Thunderbird Lake Tahoe Reviews

We visited just before the summer season(lste May). Coming from south shore we were given directions to drive directly to the lodge's driveway waiting area. When all reservations had arrived, we drove down to a lower parking area where we re-grouped and met our docent. Additional structures were built by a second owner of the lodge. The tour begins in the newer structure with an informative talk about the history of its original owner and the property. The room was lined with windows that faced the lake. After the talk, the tour continued to the original house and throughout the property, including the boathouse with the magnificent wooden speedboat. The views of the lake are breath-taking.

Be prepared to stand, walk and use stairs. Visitors who met in Incline Village at the Visitor's Center received a CD covering some history of the lodge (I believe this is what would be playing in the shuttle service during high season). There is a small gift shop with typical souvenirs available for purchase.

If you enjoy touring historical properties and have the time, you might consider Thunderbird Lodge. It is an interesting look into the rich past of the owner and of Lake Tahoe.

This is truly a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The Thunderbird Lodge was built for George Whittell. He was heir to a substantial fortune and built this estate as his Summer home. The property is amazing. The Lodge is impressive. But, the totality of the estate is truly awesome. The secret passages, exotic animal facilities, underground tunnels, and the awesome Thunderbird yacht make this tour special. The Docents guide visitors throughout the property and provide ample history of the property and the people associated with it. The tour is available from the Incline Village Visitors Center and operated by the Thunderbird Preservation Society. If you like History, Extravagance, and Breath taking views, take this tour.

Incredible modern history. Stories that can’t be made up. Eccentric Millionaire estate on the North Tahoe Beach. Home to one of the most desirable boats in the world. You can’t miss this site and tour. The stories alone are worth it, but the views and architectural features are so stunning, it can’t be beat anywhere along the lake.

We've been going to Incline Village for years, but this was our first trip out to Thunderbird Lodge. We took the bus from the visitors center in Incline Village (much cheaper option than the catamaran from the Hyatt). The trip out is relatively quick, with an audio tour and history along the way. The tour itself was very cool. Two volunteer tour guides did an outstanding job with the history and highlights of the estate. The best part of the tour is the two hundred yard long underground tunnel that leads to the boat house, and an up close view of the wonderful boat that George Whittell owned. Really worth the time, I'd highly recommend it!

We took the Thunderbird Lodge Tour this morning. It was a very interesting and fun tour. We were lucky enough to only have 3 people on our tour so our guides, Jo & Linda, got to spend a lot of one on one time with each of us. Absolutely a must see when you visit Tahoe!

Learn everything to know about why the Nevada side of the lake is so pristine. This is the most amazing tour of a significant man in Lake Tahoe history. Don't miss it.

This is not a lengthy tour as the home is not large by today's standards but very unique. If you enjoy history, combined with beauty, this is the tour for you. Lot's of interesting facts, beautiful views of the lake, and the surprise of the pristine boat in the boat house. This can be rented for lunch cruises on the lake $$$.
This is a tour for adults that are able to do stairs. Not necessarily for small children but older youth and teens could enjoy. We held our family reunion at Lake Tahoe and there was a group of 10 of us and no one was disappointed.
Did I mention that views?!

My daughter in law set up tour for 7 of us. We were staying in South Lake Tahoe and it's a little less than hour in good weather and if you watch speed. Please don t be late as you go to visitor center in Incline Village and board bus. This isn't Hurst Castle but worth going to especially if you like classic wooden boats. Don't want to give away Surprise. Tour showed how SanFrancisco and Tahoe and Reno and Virginia City were linked during Gold Rush and late 1800 s and early 20 th century. Would go again if someone wanted to go . Best $40. I've spent in Nevada; I've bet $40 for less than 5 min of fun. Tour and drive to center last over two hours. Good for kids maybe over 10. Kids on tour enjoyed. Please don't take toddlers unless there are no other options . The views from house are worth the trip. Would do again.

If you like Lake Tahoe history, especially the history of boating on the lake, you will find this tour fascinating. The hidden passage ways, the spectacular view of the lake, the fascinating architecture makes this tour worth the cost. Not inexpensive, but the combination cruise and tour offered by Cruise Tahoe are worth the cost.

I highly recommend this trip. We took a charted boat to the Lodge with Action Watersports from the Hyatt. We ended up being the only people on our excursion and had a private tour. The Lodge itself is a really amazing place and the stories surrounding it are even better. And the location is absolutely beautiful - right on Lake Tahoe! The Thunderbird yacht is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. And you have to check out the Opium Den! After the Lodge, our tour guide cruised along the coast pointing out other homes of interest. You really can't beat being on the water at Lake Tahoe!

I really enjoyed visiting the Thunderbird Lodge by boat. The Tahoe is a wooden boat built in 1950. The boat holds up to 16 passengers. We left the Tahoe Keys Marina at 10 AM. The sun was shinning and the water was calm. We cruised up the eastern shore stopping for pictures of the mansions. We stopped for pictures of Cave Rock and the Lady of the Lake. We arrived at the Thunderbird Lodge at noon. The tour of the lodge took an hour. The man who built the lodge was a bigger than life character who had a pet lion named Bill. We had lunch at the site and then returned to the marina at 4 PM.

We have lived here for many years and never made a trip to the Thunderbird. We decided to finally do a tour of this lodge and did not regret it! First off...you need to make reservations ahead of time. Do not show up without them or you could be disappointed. You will also park and take a bus out of Incline Village. When we went, there was tons of construction on the road between South Lake and Incline...where we waited for 40 minutes, so keep this in mind. The bus takes you to the lodge. I don't want to give away all the stories, so just going to keep this short. Basically this rich guy lived in this lodge and lived a playboy style life. There are hidden rooms (each with a purpose) that you will get to see. There is an incredible boat you'll also see. Overall, our tour was about 2-3 hours long. Picture worthy sites, so bring your camera and use it!

We went on the tour with Action Watersports of Incline Village. It starts from the Hyatt Pier in Incline. We were greeted with coffee, fresh fruit, muffins and a very friendly "Richard"; our guide for the tour. The boat ride to the lodge was about 20 minutes. Richard pointed out the multi-million dollar homes along the shoreline, along with other historical and fun facts about the area. We docked at the Lodge's boathouse. The biggest disappointment of the entire tour was that the Thunderbird 55 foot yacht was not on the property because it was being restored. It's an amazing estate and Richard knew so much! I highly recommend this tour!

This is a must do tour if you don't mind the cost. Very interesting stories about George Whittell (and his pet lion). The Thunderbird Lodge itself is also a cool place to check out.

