Architect Edward R. Swain designed this Moorish-Gothic building with exterior walls of eighteen-inch thick ashlar basalt masonry and sandstone quoins.

It was built to house the offices of the Park Commission and to be the home of the Park Superintendent, John McLaren, who lived here for forty-seven years. Today the lodge is the administrative headquarters of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.

San Francisco Landmarks in Golden Gate Park: Beach Chalet, Conservatory of Flowers, Dutch Windmill, Francis Scott Key Monument, Lawn Bowling Clubhouse and Greens, McLaren Lodge, Murphy Windmill, Music Concourse, Park Emergency Hospital, Sharon Building

California Landmarks in Golden Gate Park: Conservatory of Flowers

National Register Listings in Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park Historic District, Beach Chalet, Conservatory of Flowers