Architecture In Nature
Lapham Lodge is a new facility envisioned by the
Friends of Lapham Peak in collaboration with the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to meet the evolving recreational needs of the park. The project replaced the existing Evergreen Shelter, which was designed under the park’s 1989 Master Plan and no longer adequately served current levels of use or the range of activities hosted at Lapham Peak.
As attendance had continued to grow, Lapham Peak had become a year-round destination for a wide variety of outdoor recreation. The limitations of the existing shelter, including size, accessibility, and flexibility, had made it increasingly difficult to accommodate this demand.
The primary goal of the Lapham Lodge project was to create a 5,000-square-foot facility that blends seamlessly with its natural setting while supporting a range of uses. The building includes a 2,300-square-foot gathering space, a 400-square-foot multipurpose room with a kitchenette, accessible restrooms, changing rooms with lockers, and a generous outdoor patio. The lodge is positioned between the Evergreen Grove parking lot and the trailhead, allowing direct access to the trail system and framed views of the surrounding landscape.
Designed as a durable piece of park infrastructure, Lapham Lodge balanced functional requirements with a clear architectural response to its site. The building supported daily park use, seasonal events, and community gatherings, providing a flexible, welcoming facility for visitors year-round.