Have the Perfect Lake Day at Our All-Inclusive Resort in New York State

There are few things more timeless than a day spent on the water. At Mohonk Mountain House, Mohonk Lake has been the centerpiece of the guest experience for more than 150 years. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and our iconic Victorian castle resort and spa, our glacial lake offers countless opportunities to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories.

Whether your ideal lake day includes kayaking across calm waters, swimming at the beach, enjoying lunch lakeside, or simply drifting through history in a handcrafted wooden rowboat, Mohonk makes it easy to experience the beauty of New York’s Hudson Valley from a completely different perspective. 

Start Your Morning on Mohonk Lake

Your perfect lake day begins with a peaceful morning on the water.

Mohonk Lake is a half-mile-long glacial lake surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land. Its calm waters create an ideal setting for relaxation or recreation while offering spectacular views of the mountains and our historic resort. Guests can enjoy a variety of included lake activities throughout the warmer months, including:

• Row boating
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Pedal boats
• Fishing
• Beach swimming
• Lake swimming

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle or an active morning adventure, there’s a way for every guest to experience the lake. Many visitors find that an early morning outing offers some of the most peaceful moments of their stay, as mist rises from the water and the surrounding cliffs reflect across the lake’s surface.

Row Through History in a Handcrafted Mohonk Skiff

Among the most beloved lake activities at Mohonk Mountain House is rowboating. At first glance, these beautiful wooden boats may appear to be simply another recreational offering. In reality, they represent a remarkable partnership dedicated to preserving American craftsmanship and history.

Mohonk’s signature rowboats are handcrafted by Lowell’s Boat Shop, America’s oldest continuously operating boat shop, founded in 1793. For more than two centuries, Lowell’s has preserved the art of wooden boatbuilding, passing techniques, patterns, and craftsmanship from generation to generation. Today, it continues to operate as both a working boat shop and a living museum dedicated to preserving this historic craft.

The Mohonk Skiffs used on Mohonk Lake are built using traditional methods and designs inspired by historic boats that have graced the lake for generations. Some of the original skiffs can still be seen in Mohonk’s Barn Museum, creating a tangible connection between past and present. As guests row across the lake today, they’re participating in a tradition that stretches back to the late nineteenth century, when boating races and regattas were among Mohonk’s most popular summer events.

A National Historic Landmark on the Water

The partnership between Mohonk Mountain House and Lowell’s Boat Shop is especially meaningful because both organizations share a commitment to preserving history. Mohonk Mountain House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, recognizing not only our lake resort, but also dozens of historic buildings and the surrounding landscape that have been carefully preserved for generations. Founded in 1869 by Albert Smiley, Mohonk has remained family-owned and operated for more than 150 years.

Like Lowell’s Boat Shop, Mohonk demonstrates that historic preservation isn’t about keeping the past frozen in time. Instead, it’s about honoring traditions while allowing future generations to experience them firsthand. Every paddle stroke across Mohonk Lake becomes part of that living history!

Break for Lunch at The Granary

After a morning on the water, head to The Granary for a relaxing lunch with a view. Located near the lake and open from June to October, The Granary offers a casual dining experience that perfectly complements a day spent outdoors, because nothing says summer like barbecue chicken, spare ribs, lobster, burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob! Smiley family members could often be found at the Granary, behind the grill and serving guests.

Guests enjoy fresh seasonal fare while taking in the surrounding scenery, views of Mohonk Lake and the Sky Top Tower, and reflecting on the morning’s adventures. The laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal stop between activities, whether you’re planning an afternoon of paddling, heading out on a scenic hike, or simply enjoying the slower pace of mountain life. 

Spend the Afternoon Exploring the Lake

With lunch complete, the lake invites you back for even more adventure.

Looking for a challenge? Grab a paddleboard and test your balance while taking in panoramic views of the cliffs and Mountain House.

Prefer a more leisurely experience? Canoes and pedal boats offer a relaxed way to explore the shoreline and observe local wildlife.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line into the lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout each spring. Meanwhile, families often gravitate toward the beach area, where swimming and lakeside relaxation become cherished summer traditions.

No matter how you choose to spend your afternoon, the lake provides a front-row seat to some of Mohonk’s most spectacular scenery.

A Day at Mohonk is More Than a Lake Day

What makes a lake day at Mohonk different from a typical day on the water is the sense of place. This isn’t simply a resort lake. It’s a lake surrounded by history, craftsmanship, conservation, and tradition.

The same waters enjoyed by today’s guests have welcomed generations of visitors since the nineteenth century. The same cliffs that rise above the shoreline inspired artists, naturalists, and travelers long before modern tourism existed. The same handcrafted rowboats continue a tradition of American craftsmanship that nearly disappeared elsewhere. Together, these elements create an experience that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the landscape.

Make Your Next Lake Day One to Remember

At Mohonk Mountain House, a day on the water offers more than recreation; it offers connection. Connection to nature. Connection to family and friends. Connection to a rich history that continues to shape every guest experience.

Whether you’re rowing a handcrafted skiff, paddling beneath the cliffs, enjoying lunch at The Granary, or simply soaking in the view from the shoreline, Mohonk Lake invites you to slow down and experience something timeless.

Plan your ideal lake day at our lake resort in New York today!