Loved this tour! We took a 2 hour boat ride along the shore of Lake Tahoe and got information about several of the areas and large homes. Arriving at the lodge, we took a walking tour which was full of interesting facts and antidotes about the people who built and lived there. The area is beautiful with rambling trails places among boulders and trees. Our tour included a lunch which was much better than expected with sandwiches, fruit, pasta salad and cookies. Water and soft drinks were free, beer and wine were available for sale. We got to eat outside scattered along the property and it was a perfect setting. Our captain/tour guide and his purser were friendly and informative and provided a fun and interesting day.

A unique residence by a unique man. The guides do a great job of showing the home and grounds with stories that make the visit well woth the time.

beautiful place and a great story. tour guides are great and they tell a great story about the owners.

I have been going to Tahoe since I was a boy but never knew about the Thunderbird Lodge.I had seen the boat around the lake but had no idea of it's history.
The lodge was the home of one weird piece of work.All that money and such a sad life.
Getting the tour that leaves from Zephyr Cove requires a reservation for the five hr. day on the water and land.The guide was very good but the boat was filled to MAX.capacity.
The light lunch was provided but just not enough seating on land..so we sat on the beach with the yellow jackets.Still it was a good day and very interesting.

The history of the Nevade side of Lake tahoe was interesting. It is incredible to me that one man could own so much of the Lake. Perhaps it was a good thing since it stopped most developement. The stonework and fountains were really beautiful as was the view from the property. Our guide was really well informed and did a great job of relaying the hisory of the region and George Whittell. . Be aware there are a lot of stairs and quite a bit of walking. Reservations are a must as our tour was totally booked and we were told most are especially during the summer months.

This was the most amazing, interesting, relaxing and worthwhile cruise we have ever experienced on Lake Tahoe. The day was perfect, our captain was clever, knowledgeable and professional during the entire trip. I would recommend this to everyone that is interested in the history of Lake Tahoe and this cruise is the absolute BEST way to visit the amazing Thunderbird Lodge. We will definitely repeat this trip again.

While most people think that most millionaire businessmen are only out to develop land to make more money, many would be shocked to learn that one eccentric millionaire from the 1930's is single-handedly responsible for most of the undeveloped land being the way it is today on the 27 miles of Nevada Tahoe shoreline. The place is a beautiful lakeshore retreat of this man, and administered by a non-profit foundation these days, and is totally worth a visit for its incredible views and beauty, not to mention the history of the area.

Attractions-wise, one of North Shore’s best-kept secrets, except to Lake Tahoe’s elite, local historians and the lucky schoolchildren who come here on field trips, is Thunderbird Lodge. George Whittell Jr. – millionaire, recluse, eccentric, philanderer, speed demon, lover of exotic animals – built this six-acre property on East Shore starting in 1936. He was no Sarah Winchester, but construction was certainly unusual and fairly constant until his death in 1969. Perched above a sandy beach, the main house, built of stone and by mostly local high schoolers, is an oddity like the rest of the place – a cross between Hearst Castle and Michael Jackson’s Neverland. But beyond the mansion, the Lighthouse Room, the opium den and servant’s quarters with the original kitchen, is a 600-foot-long tunnel leading to a boathouse where, when it’s not out for a spin, is arguably Whittell’s priced possession.
Any boat that can overshadow the pet elephant and lion who once trumpeted and roared on the estate, has got to be special. Thunderbird, the legendary wooden speedboat built for him in 1940, was just that. Twin 1,100-horsepower Allison engines — the same used in World War II fighter planes – power this double-planked mahogany beauty that entertained presidents and the Hollywood elite before its present-day role of serving as a floating fund-raiser for the non-profit Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.

George Whittell's mansion and lifestyle both exhibit extravagance and hedonism in this tour of Tahoe History. Our tour guide explained that he was just sticking to the facts, which left out some of the more lurid details. In researching the internet, I found stories and videos of Whittell which probably should have been included in the narrative. The "nice" spin is a disservice to history. Make sure you research more before you go on the tour.

Who new that there was an accidental conservationist, zookeeper, playboy living on the east side of Lake Tahoe in the 40's? And that he's bought all the land on the east side of the lake so he'd have no neighbors? And that land would later be sold to the state for conservation? It's very much worth a couple of hours of your time to hear the fascinating story and see the lodge George Wattell built near incline village.

Yes it's a little pricey. Yes you have to take a shuttle from incline to get there. But those detractors aside, it's definitely something every visitor to Tahoe should see.

When I was researching what to do in the Tahoe area, I didn't spot Thunderbird Lodge, it wasn't til we got there & I found it in one of the things to do freebies. We only had 2 nights in Tahoe, I tried to book online but they said they were full. So I rang first thing the next day & luckily they had availability. You need to get to Incline village visitor centre where the tour starts from and you are taken by bus to the lodge. There is no walk or drive up. you are met by a guide (or 2) who will take you around the lodge. Its not very big, but is hugely atmospheric. The views over Tahoe are just stunning. Our weather was fantastic (in June). Its reputedly haunted, but we didn't experience anything. The highlight for me was in the boathouse, as the Thunderbird speedboat was in. This is such a sight and a real wow moment when you see it.
Price wise the tour is around $38, which for what you get & the time you get there good value. There is a small gift shop selling usual gift items including some good books. You are not really allowed to wander off on your own (understandable), but you can wander anywhere around the rooms when you are in there.
The guides give you a lot of history about George Whittell & the history behind the lodge, I'm so glad that we didn't miss it. If you have the time (2.5 hours tops), do it.

Love going on this tour by boat. On a beautiful day wear a suit and take a dip in the Lodge private beach cove. Beautiful location beautifully landscaped and preserved and incredible history of Thunderbird Lodge. The most well preserved large wooden yacht from history is located here.

Stinky and skeezy the curry smell lingered in the pillows and sheets and room and carpet and and and ..ew

This was the best estate tour we took on Lake Tahoe. Helen our guide was extremely knowledgeable. I could tell she was a former elementary teacher because of her enthusiasm. Beautiful property inside and out.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The guides were quite enthusiastic about the house and told entertaining stories about the man who lived here. The only negative was that the home is now furnished with cheap pieces that are not original. The worst idea someone had was to hang a cheap tiger skin with faded pink ruffles over the balcony at the front door. There are several other cheap looking pieces that I’m sure a millionaire would be ashamed to own and display. It would be nicer to leave the rooms empty and authentic rather than to cheapen it..Tip: arrive to the visitor center early to have time to see the Bonanza memorabilia.

We had a fabulous tour of the Thunderbird Lodge on a glorious June day! It was a bonus to have been escorted by friends, Earl and Susie Burton, docents who volunteer their time on Tuesdays. After a fascinating history lesson involving the eccentric owner, George Whittell, we were escorted throughout the beautiful interior and then through a tunnel to see the 55-foot Thunderbird yacht. The grounds themselves were also spectacular. The special treat at the end of the tour was to be able to view two different models of the Thunderbird yacht on display - built entirely from scratch - by Earl Burton! NOTE: If Earl leads your tour, ask him about his model-building journey! One must make a reservation in advance. Parking is extremely limited and so tour vans transport visitors from Incline Village; tour boats leave from Zephyr Cove and the more adventuresome can sign up for a kayak tour.

