Discover Lake Mohonk: The Perfect Blend of Outdoor Adventure and Historic Charm
Have you ever dreamed of visiting a Victorian castle resort in the beautiful Hudson Valley? Mohonk Mountain House might be just the place for you. Located only 90 miles north of New York City, this historic property offers a perfect escape for those looking for a memorable vacation.
During the warmer months, the resort offers various outdoor activities to excite you. Try lake swimming or kayaking, or even dive into the “secret summer” fun that starts Memorial Day Weekend. For those who prefer land-based activities, stroll on their numerous hiking trails or enjoy an outdoor weekend barbecue.
When colder weather rolls in, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland where you can indulge in ice skating, curling up by a cozy fireplace, or immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the snow-covered landscape.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Mohonk Mountain House promises a unique experience that seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for your next family vacation or romantic getaway.
3 Facts About Lake Mohonk in New York
01
Historic Mountain House
The Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian-era resort hotel located right by the lake, has been in operation since 1869. This National Historic Landmark offers a glimpse into 19th-century luxury and has hosted guests for over 150 years.
02
Rock Climbing Destination
The Shawangunk Ridge, near Lake Mohonk, is recognized as one of North America’s premier rock climbing locations. Climbers from around the world come to experience its unique white conglomerate rock formations.
03
Sky Top Tower
Perched atop a rocky cliff near Lake Mohonk, the Sky Top Tower provides panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains. Constructed in 1921 as a memorial to Albert Smiley, the tower is a beloved landmark and a highlight for visitors.
Must-See Attractions
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
Animal Sanctuary
Animal lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, which is a haven for over 400 rescued farm animals, including goats, sheep, and chickens. Open from April through October, you can cuddle a chicken or rub a pig’s belly while also learning about animal welfare. You’ll no doubt leave with a full heart after witnessing the transformation of animals from rescued to rehabilitated.
Robibero Family Vineyards
Winery
Nestled in the stunning Shawangunk Ridge backdrop, the Robibero Family Vineyards invites you to taste their award-winning wines in a family-friendly, pet-friendly environment. This family-operated vineyard is a hidden gem of the Hudson Valley and offers a casual and enjoyable experience with live music, a large fire pit, and picturesque views. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing and enjoying the finer things in life.
Historic Huguenot Street
Speciality Museums
Step back in time at Historic Huguenot Street, a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District in New Paltz, New York. Here, you can explore over 300 years of history across seven historic stone-house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French Church, and more. The site offers a rich narrative of the French Huguenot settlement, its evolution, and the history of Indigenous, enslaved African peoples, and Dutch settlers.
Annual Events and Festivals
December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year at the enchanting Mohonk Mountain House, which will be decked out in festive holiday decor. Throughout the day and night, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including live music, special performances, a photo booth, and evening campfires. Then, as midnight strikes, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display followed by a delicious midnight buffet, making for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience.
March 1 – 3, 2025
Mystery Weekend
Step into a world of intrigue and suspense at Mohonk Mountain House’s Mystery Weekend. Witness an engaging live-action mystery unfold in four acts, challenge yourself with an original puzzle hunt, and test your wits in a tabletop escape room. This thrilling event, which marks the 48th anniversary of Mystery Weekends at Mohonk, offers a mix of interactive entertainment, creativity, and a bit of competitive fun.
July 7 – August 16, 2025
Festival of the Arts
Immerse yourself in the creative and inspiring Festival of the Arts at Mohonk Mountain House. Curated by Maria Guralnik, a member of the founding Smiley family, this summer festival showcases a diverse array of outstanding artists and entertainers. Whether your interests lie in family entertainment, dance, theater, Broadway, folk, jazz, roots, or classical music, this festival provides a perfect blend of artistic inspiration to make your summer evenings that much sweeter.
Top Hiking Trails
Sky Top Tower Hike
1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY
Embark on a 4-mile journey to one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic landmarks, Sky Top Tower. This hike, which involves a moderate elevation gain of 286 feet, guides you through diverse terrain, including serene forests, charming gazebo lookout points, and winding mountain paths. Once you reach the summit, climb the tower’s 100 steps to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Shawangunk Ridge and beyond.
