The Black Hawk Inns

The Black Hawk Inns. . The present Lodge is the fifth structure to stand on this location. Pictured below are the four buildings that preceded it., Black Hawk Pavilion, 1882-1891 , In 1882 the Black Hawk Pavilion was built on the crest of the bluff on this spot known as Black Hawk's Watch Tower. The pavilion housed a small dining room and kitchen that provided refreshments to picnickers. Visitors traveled to the Tower by a steam powered streetcar and then enjoyed a day hiking the trails and picnicking. The pavilion was torn down in 1891 when the amusement park was established., Black Hawk Inn, 1892-1896 , The first Black Hawk Inn was opened to the public on July 15, 1892. Built at a cost of $10,000, it contained a dining room and ballroom. Piano and vocal performances were given in the parlors located on the second floor. This building was destroyed by fire July 3, 1896., Black Hawk Inn, 1897-1915 , The second Black Hawk Inn, built at a cost of $20,000, opened June 25, 1897. The grand opening was attended by 5000 people. A dining room and ice cream parlor were located on the first floor. Diners also could sit on the open verandas overlooking the scenic Rock River valley. A large ballroom occupied the second floor, and live bands performed every Saturday night. This building was destroyed by fire on August 1, 1915., Black Hawk Inn, 1916-1935 , The third Black Hawk Inn, built at a cost of $60,000, opened June 16, 1916. This building, a fireproof structure, housed a dining room on the first floor and a ballroom on the second. The State of Illinois purchased the land in 1927 and took possession of the Inn. It was razed in 1935 to make way for the present building.