This is a great fun tour of one of the historical estates in Tahoe. The tour not only takes you through the home but also the tunnels, the woodie Thunderbird boat, the separate gambling building. You can also rent out for weddings but very, very pricey. The tour is really worth your time--not something that you would do more than once though. You cannot drive there but are shuttled there.

Thunderbird Lodge is an interesting and scenic place but small and sparsely furnished compared with great houses like San Simeon or The Biltmore Estate. The story here is the amazing account of its owner, Cpt. George Whittell, a fabulously wealthy individual who was like the Bill Gates or Warren Buffett of his day, but a person, many people have never heard of. George led a completely outrageous life of leisure and decadence that is hard to believe and Thunderbird Lodge was the site of many of his escapades. You cannot drive to this location and after you see the entry road, the reason is obvious. We signed up at the chamber of commerce in Incline Village and were shuttled in on a van for $39 a head. The trip and the tour are worth every bit of it. Our guides Larry McComber and his wife were excellent. Even though they have probably done this tour hundreds of times, they make the story come alive.

Yesterday we toured the Thunderbird lodge by way a scenic boat tour (separate review) but not many People get the opportunity to see this place as it is not visible from the street. Rich in history and you get a chance to learn about George whitel

We have Mr. George Whittell to thank for the East shore of Lake Tahoe not being polluted with casinos but instead, filled with lasting beauty and preserved forever.

You should not miss this tour. Not only is the setting so gorgeous, but the house and history is so very interesting. We all need to thank our lucky stars that there are people on this earth who care about saving places such as this instead of ripping it down. To destroy a place such as this would have been a true crime. We are from across the USA, and this tour is something I will not soon forget.

Be aware that there is not so much alot of walking as there is maneuvering stone steps. It's well worth it and not hard, it just may be awkward for some.

The total lodge property is beautiful with interesting history and a terrific boat house, main lodge, and card room...to tour and see....
If you have a half day and want to take the tour it is well worth the time. It requires walking and might be difficult for disabled persons.

I would highly recommend this tour by land! You are picked up from Incline Village visitor center in a small bus. The drive to Thunderbird Lodge takes about 15 min. There is an audio tape playing on the way out there giving you some background of the property and the original owner, Capt. George Whittell. The setting is beautiful and the stories are all intriguing.
We had tried to get tickets for the tour by boat but it sells out quickly.

The Thunderbird Lodge tour was well worth the money. Amazing site with breathtaking views. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

This is a great side trip from anywhere on the Lake. We were staying in South Lake Tahoe, and, it was only a 45 minute drive with spectacular views along the way. You start at the visitors center at Incline Village, park your car and board a van to the Lodge since there is no parking at the site. It is just a short drive and there is narration along the way to educate you about Thunderbird. Once there, you are dropped off in front of the door and met by a docent to take the tour. The group size is relatively small, and, you are free to ask as many questions as you like along the way. Mr. Whittell is not your normal rich guy, but, you will not be disappointed with the lodge, tour or scenery that you can see from the shore here. It takes just about an hour and a half, and, then you are picked up at the door and taken back to your car. If you go online and think it is sold out for your date, pick up the phone and call direct. I was able to get in on the day desired, and, it was showing not available on line. Highly recommend this tour!

I never heard of this place until my conference at Lake Tahoe. Our group toured the Thunderbird lodge and we were all blown away by the visit. Far from what we expected, the lodge is a huge and elaborate property with rich history and wild tales about the owner. A maze of tunnels and historical rooms throughout. This is in addition to the spectacular view.

This home was built by George Whittell. He was a very selfish and wealthy person. He bought most of the land on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe to protect his privacy. But because of this, the Nevada side is mostly undeveloped because he limited development. The tour of the home is very informative and interesting. You must make reservations and arrive in a shuttle from the Incline Village Visitors Center.

The Thunderbird Lodge is an amazing place and an experience you don't want to miss! History is in every corner of the property! It is always amazing to me how something like this could be built in the era that it was. Amazing! The staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful! They enjoy what they do and sharing everything about this historic place. They grounds are beautiful and the volunteers that provide the care for the gardens do an exceptional job! The views of Lake Tahoe from all around the property is breath taking! You don't want to miss this exceptional experience on the Lake! The buildings and property are maintained through the preservation society! We are now members and supporters because of the historical significance of this place. After your visit you will want to support the Thunderbird Lodge too! Enjoy!

I wouldn't take small children, buy we had our 10 & 13 year olds with us and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. It is such a beautiful place, with an interesting history, and a wild story about the very eccentric rich guy that built the place. Definitely not to be missed.

I'd heard about Thunderbird Lodge for years and finally visited it. In a word, fascinating. The history, the architecture, the insights onto the eclectic owner who accidentally became an environmental visionary through is preservation of thousands of acres, all make for an enjoyable 1/2 day expedition. The docents are very informative, and happy to answer questions.

You have to take a bus ride from Incline Village, NV, but during the trip there's a historic narration which provides you with excellent background on the place. As you drive into the estate, you learn that its owner, George Whittell, was so into technology, he had an electronic security system, an exercise machine, air conditioning, and many other devices that at the time were considered revolutionary.

Once on site, you will have a chance to explore the house, walk through the strange tunnel to see the once-walled up swimming pool and the opium den, and on to the boat house where the magnificent yacht is undergoing fundraising for restoration.

My only "complaint" was that I wanted more time to explore and digest all there was to see. Because you have to catch the bus back, you are on a bit of a schedule, and that can put a bit of a restraint if you're an explorer like I am. - Author Claudia Newcorn

My friend & I happened upon this tour by accident when we went to the activity center. It was very enjoyable to hear about the history, see the architecture & enjoy the fabulous views. $39. Each seems pricy but it takes a million a year for upkeep.
It would certainly be a lovely venue for a wedding or special occasion.

For many years I caught a glimpse of the lodge from the distant highway and once by boat. Finally got to get a tour of this really interesting private historical place. The boathouse which the Thunderbird yacht is kept in is worth seeing alone but on the tour you get to see the main house, kitchen, bedrooms, servants rooms and the secret tunnel that leads from the house to the boat house. Plus the card room with its secret rear door. This place is magical as only millionaires of the 1930's could be. I think if you have the time to see it, its worth every penny.

We are so happy we found out about this place and took the time to take the tour. Great for history people, architecture buffs, and people who admire beauty. Would love to have this as our full time home.

I have been living in the Lake Tahoe area for years but never knew about the Thunderbird Lodge. Driven by the entry gate for years and always wondered about what was behind. I came across the tour at the Incline Village-Crystal Bay Visitors Center where we were bussed to the estate. That's when I finally learned what was behind the gate.

