"All things have a beginning ... this is ours."

Construction of the Whitewater Lodge began in 1946 and was completed in 1948 when it opened for business.

In the beginning, the Whitewater Lodge consisted of several institutions including the Wagonwheel Lodge, the Moundhouse where all meals were served, cottages on Apache Ridge, and roomettes in Petticoat Lodge. The Frontier Trading Post offered a place for "small talk" and daily necessities from cokes to "levis." Young and old could ride a miniature train. The Lodge playground was completely fenced and had several fun activities including a swing set and merry-go-round. If recreation was what you were after, the Whitewater Lodge offered tennis, swimming, croquet, hiking, riding, exploring, cards, dancing, rodeos, or you could actually ride the Round-up of a 70,000 acre working cattle ranch located 27 miles north of the Lodge.

Guests to the Whitewater Lodge back in earlier days could drive the old Hwy 260, which was completely paved except for 14 miles of excellent gravel, or they could travel by train to Deming, NM (on the main lines of the Southern Pacific and Rock Island) or to Holbrook, AZ (on the main lines of the Santa Fe). Whitewater Lodge also used to have an approved landing strip which ran north to south on Whitewater Mesa in Alma for private or chartered planes.

Through the years, the Whitewater Lodge has seen several changes and several families. We are proud to announce it has been in the Sutton family since 1984, the longest run to-date! We have preserved several items from the original establishment including furniture from 1948 made of White Oak, some handcarved, and the primary brass fittings from the showers!

The Whitewater Lodge is rich in history as are the surrounding structures and region that make up Glenwood. It has always been a great place for rest and relaxation...a place to get away from it all and back to basics.

Note: Information on this page is not current.
Pictures were taken in 1948.