Hidden Moose Lodge: A traditional mainstay for Whitefish guests

As Whitefish’s tourism industry continues to grow, Hidden Moose Lodge is determined to keep its traditional, community-like feel. 

Hidden Moose Lodge, located at the base of Big Mountain on East Lakeshore Drive, has been around for nearly 31 years.  

Kim and Kent Taylor opened the lodge in the early 1990s after coming to Whitefish for a ski trip and falling in love with the town.  

“We moved here with the idea of starting a bed and breakfast,” Kim said.  

They bought the lot and built the lodge from the ground up. It started with four rooms and has since expanded to 15.  

Even with the growth they have seen, the Taylors focus on keeping the Lodge charming, traditional and cultured. It is filled with unique, ski-themed artwork and decor. Each bedroom has a name special to Whitefish like “Snowghost” and “Treetops.” 

“When we decided to build a lodge, we just wanted to build something that we would like to stay at,” Kim said.  

Around 40% of their customers are returning guests.  

The Taylors take pride in helping make Whitefish a destination town. They hope that with the increase in lodging options, like VRBO and Airbnb, that people remember the establishments that paved the way for this growth to be possible.  

“We were here marketing. We got people to come to Whitefish,” Kent said. 

As the popularity of house rentals continues increasing, The Hidden Moose Lodge plans to keep encouraging guests to stay with them by providing good customer service on top of a cozy place to stay.  

Kim and Kent like to think of themselves, along with their nine staff members, as great resources. Guests rely on them for advice on the sights to see and places to go in Whitefish and around the valley. 

The Taylors have especially enjoyed getting to know repeat guests over the many years. Kent says that he specifically looks forward to chatting with guests over coffee and breakfast in the morning.  

While looking at the kitchen table full of smiling customers enjoying a homecooked breakfast, Kent said, “We are different, we get to know people.”  

The lodge is currently undergoing an expansion to elevate guest experience. The project includes the addition of a new wellness center featuring a firepit, sauna, multiple hot tubs, a massage room, and a catering kitchen and bar.   

The expansion is set to be finished by late August when Hidden Moose Lodge will be featured on the series “Staycation” which can be streamed on platforms such as CBS and Prime Video.  

This article is a part of a series “A look at Whitefish lodging in changing times” by Whitefish Pilot intern Maggie Mercer. The series continues next week with a feature on Kandahar Lodge. 

    The breakfast area at Hidden Moose Lodge. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Klaire Taylor preps Grand Marnier french toast for guests to enjoy at Hidden Moose Lodge. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Ski inspired decor in the living room at Hidden Moose Lodge. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    A wall of hats in the "western suite" at Hidden Moose Lodge in Whitefish. (Maggie Mercer/Whitefish Pilot)