There is amazing architecture wood and stone work. The home has some surprising features including a long tunnel beneath it with a jail or opium den. You have to go on the tour and decide for yourself. There also is hidden passage form the card room and a great story about how Kings Beach became about.

The Thunderbird Lodge is an amazing place and an experience you don't want to miss!

What an interesting place to stop for a visit, we went with a tour where you get driven from the tour office in Incline as you cannot just drive there yourself. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history and of George Whitteil who owned the home, so many good stories about him and his life.
Would highly recommend doing this tour, it takes 2.5 hours and cost $45.00 per person.
However it is not for people who are disabled would be very hard to get around with a walker or wheelchair.

This was a very interesting tour. The lodge is located on a beautiful section of the east side of Lake Tahoe. Our tour guide, Earl, was great and very knowledgeable about the history of George Whittell Jr., the original owner of the lodge. You don't want to miss this tour when you come to Lake Tahoe!

We were in Lake Tahoe for a family reunion and were fortunate that a local family member booked this visit. Built by George Whittell after he withdrew all of his money from the stock market just before the crash, Thunderbird Lodge is a beautiful lakeside retreat with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. He bought virtually the entire east side of the lake protecting its natural beauty still seen today in contrast to the built up west side of the lake. It’s an amazing story.
We were able to see his amazing beautiful wood yacht and traverse the underground tunnels. Our group ranged in age from early 20s to mid 80s and all were able to navigate the tour.
Best to book tickets through and take the shuttle from Incline Visitor Center and listen to the initial tour info as you drive to the mansion. Plan ahead- lots of traffic allow extra time to get to the visitor center.

Our final venue after five days on a Mystery Tour by bus was Thunderbird Lodge, a magnificent series of stone buildings on the lake. We had to leave our tour bus and take smaller shuttle bus from a tourist info station. To handle our crowd, it took two shuttles to get us there. The Lodge is a rich man’s retreat, something like a very small scale Hearst Castle.
We were impressed by the whole show. Only problem for some of our aging visitors (yours truly included) was the walking necessary to see the whole shebang. Some of us saw a video inside the main lodge. This a worth-while side trip in the Tahoe area. Takes some planning and purchase of tickets in advance.
Oldsters beware!

There is a lot of history in Lake Tahoe and the Thunderbird Lodge is a part of the rich past. The owner was one of the original party animals. He was somewhat of a recluse and certainly odd in many ways. He inherited his money and vowed never to work and evidently, never did. He built Thunderbird Lodge as his party place. The exterior is quite interesting but the interiors are somewhat plain. The tour of the property is interesting and colorful but the highlight is the the opportunity to see the vintage yacht in all it's original glory. The man loved his toys!

I had the privilege to spend New Years weekend 2001 at the Thunderbird Lodge. Of course the property at this time wasn't open to visitors or tours but my girlfriend and I were invited by the curator of the lodge. The beauty and history kept me fascinated of the marvels George Whittel constructed. From the interior to the lagoon I and tunnels leading to boathouse I felt fortunate to experience this landmark.
Ok the "scary" part....I was forewarned about the ghost and or hauntings affirmed from past accounts of stories.. while sleeping in George's bedroom I was never so scared as the presence of something or somebody perhaps George himself. I got up and ran out down the dark corridor screaming like a baby waking everybody.
Along with the several incidents of slamming doors with no person in the vicinity I became a true believer of the paranormal.
I think George Whittel was doing his best to convey to get the @#%! out of my bed and my house.
True Story.
Dominic Vanni

This is an excellent tour. We had no idea that this place existed and would encourage everyone to take this tour. The history is facinating and the views spectacular.

We had an excellent guide, Larry, who took us through the tour of the house and outside areas for 2 hours. You have to park at the tourist office, then wait for a shuttle bus that takes you on a 20-minute ride to get to the house. You get a little tour description and narration while on the bus.
The house is spectacular and we learned so much. It was worth the money.

Amazing historic estate. Highly recommend the tour boat to the Lodge. Great ride along the eastern shore and the captain provides a history lesson and stories of famous houses. The Thunderbird Lodge and the stories of George Whitell are fascinating. I would do it again. Two days later and we are still talking about it! We did see the Thunderbird yacht in the boathouse. FAR exceeded expectations. Thank you Captain Stacy and Zach for a great experience

Guides are excellent. Admission cost is $39 pp from incline visitor center , tickets are bought through them and then you take the shuttle for a ten minute ride with narration.You can also get there by boat, or kayak ,on an escorted tour. Admission money goes to the restoration and upkeep and it is worth it. All tours must be escorted.

Thunderbird Lodge was built by George Whittell in 1935, a playboy who inherited the money both his maternal and paternal grandparents made during the California gold rush in the 1840's, about $50 million ( today about $50 billion ). (Fortuitously, In 1929, George pulled $50 million out of the stock market about a week before the crash. ) His grandparents owned most of San Francisco.

George bought up 40,000 acres on the east shore of Lake Tahoe , from where the Cal Neva casino is ( California-Nevada border) to Zephyr Cove on the south shore. He wanted to preserve the lake's pristine beauty without construction, but eventually through eminent domain, he was forced to sell at a fraction of its worth, the property that is now Sand Harbor. In 1960, he sold Incline Village for $5million cash ( which he carted up his elevator in Thunderbird Lodge.)
George believed in the 4 G'S : gambling, girls, gadgets, and good times. Thunderbird means strength and power and both the home, which was used only in summer, and his 55 foot speedboat, made of mahogany and stainless steel, were named that. His boat originally had 2 - 500hp motors , but in the 1940's, they were replaced with 2 -1100 hp airplane engines, that gets 4 gallons to the mile. During WW II, he hid the boat in his inside boat dock, fearing the US government would seize it and use it for its speed.
As we always say, when you're rich, you are eccentric and when you're poor, you are crazy.
The house is not elaborate, but the property and views are spectacular. It is now owned by the state and parks department.
The house is made of stone, built by Native American high school students, and consists of a few bedrooms, really modern bathrooms, the first Carrier air conditioning, alarms, tunnels with secret passageways ( tunnel is 600 feet long - the size of 2 football fields ),private balcony where he could sunbathe in the nude or shoot at trespassers, private beach and waterfalls, a card house ( for gambling ), light house,a series of multi colored lights, so he could signal the casino across the lake for gambling, girls, etc., opium den, and of course the requisite animals, like a lion, named Bill and an elephant. Often, he would take Bill into San Francisco bars and restaurants, paying the proprietor off to allow him in with the lion. He also had a 2 way mirror in the front door, so he could see you, but you could not see him. He once shooed Ronald Reagan away, slamming the door in his face, because he was not invited. This was way before he became president,
He was married three times. The first time, his parents wanted to arrange a marriage for him, and he ran off with a chorus girl, and pretty much did the same thing, the second time. His parents cut him off financially, so that marriage ended quickly. They must have reinstated him, because the third time, he picked a French woman who was higher class and built Thunderbird lodge.
This place is a well preserved piece of Tahoe history and is a must see. Tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

This was a hidden gem for us. We saw this lodge for the first time from the lake. We were sailing on the lake with Captain John's Sailing Adventures. It was such a sight that the whole family agreed that we wanted to see it first hand. The history of the lodge and the man who built was fascinating. We docent was informative and humorous. The secret tunnel and boat house were great fun. Well worth the time and price of admission. To book this tour you have to have reservations which can be booked on line, Thunderbirdlodge.org. You drive to Incline Village and are bused to the lodge. You are not permitted to drive your own car there. It is a relatively short trip along magnificent shore line. We have been going to Lake Tahoe for years and had missed this sight. We throughly enjoyed experience.

