisco real estate tycoon George Whittell, Jr., also known as The Captain, began construction of the Thunderbird Lodge along the pristine Nevada lakeshore. His initial plan was to develop much more than a lodge; in fact, he wanted to develop multiple luxury summer vacation properties, a ski resort and casino. As time went on, his mission evolved into preserving the land and fragile ecosystem.
George Whittell, Jr. himself was a character, well-known around California and Nevada for his collection of exotic animals, lavish playboy lifestyle and collection of cars and boats.
Today, the Thunderbird Lodge and yacht are timeless testaments to the era and George's mission. The lodge consists of a main residence, guesthouses, a boathouse, a lighthouse and stunning surrounding forested property.
Thunderbird Lake Tahoe is dedicated to preserving these historical structures through tours, community outreach and charitable programs such as the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
