Photo courtesy Molly Butler Lodge  Molly Butler Lodge

Happy Birthday, Molly Butler


In operation longer than Arizona has been a state, the Molly Butler Lodge is a White Mountain institution that has over the years hosted such notable guests as Zane Gray, John Wayne, Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover.

Nestled among ponderosa pines in the town of Greer, the lodge is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its namesake, Molly Butler, who first started offering overnight accommodations and home-cooked meals to visitors. She died in 1964 at age 87.

Although many summer guests are content to simply relax in the cool mountain air, the lodge features an adventure concierge service with local experts on fly fishing, trail rides, mountain biking, hiking, swimming and historical tours.

“One thing I love about this place is that it brings out the kid in all of us,” says co-owner Allan Johnson.  

Perhaps the most stressful decision overnight guests have is selecting their accommodations. The lodge offers more than 50 cabins ranging from rustic cottages to million-dollar luxury homes.

Although much has changed since the days when Molly Butler rose before dawn to churn butter, the lodge’s ownership team is dedicated to preserving its rich traditions while expanding its offerings. New amenities include fine dining at the Roosevelt Wine Cellar and an interactive North Pole Experience that allows children to build toys with Santa’s elves during winter.

Anniversary celebrations will take place this June 18-21. For more information, visit
mollybutlerlodge.com.