If you always dreamed about holding your wedding or other special event within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can make that a reality by reserving the Spence Cabin! This large cottage was built in 1928 as a vacation home for Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend, who owned both the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The National Park Service has restored the cabin to its historic appearance and it’s now available for day-use rentals! Here are the top things you need to know about renting the Spence Cabin:
1. About the Spence Cabin
The Spence Cabin, also referred to as the “River Lodge” is a whimsical pink cottage located within the Elkmont Historic District of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the perfect place to hold a small family gathering or family reunion away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns, and is also ideal for small weddings and receptions! The cottage has a central meeting room and four smaller meeting rooms, as well as a kitchen with stainless steel counters, a double sink, a refrigerator, and a microwave oven. Two outdoor stone patios offer shady places to relax and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Smokies!
2. Important Things to Keep In Mind
When renting the Spence Cabin, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The cabin has no heat or air conditioning, so you’ll want to consider the time of year of your event. There are ceiling fans in the main room and screened porch, as well as a gas fireplace in the main room. Most of the cabin is accessible, with the exception of the riverside patio, and there are two bathrooms available. Furnishings are limited to 40 folding chairs, four 6-foot diameter round tables, eight 2.5-by-6-foot rectangular tables, and six rocking chairs. Guests may also wish to bring additional items such as a portable gas barbecue grill, slow cookers, and lawn chairs.
3. Parking Availability
There is parking availability for 2 to 3 vehicles at the front of the building, with additional parking just a short walk away. Altogether, there are 9 reserved parking spaces that do not require a parking tag during facility rental. Note that any of the vehicles parked outside of the 9 reserved parking spaces do require a parking tag. There are several convenient ways to purchase your parking tag.
4. Making Your Reservation
The Spence Cabin is available for day-use rental from April 1- October 31, 10 AM to 8 PM. Note that you must make a reservation for the Spence Cabin on Recreation.gov, which can be done up to one year in advance. Remember that your reservation at the Spence Cabin prevents other visitors from using the site, so any changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible.
Now that you know the details about renting the historical Spence Cabin, learn about some of the other historic buildings in the Smoky Mountains! Altogether, there are over 90 historic structures that have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, and grist mills!
