The original Cal Neva Lodge was built in 1926 by wealthy San Francisco businessman, Robert P. Sherman, who used the lodge as a guest house for his friends and real estate clients. The Lodge was patterned after Frank Bacon's log cabin the the hit Broadway play "Lightnin", starring Will Rogers. The Cal Neva quickly became the playground for celebrities and socialites who wanted to escape the public eye. The original Lodge burned to the ground in 1937, and was rebuilt in just over thirty days, with over 500 men employed around the clock to finish the new building.

The Cal Neva Lodge survived many owners, perhaps the most famous and visable was Frank Sinatra, who purchased the Lodge and was licensed to operate on September 20, 1960. He did extensive remodeling and added the Celebrity Showroom with a helicopter pad on the roof.

The Cal Neva Lodge filled to capacity during rthe summer months when Frank Sinatra owned and operated the it. He booked big name entertainers for the Indian Room and the Celebrity Showroom. Among Sinatra's guests were Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Peter Lawford, and the Kennedy Family.

The historic resort still operates in North Lake Tahoe, offering 199 lake view guest rooms, cabins and suites, along with the Lake View Dining Room. Tunnel Tours are a favorite local activity, showcasing the history of the resort and showing the secret tunnels under the hotel where Sinatra moved his VIP guests from the casino to their cabins, keeping them out of the public's eye.

Time Period Represented: 1926-present

Hours Open: 24 hours

Visitor Fees: Tunnel Tours are currently $10 per person, Tues-Thu @ 2pm, Fri-Sat @ 5pm & 6pm

Seasons Open: All year