I have spoken to many people who regularly visit Tahoe, yet not many knew about this place. Thunderbird Lodge is a historic site which will WOW you. Read some more about it before you go. You have to book your tour in Incline Visitor Center in advance.

The views are spectacular and the place interesting. Rally enjoyed the tunnel and seeing the multimillion dollar yacht. Now I understand why the eastern shoreline is so unspoiled compared to the rest. Definitely worth the admission.

This event is a bit pricey but totally worth it!! This property is part of the History if North Lake Tahoe. NOt too mention the gronds are beautifull We were there on a rainy cloudy day and when the sun shoned through it was beautiful.. Righ on the lake. The Thunderbird boat was in repair when we vistied so we did not get to see it. The guide was very well informed.

Wow, we took the boat ride over to the lodge for this tour and it was wonderful approaching the lodge and seeing the skull cave. This is an amazing piece of history with its underground cave system and history of the "wild" animals on the island, including bill the pet lion, the dungeon and the historic card games with the Big Five. Find the time to take this tour. The thunderbird boat was my favorite as it is a true work of art.

We found this in the AAA tour book. After our tour, I agree with the book-- this is a gem. Reservations are required. This time of year, there are just two tours offered on specific days. Participants meet at the visitor's center in Incline and are transported by shuttle bus to the historic site. The tour is well done and begins with recorded information while on the bus. The site is beautiful and the buildings remarkable. The Thunderbird yacht which is stored in the boat house is beautiful.
Because of the tour, we have a better understanding of the area's history.
Participants need to be able to negotiate many stairs and uneven walking surfaces.
Allow 2 hours. Children under 6 are not allowed.
The price of 38 seems high, but is definitely worth it.

The Lodge was built by George Whittel Jr. in the 1930's. His estimated worth at the time converted into today's value was in the ten's of billion's. At one time he owned approximately 27 miles of shoreline from the Cal-Neva Club to Zephyr Cove.
The location and grounds of the lodge are magnificent. The lodge itself comes with tunnels and a boat house for his 55' long yacht, and is beautifully constructed with attention toward blending with its surroundings. For myself a high point was that it wasn't enormous or abstentious but still obviously represented tremendous wealth.
Definitely worth seeing.

Very interesting piece of Tahoe history is revealed on this tour. We have lived an hour and a half from Lake Tahoe for 40 years and had never heard of eccentric playboy George Whittell and his fascinating estate, the Thunderbird Lodge, quite close to Sand Harbor. He inadvertently saved much of the eastern shore of the Lake from development. The 1930s stone lodge that he built is truly beautiful and in a stunning location overlooking the lake. George was beyond wealthy and poured plenty of money into this small but appealing retreat. His 36-foot wooden boat is a major attraction here! Also the 600-foot tunnel to reach it, and all of George's security precautions.The docent offered great stories about George's pet lion and elephant, illicit card games in the separate card room, etc. I want to live here! Kudos to the local preservation society that works so hard to maintain the place for tours and special events. You can only access it via the special bus from the Incline Village Visitor Bureau. Highly recommend. Disclaimer: probably not for young children; I think they would be bored.

Cancelled at the last minute... I made a $278 pre-paid reservation well in advance to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday. Received a call two days prior stating they might be cancelling Thursday's cruise and we could go Friday. Called and left a message we couldn't go Friday.

We didn't even get a call back to confirm the cancellation. Received an email refund from PayPal. So much for our birthday celebration.

We took a fantastic tour that began at the Incline Village Visitor Center. We got on a bus with a great driver, a lady from Austalia named Roz, who put on a cd that primed us for our visit to the lodge, a ten minute ride along the lake.

We drove through the front gate and down a long road through sugar pines and giant boulders, down to the lodge. Stunning! Amazing architecture, surrounded by nature, right on the lake. We were met by our tour guide, a volunteer named Larry, and led into a modern addition to the lodge that serves as a meeting hall, with an amazing view of the lake. Larry gave us the historic background of the lodge and it's builder, George Whittell Jr. which blew our minds!

We then toured the house, grounds, and saw George's famous boat. We went through secret tunnels and heard tales of George's life that made some people blush and giggle. The whole tour was amazing, an insight into this man's life and how he influenced Lake Tahoe...he owned the Nevada side of the lake and it is wilder, less developed, because he wanted it that way. More trees and wildlife thanks to a millionaire playboy!

Fascinating! Our guide Larry was amazing, he would time his tour and get us to a spot where he would tell specific tales, and we all were entralled by the whole experience. The Lodge is maintained by a non profit, and your tickets fund it. This was a highlight of our Tahoe experience!

George Wittel, a wealth San Francisco heir (value $49 billion in today's dollars) bought up 45,000 acres and 27 miles of shore line on east side of Lake Tahoe. Kept if from honky tonk for a long time. This tour of his "camp" on a fabulous bay on the lake preserves the time -- and tells the story of the Lake. His wooden boat is worth the trip alone. They preservation society was offered $10 million for it). It was later owned by Bill Harrah of hotel fame.

Lovely two hour tour that you start at the visitors center with a bus to the location. Excellent information and very knowledgeable and pleasant tour docents. Highly recommend for all but children and people who cannot climb stairs.

Took the Tahoe Boat from Zephyr Cove to the Thunderbird Lodge. Got to see many huge homes on the lake. Captain and crew was wonderful and told us about all the history of the lake.

Got to see this wonderful home and grounds. Amazing place and build. Nice lunch on the grounds and plenty of time to walk around and take pictures.

Underground tunnel is amazing and the story of owner of the home equally great.

Well worth the price to take the trip.

This was the highlight of our recent trip to Nevada. It was an incredibly interesting peek into a lifestyle that the vast majority of us could not experience. Fabulous views and really wonderful docents added so much to the tour.

