Silence hangs in the air, sandwiched between the night and distant seaside laughter. I’m weaving my way through a network of moss-covered trails in Saint Edward State Park – a 326-acre swath of land that once operated as a seminary. On this crisp, fall evening, I know I’m not the only one in the belly of the forest, nor will I be the last. Today, the property is not only known for its hiking and biking trails, and lakefront shoreline where visitors cast their fishing lines year-round. It’s also known for the Michelin-recognized Lodge at Saint Edward – one of Washington's most unique and spectacular boutique hotels.
How a Seminary Became a State Park
In the late 1920s, Bishop Edward John O’Dea purchased a parcel of land near the northeastern tip of Lake Washington with the intention of using it to educate Catholic priests. Shortly thereafter, Seattle-based architect, John Graham Sr., began designing the future buildings of the seminary in the Romanesque Revival style, characterized by stone masonry and fortress-like structures.
In 1931, the seminary opened its doors to the Sulpician Order, forming minor and college-level seminaries that were intent on fueling God’s mission. Shortly after the seminary opened, enrollment began to decline. Just over 40 years later, the seminary ceased operations.
A year later, the state of Washington purchased most of the property and re-opened it as Saint Edward State Park, welcoming hikers, bikers, and birders to the premises. Today, the seminary building is recognized as a historical site of significance. It was added to the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It’s also home to one of the most unique state park amenities in the country: a lodge.
Visiting the Lodge at Saint Edward Park
The Lodge at Saint Edward Park began hosting guests in its quaint collection of 84 guest rooms in 2021. The boutique property features hotel rooms that were once used as dormitories, and school hallways that are now covered in local art from emerging and established artists. While wandering through the hallways of abstract color, it quickly became evident that local actually meant “hyper” local, meaning that most of the exhibits featured paintings from Kenmore-based artists. The result is an art-lover’s dream.
In addition to a stunning property, the Lodge at Saint Edwards contains the Cedar + Elm restaurant, which takes inspiration from Pacific Northwest flavors with a slightly elevated palate. Father Mulligan’s Heritage Bar is a speakeasy-style bar that’s conveniently located in the building. And the Vita Nova Spa offers a variety of nature-inspired treatments. The lodge is also known to host art exhibitions and programs that feature local artists.
Staying at The Lodge at Saint Edwards
Staying on the premises is equally as majestic as walking the halls of the Lodge at Saint Edwards as a day-visitor. In the same way that some of the best restaurants in the world obtain Michelin stars every year, the best hotels can receive Michelin Keys – an honor that The Lodge at Saint Edward State Park obtained in 2024, and with good reason. Each room is unique and elevated with quality linens, designs, and blueprints that serve as artwork, while providing plush robes and enough Nespresso to caffeinate a family.
The property is often used for conferences and weddings, blending the extensive indoor space with outdoor sites like the grotto and the great lawn. The subtle quiet of the former seminary reminds visitors of prayers that once whispered through the hall. The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is also pet friendly, since it allows visitors to bring their dogs for a refundable fee.
Pristine Outdoor Access and Property Amenities
The state park is known for its Douglas-fir trees. The ecosystem is also home to the western red cedar, bigleaf maple, and madrone trees. These work to form a dense canopy of towering trees, giving visitors a proper Washington experience. The state park remains a day-use public space, with picnic areas, historic features like the popular grotto, which is occasionally used for weddings.
Visitors can also find popular trails like the 0.4-mile Grotto Trail, the North Trail, Beach Trail, and the South Canyon Trail. Local routes take hikers through dense forests, moderate hills, and along the Lake Washington beaches. Hikers can also navigate to local sites like the Lake Washington Watertower, or book a sea plane experience through the lodge.