Lemon Squeeze Hike
1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY
If you’ve packed along your adventurous spirit, dive into this thrilling 7-mile trek that will test your agility and strength. The Lemon Squeeze hike is a challenging blend of rock scrambles and narrow crevices, requiring both physical and mental prowess. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Catskill Mountains and the thrilling experience of shimmying through the Lemon Squeeze to a ledge for a scenic overlook before heading up to Sky Top Tower.
Bonticou Crag Hike
50 Upper 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls, NY
The Bonticou Crag hike is a perfect choice for those seeking a moderate challenge. This 2.3-mile hike offers both a footpath and a rock scramble to the summit and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Throughout, you’ll meander through peaceful woods and conquer a vertical ascent to the crag’s summit. And for your reward—sweeping views of the valley below!
Best Golf Courses
Mohonk Golf Course
907 Mohonk Rd, New Paltz, NY
This historic 9-hole course, established in 1897, is set in the scenic backdrop of the Shawangunk Mountains at the Mohonk Mountain House. Founder Albert Smiley initially created the course, which was later expanded by Scotsman Robert Pryde in 1911. The course features undulating fairways and challenges players with blind tee shots and uneven lies. Its design, combining 19th-century charm with the demands of modern golf, makes it a unique destination for golfers and is recognized as one of the best 9-hole courses in New York state.
New Paltz Golf Course
215 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY
Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, the New Paltz Golf Course is a 9-hole course that offers both beauty and challenge. With its lush fairways framed by the Shawangunk Mountains and the Wallkill River, this course is known for its superb layout and has been hailed as the “Best Nine-Hole Course in the Hudson Valley” by GOLFLINK.com. The course, designed by Hal Purdy in 1972, features a par-36 layout with various hazards, including water and natural marshes.
The Lazy Swan Golf & Country Club
1754 Old Kings Hwy, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States
If you’re after something a bit more upmarket, consider The Lazy Swan Golf & Country Club. Designed by Golf Architect Barry Jordan, the course is described as “a series of linked passages of natural beauty,” with each hole presenting unique character and challenges. The course is easy to walk and features several cascading and reflection ponds, rock outcroppings, dramatic elevation changes, an alpine garden, and stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.
Water Sports
Row & Paddle Boating
Lake Mohonk provides a serene setting for row and paddle boating. The classic wooden row boats are designed uniquely for the Mohonk Mountain House and offer a peaceful way to explore the half-mile-long glacial lake. Or, if you have young ones along, opt for a paddle boat and pedal around the lake together. Just keep in mind that both row and paddle boats are offered seasonally, from late April until October 29.
Swimming
For those looking to cool off or enjoy some relaxation by the water, swimming in Lake Mohonk offers a refreshing escape. The lake features a sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Additionally, a supervised lake swim is available during the summer, from Father’s Day to Labor Day, when guests are invited to swim across the lake.
Fishing
Each spring, Lake Mohonk is stocked with rainbow trout, providing an excellent opportunity for both fishing enthusiasts and those new to the sport. Fishing equipment and rods are available for rent, and both live bait and power bait can be purchased at the Boat Dock. This activity is reserved for overnight guests of the Mohonk Mountain House, and it offers a peaceful way to engage with the natural environment of the lake.
Winter Activities
Ice Skating
For a truly magical experience, be sure to book in a skate at the Mohonk Mountain House’s stunning rink perched high above the lake. Created each year in an open-air pavilion, the rink is open for hotel guests as well as those with a booking. And, between sessions, you can indulge in a warm hot chocolate and warm up by the 39-foot-tall stone fireplace.
Cross-Country Skiing
Embrace the beauty of winter with cross-country skiing through Mohonk Mountain House’s extensive network of groomed trails. Spanning 30 miles, these trails cater to various skill levels, offering everything from gentle glides to more challenging paths. While on the trail, enjoy breathtaking views and sweeping vistas of Hudson Valley.