Buy the tickets on-line, a bit pricey but all the money is used to run the estate and tours. All of the employees leading the tours are volunteers. You park at the visitors center and then a bus takes you to the property. We learned a lot about the history of the area and the original owner. The lodge is small but the estate is large and there is plenty to see and hear. The tour guides were awesome and knowledgeable. Beautiful views, secret rooms and underground tunnels. The tour is not for young children. The only reason that I did not give it five stars was because of the price. The tour takes a couple of hours including ride over(they play a tape on the way over giving background of George Whittel-a very eccentric man) Not a lot of walking but wear comfortable shoes-standing and walking on uneven ground and through tunnels.

The tour guides were very knowledgable and the grounds were lovely. A very nice tour of an eccentrics home and lifestyle.

The boat tour to Thunderbird Lodge is a superb way to view beautiful Lake Tahoe while absorbing a piece of its colorful history. Book it in advance and board the boat "Tahoe" at Zephyr Cove Marina. While you enjoy coffee and pastry on your cruise to Thunderbird, the captain will point out stunning contemporary homes along the lake and regale you with historical tidbits. Captain Dave was an expert who also guided us smoothly through Thunderbird Lodge, the lovingly preserved summer home of eccentric millionaire George Whittel, Jr . After a fascinating tour you will enjoy a tasty lunch by the shore and cruising back to Zephyr Cove.

If you only have time for one tour in Tahoe, make it this one.

Built by George Whitteil. a very rich man. Visit the site of the Thunderbird lodge and enjoy the bizarre history of the Thunderbird. An amazing stone home built with secret passages, for notorious actions, and poker games. Very well maintained and assessable. I suggest you read about George, he owned half of Tahoe at one time, but lost most of it playing poker. A true Nevada character, well worth the visit. Ask to see the Thunderbird Boat, powered by Allison engines stored in its own boat house. Look for the elephant cage, lion cage and other zoo like facilities. Rather sad, but part of the history of Tahoe. Walk the grounds and enjoy the location and views of Tahoe. Well worth your time.

The ride to the lodge is informative, the visit is a window into the 30s, 40s and 50s, lunch OK but just ham or turkey sandwiches - so speak up if you are a vegetarian, nice ride back

Not only is it stunningly beautiful, it is an important part of Lake Tahoe history. Thankfully, it was saved from demolition and we all are able to enjoy the only undeveloped area of this beautiful lake.

If you get a chance to visit Thunderbird Lodge do make time for a stop. Restored by a group of people who obviously care for the place and the history. Thanks to the original owner much of the Lake Tahoe shoreline remains pristine and free of development. The house and stonework are beautiful and the history fascinating. The yacht was not there when we toured but the models were pretty impressive.

Fabulous historic estate. Amazing rock work and landscaping. You also get to see the famous yacht. You get your money worth, the tour is over an hour. Educational and entertaining.

The unusual homestead and the eccentric history are worth the price of admission (about $39/person for adults). The voluntary docents may not be totally keen on all the history, but the stories are entertaining. The property, on the Lake Tahoe shoreline, is truly stunning. The famous Thunderbird boat is in the boathouse. You'll love the stories about the tunnel, the elephant house and the lion security system!

Wonderful tour. Worth the price. The home is interesting, the boat amazing. It is also a wonderful vantage point from that side of the lake, which you do not often find. Very informative docents. Tour is about 2 hours. Go see this as fast as you can!

We took the tour in early July, and found it very interesting. The Lodge sits on the east side of Lake Tahoe, just south of Sand Harbor, but you cannot access the lodge on your own -- there is a locked gate. The only way to tour the lodge is by taking a shuttle bus from the Incline Village / Crystal Bay Visitor's Center. (Call [--] for reservations, which are required.)

The handsome stone estate, built between 1935 and 1940, is known for its craftsmanship, beauty and the idiosyncrasies of its original owner, George Whittell, who cut secret tunnels through the site's solid granite. A very unique property to tour.

The Thunderbird Lodge is a great day trip. You can reach it by boat which is the best way to view that side of the lake and the lodge. The tour brings you back to that era. A catered lunch is also provided and you are able to eat by the lake.

We were told by a friend to come visit the Thunderbird Lodge. We booked a tour for two over the phone, and though a price of $39 per adult does seem high, the many photos, scenic points, and fascinating information make up for the price.

When you book a tour for the public land tour, it says come to the Incline Village-Crystal Bay Visitor's Center, which is located on State Route 28. From the visitor's center, you take a ten- to fifteen-minute shuttle to the Thunderbird Lodge.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by two friendly tour guides, Earl and Susie Burton, who led us inside the mansion and began to share some background information about George Whittell, the owner of the mansion. George Whittell ("Wit-ell") inherited more than 20 million from his parents and was a shrewd investor. Just days before the Stock Market crashed, he withdrew his money. Whittell built the Thunderbird Lodge for him and his wife. Whittell, at one time, owned 40,000 acres of land, from Crystal Bay to Zephyr Cove, NV. He owned about 27 miles of shoreline. While Whittell liked to play cards with Ty Cobb, he did not like overnight visitors. In fact, with 40,000 acres to build property on, Whittell never built a guest room.

Along the tour, you will walk through a narrow tunnel and climb some steep steps. We walked through the downstairs of the building, looking at the servant's bedrooms, bathroom, and laundry room. To connect us from the mansion to Whittell's 55-foot-long Thunderbird Yacht, we walked through an underground tunnel, which was 600 feet long. We also walked outside and saw Whittell's picturesque and marvelous view, as well as his private lagoon. "Private" meant sirens would go off if any stranger came near by water, and an alarm system would ring if anyone approached by land.

At the end of the tour, you are led into a small museum, which was added by a later owner as a master bedroom suite. Thankfully, the later owner's additions didn't impact the original footprint of Whittell's amazing design.

Earl and Susie Burton, our tour guides, were great. They were informative, helpful, and kept the pace going. We wished we could go upstairs and peek at the bedrooms, but other than that we had an excellent and amazing time at the Thunderbird Lodge.

Make sure to bring a camera on your tour--there are many picture-perfect stopping points. This attraction is definitely something you have to go to if you're in the Lake Tahoe area. It's just fabulous!

Great tour! The tour guides informative, interesting and the lunch spread was fabulous!

This was such an interesting tour! We went with a group of 5 adults and we all really enjoyed it. Our tour guide, Carol, was fantastic. She was so animated and funny. She truly made this tour so enjoyable. The views from the Thunderbird Lodge are spectacular and the history behind it is fascinating.

I never knew this place existed until a co=worker told me about it and suggested the tour so I booked it when I was there last week. It was a great tour and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it. You must purchase a tour ticket as there are no self guided tours, they are all led by volunteers of the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society. It is a lot of walking and there are stairs involved but the views of the lake from the lodge and the property are worth it. The guides will give you the history behind the man who had it built, George Whitell Jr and his family which is quite interesting. The boat house at the lodge also is home to a beautiful 55 foot yacht made from wood and runs on 2 jet size engines (it is currently undergoing work on the engine but you do get to see it). Put it on your to do list next time you are in Lake Tahoe.

