Soda Fountain
Enjoy ice cream treats, light bites, and quick food at the Soda Fountain, located right off the lobby. The Soda Fountain is known for its Root Beer Floats, Cherry Phosphates, Ginger Yips, and Sundaes. Trained soda jerks are still found behind the counter, serving guests these ice cream treats, plus traditional lunch counter food, such as hot dogs, chili, sandwiches, and chips.
Edward Ball felt the Lodge should be part of the community, a place not only for visitors, but also for area residents. He designed the Soda Fountain to be an integral part of the Lodge, and gave it as much attention to detail as the Dining Room. From the opening of the Lodge through today, the Soda Fountain attracts both Lodge and park guests. Some of the more unique items are available to ship nationwide from The Lodge’s online store.
The classic counter is 70 feet 6 inches long, making it the longest marble soda fountain ever built. The front of the fountain was made of one piece of marble that was cut and book matched (the pieces were turned back to back) to make a symmetrical pattern at every joint. The top was cut into lengths for transport, and was put back in the order it came out of the ground so the grain of the marble matched. The Soda Fountain is also the home to Old Joe the Alligator who was poached from the springs, and a casting of the head of the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
