Mohonk Historical Timeline

Albert K. Smiley establishes Mohonk Mountain House with the purchase of 280 acres.

Conference on International Arbitration (meets through 1916) and Lake Mohonk Conferences of Friends of the Indian (1883-1916, 1929) convene.

The Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station, with the Mohonk Preserve, is established at Mohonk. It has recorded weather daily for more than 115 years and continues to do so today.

Mohonk’s Scottish-inspired golf course was first laid out by Mother Nature and Albert Smiley, along with two house guests, E.E. Schermerhorn and Mr. James Talcott.

The original layout in 1897 was 1600 yards. In later years, Mr. Robert Pryde, a Scotsman working in Yale, Connecticut, lengthened the course to 2350 yards and added Scottish charm. The current length is 2707 yards. The golf course’s undulating fairways require you hit to flat landing areas called bowls and protects itself with blind tee shots and uneven lies.

Sky Top Tower, the fourth and final construction, built with conglomerate rock, is constructed as a memorial to Albert Smiley.

The Mountain House first opens for guests during the winter.

Ice skating on the lake became available for guests

Garden Lovers’ Holiday debuts as the first theme program.

Mohonk donates thousands of acres of land to establish a land trust, now known as the Mohonk Preserve.

The Barn Museum opens to showcase Mohonk history.

Mystery Weekend program created at Mohonk, pioneering the mystery theatre movement nationwide. Early participants include Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, and Edward Gorey.

Mohonk Mountain House, with its surrounding 7,800 acres of land (including acreage transferred to Mohonk Preserve) is designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior.

Mohonk receives the United Nations Environment Award recognizing 125 years of environmental stewardship and leadership.

The Pavilion is completed for ice skating during the winter and other activities during the rest of the year.

The Spa Wing opens as the first addition to the Mountain House since 1910. Ranked the #1 Resort Spa in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler, the new spa includes 16 treatment rooms, two verandas, a solarium complete with a stone fireplace, outdoor heated mineral pool, indoor pool, fitness center, steam room, and dry rock sauna.

The West Lounge (later renamed Carriage Lounge) opens as Mohonk’s first cocktail lounge.

Grove Lodge debuts as Mohonk Mountain House’s first new accommodations in more than 100 years. It features sustainable design and modern luxury.

Inspired by the rustic wooden summerhouses that dot the hiking trails throughout the resort, the Lakeview Summerhouse treatment room is unveiled. Houses the Lakeview Summerhouse Massage as well as private yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions.

Crafted by local bees in our picturesque apiary in the Shawangunk Mountains, Mohonk Honey launched in Summer of 2023. Available for purchase in the Mohonk Gift Shop.

Standing tall since 1923, Sky Top Tower was originally constructed to be used as a forest fire lookout station. Earlier versions of the tower had succumbed to the elements, and after the passing of Mohonk’s founder, Albert K. Smiley, a committee of guests formed a plan for a memorial tower in his honor.

Officially open Spring of 2024! Mohonk’s Via Ferrata offers a blend of rock climbing, cable traverses, and aerial staircases for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Shawangunk Mountains. Seasonally available to overnight guests of Mohonk Mountain House.