Information
Landmark: Mohonk Mountain HouseCity: Hudson
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Mohonk Mountain House, Hudson, USA New York, North America
Overview
Perched on the edge of the Shawangunk Ridge-locals call it the “Gunks”-Mohonk Mountain House has welcomed guests to New Paltz, New York, since 1869, when Quaker brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley built it.Today, its turrets rise above deep-green forests, offering a blend of natural beauty, storied history, graceful architecture, and everything from hiking trails to peaceful wellness retreats.The site holds National Historic Landmark status, honored for its rich cultural heritage and striking architecture, from its carved stone arches to its weathered wooden doors.Built in the Victorian era as a family getaway, Mohonk Mountain House soon blossomed into a premier resort, its turreted towers rising above the lake.The Smiley brothers dreamed of a quiet haven where visitors could breathe fresh pine-scented air, feel the earth underfoot, and spend their days enjoying simple, wholesome fun.The main building, shaped in a Victorian “castle” style, rises with turrets, broad verandas, and stone walls that blend into the dark cliffs and pine-covered hills around it.Over the decades, the resort has kept its old charm-weathered wooden beams and all-while updating its facilities.Intricate woodwork catches the eye, stained glass glows in the afternoon sun, and broad porches stretch toward the clear lake and towering mountains.Spread across 1,200 acres of untouched forest, rugged cliffs, and blooming gardens, Mohonk Mountain House sits amid protected land laced with more than 85 miles of winding hiking trails.The property sits right next to the Mohonk Preserve, a sprawling nature reserve where you can hike shaded trails, scale rugged cliffs, glide on skis through winter woods, or watch hawks wheel overhead.Rugged cliffs rise above a quiet lake, framed by sweeping mountain views that inspire in every season.The resort has 259 rooms, from snug little chambers to grand suites, many with windows that frame the lake or the distant mountains.Guests get an all‑inclusive stay with three fresh meals a day and a cozy afternoon tea, all made from seasonal ingredients picked close to home.You can choose between the elegant main dining room or the Granary, a cozy rustic spot where you can sit outside and watch the grounds stretch out beneath the trees.At Mohonk Mountain House, you can hike wooded trails, paddle across the quiet lake, or simply unwind in the fresh mountain air.You can spend your days hiking miles of carriage roads that wind through shifting terrain, paddle or fish on the private lake, glide across the ice or ski through snowy trails in winter, play tennis or try your hand at archery, ride horseback, and tee off on the nine-hole course.Swim in the warm indoor pool or the sparkling outdoor mineral pool, tackle nearby cliffs on guided climbs, and join classes in yoga, meditation, or other wellness programs.Opened in 2005, the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House offers a full range of treatments, from soothing massages to refreshing facials and warm, aromatic body therapies.The spa offers 16 treatment rooms, an indoor pool, a warm mineral pool outside that steams in the cool air, a fitness center, and dedicated areas for Pilates and yoga.The resort’s focus on wellness blends seamlessly with its quiet, tree-lined setting, helping guests feel renewed and grounded.Mohonk Mountain House isn’t just a quiet getaway; it’s steeped in history, with old stone walls that seem to hold a century’s worth of stories.From 1895 to 1916, the Smiley brothers welcomed guests to the Lake Mohonk Conferences on International Arbitration, gatherings that fueled hopes for peace and eventually gave rise to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.The resort’s cultural heritage runs deeper thanks to its long-standing legacy of peace and diplomacy, like the quiet handshake that once sealed a historic truce.You’ll find the Visitor Experience and Access Center at 1000 Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz, NY-roughly 90 miles north of New York City.The resort’s easy to reach by car, with plenty of parking, and nearby towns add extra lodging and amenities.Guests can book overnight stays with all-inclusive meals or reserve day visits ahead for dining or spa treatments.It’s a year-round getaway, shifting from summer hikes and quiet canoe rides to winter skiing and ice skating.Mohonk Mountain House blends historic character, sweeping mountain views, and modern comfort into one unforgettable resort.Visitors come for the peace, the thrill of the trails, rich cultural experiences, and a touch of wellness-all set against mountains so vast you can smell the crisp pine air.With its Victorian charm, dedication to preserving nature, and lively mix of things to do-from garden strolls to river views-it’s a beloved spot in the Hudson Valley.
