Construction of a new lodge at Big Bend National Park is set to begin in May 2025/Artist's rendering of new lodge

With construction on a new lodge at the Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park set to begin in May, the area will be closed to the public for about two years.

Structural problems with the Chisos Mountain Lodge prompted the National Park Service decision in 2023 to build a new lodge. The plan calls for several existing buildings, including the main lodge, to be demolished and replaced by a larger, more modern building.

The new facilities are expected to offer "a high-quality visitor experience and include a new dining room, lobby, convenience store, restrooms, and outdoor terracem," the Park Service said.

"Simultaneously, the network of old inefficient water lines, storage tanks, hydrants, and water treatment systems will be replaced throughout the entire Chisos Basin area, to include the campground, hotel units, visitor center, public restrooms, employee housing and historic cottages," it added.

Along with rebuilding the lodge facilities, the Park Service plans to install a rainwater harvesting system to substantially reduce the Basin area’s overall water demand. 

Back in 2018 the Park Service hired a consulting firm to take a closer look at the lodge building to get a better idea of the extent of the problems. The initial engineering study stated that the main lodge building, which houses a restaurant, kitchen, employees' dining room, and the check-in lobby for guests while outbuildings contain the actual guest rooms, had problems with its foundation, walls, flooring, and questionable drainage. Cracks were found on both interior and exterior walls, indicative of movement.

The roof also had cracks, but "(N)o actual structural damage to primary building support elements (foundations, columns, beams, purlins)" were found, the report noted. The engineers concluded that the problems were largely related to expansive soils that the building stands upon.

The Park Service said that while the Chisos Basin is closed to the public, there will be additional upgrades to bring infrastructure up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) specifications, as well as efforts to streamline and improve the overall efficiency and appearance of the area for the visiting public. Planned upgrades include expanding the restrooms at the visitor center, new visitor center exhibits and trailhead kiosk, demolishing the current Camper Store, and providing electric vehicle charging stations in the main parking lot.

“It is a great time for Big Bend to see these much-needed infrastructure and facility improvements,” said Superintendent Anjna O’Connor. “We’re excited to finally begin work on a well-engineered facility that fits the landscape and meets high standards for energy, water, and operational efficiency to better serve the visitors of today and tomorrow.”

The project is being funded through the Great American Outdoors Act as part of a concentrated effort to address deferred maintenance and repair needs in national parks throughout the country. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA provides the NPS with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.