LodgePole Grill aka Phillips Lodge
We are now open everyday except Wednesday. Hours are 8am to 8pm. Party of 6 and over please call us at 208-558-9379 for reservations or more info. Facebook has current posting as well.
Take a virtual tour of the Lodgepole Grill located inside
Phillips Lodge by clicking the image below |
Historic Phillips Lodge
The land upon which Phillips Lodge stands today was originally part of the homesteaded Uden Ranch in the late 1800's, and was subsequently owned by Sam Trude as part of the Elk Creek Ranch. With the tragic loss of the original Pond's Lodge by fire in 1935 and construction of the Island Park Dam in full swing, Sam Trude and Joe Cannon build the "Happy Joe Club" to accommodate the recreational needs of the various residents and workers. At completion Harry A. Phillips, a former game warden, and Otis "Ott" Harris, of Ashton, were hired to manage the Club. In 1938 Harry and Ott purchased the club and named it "Lodgepole Inn". Then, in 1941 Harry and Estelle Phillips bought the lodge and named it "Phillips Lodge". During WWII this area turned into a fisherman's paradise and Harry was known to take people fishing out on the reservoir in his Chris-Craft boat. At this point in time the old highway ran right in front of the lodge, bringing travelers and locals to the front door. With a reputation for good food and a lot of spunk, the Phillips' hosted many a shin-dig. In November of 1948 fate played its card and the original lodge, like so many in the area, was destroyed by fire. Returning that next spring, Harry and Estelle (with the willing hands of the community), held an old-fashioned barn raising. One month later, on June 3rd 1949, they opened the doors. Estelle's daughter Dorothy and her husband Glen MacKay joined the family business in April of 1950. Late that summer on Labor Day, the highway was moved to its present course leaving the lodge "high and dry". In 1953, to sway guests off the highway, Glen introduced his famous deep pit BBQ served every Saturday night, the same tradition which continues today with our Prime Rib served every Friday and Saturday night. After Harry passed away, Estelle, Dorothy, and Glen MacKay continued running the business. A final construction push in 1959 brought the Lodge to its present configuration. Over the years Phillips Lodge maintained a reputation of a "dance till dawn" atmosphere. Look at the floor by the fireplace and you might see some of grandpa's spur marks and grandma's heel scuffs. Imagine them dancing the night away to the sounds of live bands and later the "new" jukebox. In 1997, Rick and Sheila Egan purchased Phillips Lodge and the surrounding property from a local businessman, who had previously acquired it from the MacKay's. Thus was born The Pines at Island Park, fast becoming the area's finest cabin resort. Then the Lodgepole Grill, named after the "Lodgepole Inn", was designed to replace the old bar. Since then we have been hard at work focused on creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether it was the luxurious lodging and private hot tubs, serene surroundings, or fabulous food that brought you in, we're glad you're here. Come continue the tradition and create your own vacation memories at Historic Phillips Lodge and The Pines at Island Park. Thank you - The Egan family, Employees, and Homeowners |