UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge: A Legacy of Learning, Recreation, and Natural Beauty

Lake Arrowhead Lodge, formerly known as the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center, boasts a rich history intertwined with the development of the Lake Arrowhead region itself. From its origins as a reservoir project to its evolution as a premier conference and retreat center, the Lodge has served diverse purposes while maintaining its commitment to providing exceptional experiences.

The Genesis of Lake Arrowhead: From Reservoir to Recreation Destination

The story of Lake Arrowhead begins in 1891, when three Ohio businessmen, including James Proctor of Proctor & Gamble Soap Company, identified Little Bear Valley as an ideal location for a reservoir. They established the Arrowhead Reservoir Company, initiating dam construction in 1893. This involved clearing trees and vegetation from the valley floor, which was subsequently filled with water from area creeks and runoff.

The creation of the lake spurred interest from land developers who envisioned a prime recreation and exclusive residential area. In the 1920s, the Arrowhead Lake Company acquired Little Bear Valley and embarked on significant improvements. Lake Arrowhead quickly gained popularity as a destination for Hollywood's elite. A Normandy-style village emerged, featuring a dance pavilion, an outdoor movie theater, a restaurant, a beach, and a bathhouse. Additional amenities included a 9-hole golf course and three hotels.

Ownership Transitions and Rebuilding

In 1946, the Los Angeles Turf Club, comprised of businessmen who owned the Santa Anita Race Track, purchased the lake and surrounding properties. Subsequently, in 1957, they decided to sell the lake and donate portions of their property holdings. Local property owners acquired Lake Arrowhead in 1975, and investors purchased the village in 1978.

Recognizing the need to renovate the original Old Village, which had been built in the 1920s, developers, with the assistance of local fire organizations, conducted a controlled burn in 1979 to raze most of the village. Arrowhead Village was subsequently rebuilt and expanded in the following decades.

UCLA's Stewardship: A Conference Center Emerges

The property's connection to the University of California began in 1957 when it was gifted to the University under the condition that it would always serve a learning purpose. Initially, the property operated as a conference center under the direction of various University of California campuses. In 1982, leadership of the property was transferred to UCLA.

Under UCLA's stewardship, the site became a popular venue for meetings, conferences, retreats, team-building events, and other educational gatherings. The UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center, as it was then known, offered a unique setting for groups seeking a serene and productive environment.

A New Era: Becoming Lake Arrowhead Lodge

In 2020, the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Lake Arrowhead Lodge. This change reflected a desire to broaden its appeal and welcome a wider range of guests.

According to Angelis, "It was apparent that we needed to expand the scope of who could book reservations and what kinds of activities could take place." The rebranding aimed to modernize the brand and communicate that the Lodge had become a destination for much more than just conferences.

The Lodge's new logo, featuring a brown bear, water, and trees, symbolizes its connection to UCLA and the surrounding flora and fauna. Matteson noted that Lake Arrowhead is often referred to as the "Alps of Southern California," and the Lodge looked forward to creating lasting memories with new guests.

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The Lodge Experience: Amenities and Activities

Lake Arrowhead Lodge offers a variety of amenities and services designed to create a memorable experience for its guests. Its 50-acre property features unique, upscale meeting rooms and chalet-style accommodations for groups ranging from 10 to 200 guests, available from September through mid-June.

Accommodations include two-story, chalet-style Condolets with two bedrooms (queen beds) and two bathrooms, a shared living room with a wood-burning fireplace, and outdoor decks with views of the lake or mountains. These amenities are part of the Lodge's Complete Meeting Package (CMP), which provides meeting planners with convenience and value.

The Lodge also offers exceptional dining experiences, with group and private dining rooms, cozy lounge areas, fireplaces, and sumptuous food. Guests can explore diverse Bar Packages, including Wine, Beer, and Cocktails, tailored to suit any occasion.

A range of outdoor recreational activities are available, including team-building experiences such as the Bruin Chef Challenge and Mixology sessions. The Bruin Chef Challenge involves groups working together to create an entrée judged for ingenuity, taste, appearance, and teamwork. Mixology offers an engaging and educational cocktail experience that combines team building with social fun. For relaxation and wellness, the Lodge offers Sound Bath Sessions, 60-minute meditative experiences with crystal singing bowls and gongs.

A Convenient and Secluded Location

Located 90 miles east of Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead Lodge is easily accessible from most major cities and airports in Southern California. The Lodge's location provides a serene escape from the city while remaining conveniently close to urban centers.

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A Legacy of Transformation and Service

Originally built in 1922, the main lodge building has undergone several transformations throughout its history. From its early days as the North Shore Tavern to its role as a conference center under the University of California, the property has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its guests and the surrounding community.

The 42 acres of oak and pine forest surrounding the Normandy-style lodge, cozy cabins, tennis courts, and swimming pool provide a beautiful and welcoming environment for all who visit.

Bruin Woods: A Family Vacation Tradition

In addition to its conference and retreat offerings, the property has also been home to Bruin Woods, a popular family vacation program affiliated with UCLA.

In the early 1980s, Chancellor Charles E. Young proposed that UCLA assume responsibility for the Lake Arrowhead property. Donald Findley, former Executive Director of the ASUCLA, guided the renovation of the facility, which opened as a combination vacation facility and conference center.

The Main Lodge was expanded to include a dining room and gathering spaces, and the rustic guest cottages were remodeled to add modern conveniences. The unique Condolets were also created during this period. Outdoor amenities, such as tennis courts and grounds, were upgraded, and a new maintenance building was constructed.

Bruin Woods welcomed its first vacationers in the summer of 1985. Since then, demand to attend Bruin Woods has steadily increased. Numerous improvements have been made to the property, including the addition of more vans and boats, an archery range, and a ropes course. Programmed activities are continually updated to appeal to the families that return year after year.

Alumni Engagement and Community Service

The UCLA Alumni Association has played a significant role in the history of the Lake Arrowhead property and the broader UCLA community. The Association has been involved in various initiatives, including alumni vacation centers, special-interest groups, community service projects, and fundraising efforts.

In the late 1980s, the Association launched a series of community service projects. In the early 1990s, career services were added to the Association's programming mix. Alumni volunteers spearheaded a student awareness campaign, and a grant from the Foundation helped to fund initiatives aimed at strengthening undergraduates' connections to the university.

The Association has also been actively involved in campus celebrations, such as Homecomings, Charter Days, and Anniversary Days. In 1994, the Association's Executive Director John Kobara was appointed to chair UCLA's 75th-anniversary celebration.

Recognizing the need to train and educate alumni leaders, the Association established the Alumni Academy in 1999. The Association has also encouraged alumni giving and worked with its clubs to establish scholarship endowments.

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