I have traveled a lot of the world, and most of what I see is pretty similar to something I've seen before. But this was truly a unique experience. This house is like no others. A unique house for a Corky billionaire good no one ever heard of because he wanted to be a recluse. I know there is a lot to see in the Lake Tahoe area, but you will be missing something special if you skip this attraction.

Went with some friends. You take a bus from Incline since there is no parking for the tour at the lodge. They play an informative audio both to and back.

We started in the newer part of the lodge with a brief history and then the tour started. Since they have functions here you can go most anywhere within the lodge. Not like some tours where you can't touch things, walk only on a certain path etc.

The lodge is spread out so there is a lot of walking and steps. You walk through a 600' tunnel to the boathouse where you get to see the 50' Thunderbird yacht.

This is really a basic lodge and there is not a lot of opulence like Hearst Castle. But it is a neat thing to do if you have some time in Tahoe.

Overall the tour was informative and we enjoyed it

We really enjoyed this tour in early August 2019. We've been on a number of cruise ship and other paid land tours which cost a lot more and were not as interesting. This tour is not about spectacular architecture, though the lodge is well appointed and has very interesting features, but more about the somewhat quirky character of wealthy George Whitteil and how he used his wealth, many examples being expressed in the lodge.. Our older tour guide was well versed and amusing. A glass of decent wine was served at the beginning of the tour and ended with generous individual platters of cheese,salami, crackers, grapes and nuts along with more wine, which we consumed on a terrace overlooking the lake. Very nice! Staff was exceptional! Shuttle transportation to the lodge was include in the tour price.

Used to wonder why the California side of Tahoe is so developed and Nevada side is not. Go for the tour to understand why.... All the work of one man "accidental conservationist" . Great place to tour the summer lodge of the eccentric man. Good tour with great stories by the guide and obviously a breathtaking location overlooking the lake.

We took the tour by way of a boat ride on the Tahoe from Zephyr Cove. The Tahoe is a beautiful boat built in the 1950's and had been sunk and brought back up and refurbished. The ride takes two hours but it did not seen like it, the captain stops and tells you about the area and the houses along the way. When you get to the house they dock and take you up to the house through the boat house, and WOW the boat inside is unbelievable! The tour through the house is very interesting but the the man (Whittell) behind the house was the most interesting part of the tour. The grounds are just beautiful and very well maintained, and the tour guide was very informative.

The tour by boat of the Thunderbird Lodge; of all the things I did on a week-long stay in South Shore, was the highlight of my trip! The old George Wittell, Jr; place on the lake is an amazing showcase of the wealthy American Bourgeois circa 1920's/30's w/ connections to contemporary cognoscenti and eccentric. It is a relic of a by-gone period where it seems everything in the lodge was left as is from the last it was inhabited.
Nonetheless, you can't just pop by and see this place, you need to go via a guided, group tour. That in itself makes it intriguing!
The near 6 hour tour by boat I took from the South Lake Tahoe Keys, was fun, enjoyable, interesting, historic, social, and all against the beautiful backdrop of stunning Lake Tahoe!
While the food/meal portions of this tour could be improved upon, it was definitely adequate and should not at all be the deciding factor because there are so many other worthwhile parts to the tour.
There is no doubt that my high opinion of the 5-6 hour tour of the Thunderbird Lodge Lodge by boat was largely due to the Captain, Chris and Steward, Vick; their connection, years working together, exuberance, concern for the 17 of us on board, and their extensive knowledge of Lake Tahoe.... and the entertainment factor too... that made going to the Thunderbird Lodge by boat a worthwhile and valuable tour to take.

continental breakfast was cool/nice.

We recently visited the lodge and enjoyed the tour immensely. Learned a lot about the family and the grounds. It was really too bad that the boat wasn't there. Would have been nice to have seen it! Meeting at the visitor center was good and taking the shuttle was so convenient as there is no public parking at the lodge. It has a secured gate. In the tour guide lines it had mentioned wearing comfortable shoes. Wear what ever you feel like wearing. I now, wish I had worn my sandals. The weather was gorgeous, comfortable. Didn't need a light jacket or hoodie. Our tour guide was Larry's wife. She's a cute lady! We did meet Larry as well. Nice guy! Our family enjoyed the tour.

We visited the Thunderbird Lodge and were really impressed form the start to finish. The shuttle driver was very nice. When we arrived to the Lodge the friendly volunteer staff were there to greet us and take us on a wonderful tour. This is a bit pricey but definitely worth every penny. This is about 2 hours from start to finish. This is absolutely a must do!!!

If you are into the history of Lake Tahoe and want to see how the rich and famous lived in times gone by don't miss this tour. Its not cheap $39pp but I thought worth it. Book in advance. Very entertaining guides and it would be worth it just to see the Thunderbird Yacht!

Both my husband and I enjoyed this walking tour of the house and grounds. Luckily our guide had quite an unusual history with this place having visited the original owners as a child. Quite elderly now so the value of first person stories gave a nice quality to this stop. Rabies of course is lovely and the views from here are breathtaking.

Walking the grounds and viewing the splendor of the Thunderbird Lodge and compound was a delight! It was built in the late 30's and early 40's as a summer home for George Whittell, Jr; a man who inherited all his wealth and promised the world, he would never to work a day in his life! The property is on five or six acres of shore front land on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Whittell also owned almost 40,000 acres of the Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe, and planned to develop it, but decided that he "liked not having neighbors." Regardless of the reason, it's wonderful that the land was never developed, because in the hands of the Forestry Department, it will likely remain as is.

This estate is more about the history of the west than you might think. And yet the buildings are beautifully maintained and restored to their original opulence! The style of architecture is hard to define. But it is clear that he wanted the buildings to blend in well with the surroundings; hence, they are made of stone and the roof lines point upwards like pine trees reaching for the sky. The stone hideaway features a six-hundred-foot tunnel connecting the mansion with the boathouse where Whittell berthed his fifty-five-foot mahogany yacht, Thunderbird.

Apparently, George was a playboy long before anyone ever coined the term and his lifestyle proved it. In the end he became a very suspicious recluse. And you get a chance to witness it all on this tour. I would probably have rated this attraction a "Five", but the entrance fee seemed a bit pricey!

This house is very unique - something you only see on documentaries or those "most beautiful houses of America" shows.
Right on the water, house has great design and hidden spots, cute garden and great view. Tours are limited to small groups, so it's not too crowded.
Not open in the winter, so you're limited on what time of year you visit.

We've been to Tahoe dozens of times, but we hadn't done this tour until our recent trip, when we decided to some touristy things. The house and grounds are very cool to explore, and the history of the owner and the area were really interesting. The tour price is a bit steep, which is the only reason I didn't give it a 5.0 rating, but we'd still recommend it to others.