Snow Tubing
For a thrilling winter adventure perfect for the entire family, try out snow tubing at Mohonk Mountain House. This activity offers an exhilarating ride down a newly constructed hill on snow tubes, and there’s no doubt you’ll let out a squeal of excitement a time or two.
Where to Eat
A Tavola Trattoria
$$ – $$$ • Italian
The Dining Room at Mohonk Mountain House
$$ – $$$ • New England Fare
Mizu Sushi
$ – $$ • Japanese
Where to Shop
Rock Candy Vintage
Vintage Clothing Store
Mohonk Mountain House Gift Shop
Gift Shop
Maglyn’s Dream
Boutique Shop
Where to Sleep
Tips on Renting a Vacation Home on Lake Mohonk
Decide on the Type of Accommodation
Mohonk Mountain House offers a range of accommodations, from cozy rooms in the Mountain House to a lavish lodge perfect for groups and family gatherings. Along with the accommodation, you can also choose from various packages, such as meal packages, to further customize your stay.
Plan Your Activities
Mohonk Mountain House is known for its wide array of activities, including hiking, rock climbing, boating, and spa treatments. During peak seasons, planning and possibly reserving activities in advance is wise to ensure availability. Check out the resort’s schedule for special events, guided tours, and wellness programs that might interest you.
Budget Accordingly
The cost of staying at Mohonk Mountain House can vary depending on the season, type of accommodation, and activities you plan to engage in. Look for package deals or special offers that might be available during your intended stay. Also, consider what’s included in your stay, such as meals and certain activities, to manage your budget effectively.
Packing Essentials
The weather in the Hudson Valley can be unpredictable, with varying temperatures throughout the year. Pack layers to accommodate cool mornings and evenings, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. Don’t forget comfortable footwear for hiking and appropriate gear for any specific activities you intend to participate in.
Going Deeper on Lake Mohonk
The history of Lake Mohonk is deeply intertwined with the vision and efforts of the Smiley brothers, Albert and Alfred. The journey began in the 1870s when they established a small resort for family and friends, and due to its increasing popularity, the resort was expanded several times.
From 1883 to 1916, Mohonk Mountain House hosted annual conferences aimed at improving the living standards of Native American Indian populations. These conferences were instrumental in shaping policy and brought together government officials, educators, philanthropists, and Native American leaders.
Additionally, the Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration, held between 1895 and 1916, was pivotal in establishing the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The Smiley family’s dedication to peace and understanding also led to the hotel receiving a United Nations Environment Programme Award in 1994, acknowledging 125 years of environmental stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Mohonk
The best time to visit Mohonk Mountain House varies depending on what you’d like to do there. However, remember that seasonal hours for certain attractions, like the boat dock and bathing beach, may affect your visit.
Lake Mohonk, located in New York State, is a half-mile-long and 60 feet deep glacial lake. It offers a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and ice skating in the winter. The lake’s serene setting makes it perfect for leisurely explorations and outdoor activities.
Mohonk Mountain House offers a range of accommodation options, from rooms in the historic Victorian castle to a private lodge. Each type of lodging provides a unique experience, with access to the resort’s amenities and activities.
Yes, Mohonk Mountain House offers various dining options. Guests can enjoy meals in the Main Dining Room, which offers a mix of fine and casual dining, or they can explore other options like the Carriage Lounge for lighter fare and beverages.
Mohonk Mountain House, founded by the Smiley brothers in the 1870s, is a National Historic Landmark. It’s known for its commitment to environmental stewardship, its role in hosting significant conferences on Native American rights and international arbitration, and for maintaining its 19th-century character into the 21st century.
Yes, Mohonk Mountain House is a popular venue for weddings and special events. With its picturesque setting and comprehensive facilities, it offers a unique and elegant backdrop for various occasions.
Muskoka is known for its picturesque towns and charming villages. Some popular towns you can visit include Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Port Carling. Each town offers its unique attractions, shops, and restaurants, making them perfect stopovers during your exploration of the Muskoka region.