The Flagstaff House was originally built as a summer cabin in 1929 by Chicago schoolteacher Hattie Bilchert. In 1937, park ranger Joe van Gorder bought the cabin as a place to host special events. Later in 1954 the Buelkes family purchased the property, coined it “The Flagstaff House,” and re-established it as an elegant summer restaurant. When the Flagstaff House next became available for sale Don Monette jumped at the opportunity.

He had always wanted to own just one restaurant that was truly “fine dining” and be able to concentrate on making it an incredible experience for his guests. He bought the Flagstaff House and the surrounding five acres on November 1st of 1971. The Monette family greatly expanded the property, weatherized it to be open year-round and built several outdoor terraces which allow diners to enjoy the changing seasons atop Flagstaff Mountain.