THE HISTORY OF MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Back in 1869, Albert Smiley purchased 300 acres and a 10-room inn by a majestic glacial lake in the Hudson Valley. His mission was to provide opportunities for recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit in a beautiful natural setting. And still today, his legacy continues to thrive. More than a resort, Mohonk embodies a love of nature, a preservation of history, and respect for the world around us. Walk the same halls that five U.S. presidents visited, and look out on breathtaking views shared by our guests since Mohonk’s inception. As our guest, you become a part of our history, and we hope Mohonk Mountain House will always remain a part of yours.

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.

• Nature programs for all ages are hosted by Mohonk’s staff naturalist.

• The Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station, with the Mohonk Preserve, has recorded weather daily for more than 115 years.

• Hiking on miles of spectacular trails, on-site rock scrambles, and guided rock climbing for overnight guests encourage visitors to explore the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, recognized by the Nature Conservancy as one of the
  “Last Great Places” on Earth.

• The Junior Naturalist Experience, created by staff naturalists and incorporated into the Mohonk Kids’ Club, introduces children to the wonders of the outdoors through eco-friendly activities with a hands-on approach. Each child receives a Junior Naturalist Certificate and a Mohonk Mountain House Eco-Kit that includes a list of simple eco-activities to take home, as a way to encourage earth-friendly practices.

• A geothermal heating and cooling system moderates the temperature of the spa and our newest addition of Grove Lodge using the constant temperature of the earth, ensuring an emission- and noise-free zone.
• A “green roof” garden terrace (an 8-inch planting bed) helps insulate the spa building, reduces energy use and water runoff, and provides a venue for birds and butterflies, yoga and meditation.
• Six hundred tons of Shawangunk Ridge rock excavated during construction of the spa wing were “recycled” and used to build the interior and façade of the wing. The Spa’s “Shawangunk Grit” Mineral Body Treatment uses indigenous quartzite rocks crushed to a powder in a scrub that exfoliates and improves circulation.
• Organic Spa magazine included The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in its “Top 10 Green Spas and Resorts” in the world. The Spa was listed as having one of the “Top 10 Natural and Organic Facials.”
• In the Spa Finder Wellness Readers’ Choice Awards, Mohonk Mountain House was honored as “Best Eco Spa,” and having “Best Outdoor Activities,” and “Best Environmental Practices.”