The Old Shell Lodge (Shell Store) and Surrounding Park
The Shell Lodge was built in 1896 by two English pioneers on their way to claim their fortune in the California gold rush after serving for the English Army in India. They contracted Swiss masons to build this first, and nearly only, local building made out of locally mined river sandstone. The original owners sold the store in 1926, because people had begun to buy automobiles and were able to travel and shop in nearby Greybull. The Shell Store was kept open as mercantile store until 2005.
In 2006, a Belgian family who also manages the nearby The Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch one of the top upscale riding guest ranches in North America, purchased the Shell Lodge and surrounding property. Over the years leading up to the 2006 purchase, the lodge and property had become dilapidated and was beginning to fall apart. The surrounding park had begun to resemble a junkyard due to the collection of old cars and fallen buildings it had accumulated over time.
Since 2006 the lodge has undergone a full restoration from the ground up, reaching a tasteful compromise between maintaining the historical integrity of the building and implementing modern amenities. The wooden side building was lifted up and the basement was fully excavated, finishing the process off with the building being lowered onto the new foundation. The Old Shell Lodge was studded underneath; the century-old beams were lifted, new concrete footing was poured and the foundations were leveled, finishing the process with the beams and building being lowered back into place.
A new roof, heavy-duty insulation, new commercial electric wiring, new plumbing and a state-of-the-art commercial and environmentally friendly septic system was installed. Vintage windows recovered from the historic Trapper Creek Lodge were installed at the Old Shell Lodge, adding authentic charm to the property. A brand new hardwood ash floor, imported from Wisconsin, covers the entirety of the lodge’s interior.
All work as done by local contractors under the guidance of Marco and Ever Chavez, the maintenance managers of The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch and The Trapper Creek Lodge.
The Surrounding Park & Garden
The Shell Lodge is for rent or lease – please contact The Hideout at (307) 765-2080.
The Shell Lodge Cabin
The little log cabin on the Old Shell Lodge property, built in 1932, was also entirely restored. The cabin was lifted and a complete basement was installed. This cabin was bought by another Belgian couple enamored with Shell’s local charm.
The cabin is for rent for a minimum of 4 nights. For more information, please contact The Hideout at (307) 765-2080.
The Shell Lodge Park
The Shell Lodge Park is for rent to those wishing to use it for weddings, parties or other events. The income from rentals goes to the upkeep and further restoration of the lodge and the landscaping of the park.
For information on renting or leasing the Old Shell Lodge or the park, please contact The Hideout at (307) 765-2080.
For lodging and overnight stays, please call: (307) 765-2080
or e-mail info@thehideout.com
