Lake McDonald Lodge, like many buildings in the park, has a rustic architectural style. Built during the winter of 1913-14 with locally available materials, it has a rustic exterior of native stone and western cedar that blends with the natural setting. Construction materials not found locally were hauled to the site by boat. Because no roads were built to the lodge until 1921, its “front” faces the lakeshore to greet guests who arrived by boat.