Started in 1936, during the Great Depression,"Castle In the Sky" used local labor & incredible artisans, and at one time encompassed 40,000 acres & 20 miles of Tahoe's shoreline. Over the decades, the history of Thunderbird Lodge played an integral part in the development of the current East & North areas of Lake Tahoe. Visitors share an intimate look at Geo. Whitell's life of luxury from a "bygone era" filled with his interests in architecture, a private Zoo, mystery of underground tunnels, gaming w/celebrities and enjoyment of water sports on the Lake (Thunderbird Yacht).
Open May - October, RSVPs & walking shoes (many stairs) are a must and water bottle helpful. Sadly, don't recommend the tour for young children.

This was a fascinating tour and beautiful property. One of a kind. Two hour tour. Call ahead for schedule. You can tour by land or boat. Boat tours are fewer daily, early and weather permitting.

I knew nothing about this lodge and who lived there. I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed the tour. We had a great shuttle bus driver (I think she is from Australia) great sense of humor. The lodge was built in the 1930's by Whittel Jr. He led a very fascinating life and also a very quiet life. He was married to his second wife for 50 years but she rarely visited this lodge. The also had a place in Woodside CA. The last tour for this year is, I believe, October 21st. If you don't make it this year, try for next I think you will enjoy it. Everyone on our tour did.

I live in Incline Village and always take visitors here. Last week my daughter in law, granddaughter and I did the tour, probably my 4th time. Each time I visit I learn something new! The history of George Wittel his lifestyle, love of Lake Tahoe and protecting development is fascinating and entertaining.

The lodge and grounds are beautiful jutting out into the lake. There is no place like it especially on a Lake Tahoe "blue" day. Besides the Shakespeare Theater on Sand Harbor this should not be missed!

The Tunderbird Lodge has a Magnificat setting on the shore of Lake Tahoe. The tour is well worth taking to see how the wealthy live back in the Late 1929 era. We were lucky to see the Thunderbird boat which is not there all the time. Crystal clear water surrounds the lodge looking forward to seeing it again.

Really interesting and fun little tour, filled with quirky facts about the developer. The docent was very knowledgeable and seemed to really love the place. The grounds are spectacular - it must be the most beautiful spot in Lake Tahoe. We did not go on the beautiful yacht - something to do next time!

Our cruise departed from Round Hill. Stacy was the captain of the boat and was friendly and knowledgeable. The total time was about 5 hours. The boat is smaller than the large paddle wheeler ones on Tahoe, so if you tend to get sea sick, that some Meclizine (ingredient in Dramimine II).

The size of the boat is really an advantage, since only about 18 people, the group is intimate.
The house if fascinating and beautiful. A picnic style lunch is served at the house, and you eat with a view only millionaires usually enjoy. The cruise to and from it, are relaxing. I highly recommend it.

We really enjoyed our tour of Thunderbird Lodge. Our tour guide was so nice and knowledgeable and the house is so beautiful and interesting. Well worth your time!

We started the tour at the Incline Village-Crystal Bay Visitors Center and were bussed to the estate. Our docent's, Larry and Diane, were very nice and extremely knowledgable. The home has some surprising features including a long and very cold tunnel beneath it. The man who had the property built was obviously very eccentric and lead a very interesting life - some amusing stories told by our docents. The gardens and stonework features are beautiful. Unfortunately Thunderbird Yacht was away for maintenance when we toured.

Tour and site are interesting but the tour was far too long. An hour and a half plus the time on the shuttle to and fro is just too much. We felt that the docent went on and on with details about the man that built the home in a very lecturing manner instead of an engaging manner. Overall we were just board with this site and tour guide.

The lodge is pretty amazing! All the money and ingenuity that went into this place is astonishing. There is an amazing 600ft underground tunnel that brings you to the huge boat house to see a ridiculously lavish yacht. Then you walk up the stairs to an amazing view of the Lake, a nice card house, and around to a 4 story fountain. Just amazing! I rated the lodge a 4 because the tour guide wasn't great. After reading previous reviews I expected to hear many crazy stories about the owner, but we really didn't hear many. So that was a little disappointing. Otherwise, the tour was great! Definitely something worth doing while in the Tahoe area.

If you like to visit the second home of an eccentric character, this is the place. The history of this place is amazing. This was a second visit and I learned much more this time. Also the Thunderbird yacht was there this time which was really worth seeing. You are delivered there by a small bus from the information center in Incline Village. (it's not far) The views and scenery are spectacular. It is not a grand mansion but has all kinds of interesting buildings, among them an elephant garage, an opium den and a 600 foot long tunnel leading to the boat house. If you are claustrophobic they will take you on the outside to the boathouse. There were some people on our tour who took the option. Together with Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay these are two great places to visit while visiting Lake Tahoe.

Our tour included transportation by boat from Incline Village and back. The boat tour is run by Action Watersports of Incline Village. I was a little concerned about booking with them, since their website didn't give much information, but we were so glad we went on there tour. The boat is small, so the tour group size is limited to about 10 people. We had the same guide both on the boat and at the Lodge. Having a small group was fantastic, since we could see and hear better than in a large group. The lodge is fascinating. The boat tour was also very enjoyable. Including both the boat ride and the lodge tour the entire tour lasted three hours.

It took my wifw and I about 30 years to finally visit here and I'd tell anyone to go there.Sooo unique --sooo much history of the property and Nevada History. Make some time and go with your camera.

I read about this house online before we traveled to Tahoe in mid-September. Tours are only available by reservation so you must call ahead. Calling the 800 number I was told there was room left for the "12:30" tour and that the lodge was located about 20 minutes from our hotel. Tickets were $39 per person. It was explained that the driveway to the house was easy to miss, that it was on the right side of the road if you were traveling north from Stateline on Route 28, 5.2 miles from the juncture with Route 50. The drive would be marked by a white flag with a thunderbird logo on it. We were told to pull up the driveway and park by the gatehouse and that someone would show up no later than 12:45 to open the gate for us and let us in. I was cautioned by the woman on the phone NOT to be late or the tour would start without us. We found the drive without any trouble, but take note you can't see the thunderbird flag from the road at all, there are NO signs. You don't really know if you're in the right place until after you've already turned into the drive. Our docents arrived on time, opened the gate, and we followed them by car down to the house which sits directly on the Tahoe shore. I mention all of this because there was a big mixup with our tour and most of our group either got lost or showed up quite late. The house is definitely worth a visit and the docents (a very pleasant retired couple who had lived in Tahoe for 30 years) were full of interesting information about it, George Whittell and the surrounding area. I thought the exterior of the house, along with the grounds were much nicer than the interior, but the 600 foot underground tunnel which runs from the main house to the boat house is REALLY cool along with the opium den, card house, and boat house. A very ugly addition, which was built in the '80s houses the gift shop and a lecture hall. All in all, though, we loved it. Take note, there are a lot of stairs and narrow walk ways on this tour.