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MOHONK HISTORY AND TOURS

Founded by Albert Smiley in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark stretching nearly an eighth of a mile along sweeping lawns and vivid, award-winning gardens. A Quaker schoolteacher, Albert Smiley purchased 280 acres and a small ten-room inn and tavern to create a summer home for his family and friends. Over the last 152 years, Mohonk Mountain House has grown to what it is today and remains a treasured getaway for generations of travelers. This legendary castle has hosted more than a century’s worth of distinguished guests, including naturalists, theologians, and business leaders, as well as award-winning actors, artists, authors, and musicians.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE SMILEY FAMILY & MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE >

Couple on bridge from 1931

House History Tour

Select dates, year-round

Your stay will be incomplete without joining a Mountain House staff member for a House History Tour. Learn tidbits of Smiley family history and take a step back in time as you enjoy an intimate look at some of Mohonk’s most celebrated spaces.

Albert Smiley, ca. 1910

Mohonk Lecture Series

Daily, year-round

Mohonk has a rich history of inviting experts to give lectures on nature, history, and the arts to provide entertainment and education to our guests. We continue this tradition today, regularly welcoming local artists, writers, scientists, and professors to share their knowledge and studies.

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The Barn Museum

With a rich and storied history, the Mohonk Barn Museum is a step back in time to the founding of Mohonk Mountain House. With items dating back to the 1800s, the museum showcases items including Victorian-era carriages, antique farm and kitchen equipment, and a 1929 Model A Ford Station Wagon.

In addition to exhibits, there are often demonstrations at the Mohonk Barn Museum. Learn more about classic blacksmithing and rustic carpentry techniques from curator Jim Clark.

Hidden Histories at Mohonk

Hidden Histories AR App

Hidden Histories is an augmented reality (AR) experience that will immerse guests in the history of our storied resort. Through this mobile app specifically developed for Mohonk, guests will be sent on a journey to locate 12 pieces of artwork that act as trigger points for the app.

Flower Gardens at Mohonk Mountain Resort

The Mohonk Greenhouse

Just a short walk from the Mountain House, the Greenhouse provides visitors with a year-round glimpse at where our award-winning gardens get their start. Visit the Greenhouse to meet Mohonk Mountain House horticulturists and gardeners. During the winter months, these greenhouse tours are a breath of fresh (and warm) air.

Mohonk Gardens in Summer

Greenhouse and Garden Tours

Seasonal

Join one of our master gardeners for a tour through our Victorian Show Garden.

Historic Hotels of America Logo

Mohonk Mountain House is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America was founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation with 32 charter members.

Today, Historic Hotels of America has more than 295 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 46 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated historic hotels. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.

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