The Whitewood family legacy began with Richard Whitewood, Sam Whitewood’s great-grandfather, who built the original lodge with his own hands in the late 1800s after settling in Heritage Hills. Since then, the lodge has been lovingly passed down through three generations and is currently managed by Evelyn and Sam Whitewood Jr. ​ Sam and Evelyn are proud parents to two grown children, Summer and Stephen. Stephen, who is being groomed to eventually take over the family business, is happily married and a father to a daughter named Charity. Under their stewardship, the lodge remains a vibrant and welcoming retreat that offers year-round nature activities. Every year, for the first two weeks of July, Sam attends a convention and training session in Utah to enhance his hospitality skills. Committed to continually improving and adding new experiences for guests, he has faithfully made the 20-hour drive each year since 2010. This dedication ensures that the Whitewood Lodge not only preserves its rich history but also evolves to meet the needs of modern travelers.