NEW PALTZ – Mohonk Mountain House, the historic mountain resort
nestled in the Hudson Valley, is celebrating its 155th anniversary in
2024. Founded by twin brothers Albert and Alfred Smiley in 1869, the resort is now in its fifth
generation of family ownership – an incredible feat accomplished by fewer than 3% of all
family-owned businesses in the U.S.
What began as a 10-room inn on 280 acres of land has evolved into the 259-room “castle” it is
today, with new features and recreational activities introduced every season. When Smiley
purchased the land in 1869, he envisioned more than just building a resort; he set out to create
a sanctuary providing renewal of the mind, body, and spirit in a beautiful natural setting.
Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark resort and Historic Hotel of America
located just 90 miles north of New York City about 5 miles west of the I-87 exit for New Paltz.
Throughout the years of growth and enhancements, Mohonk’s dedication to upholding that
vision and honoring its heritage remains evident and is exemplified through diverse offerings
ranging from historic tours, to mindfulness sessions to the latest additions, which supports their
signature Wellness in the Wild programming – Via Ferrata and Pinnacle Ledge excursions – the
first of its kind in the Northeast.
“While it’s a remarkable achievement to make it to 155 years of family ownership, what I’m
most proud of is our team’s vision for the future – we adapt and grow to market conditions and
never rest on our laurels. We understand the demands of today’s traveler and are thoughtful in
how we add new programs – whether it’s a theme week around Birding or the Arts or our new
Pinnacle Ledge Tour and Via Ferrata course, we always have an eye on how we can stay true to
our mission, but also enhance the guest experience,” says Tom Smiley, family member and CEO
of Mohonk Mountain House.
In celebration of this milestone, Mohonk Mountain House highlights key moments in its rich
history:
● 1869: Albert K. Smiley founds Mohonk Mountain House with the purchase of 280 acres,
marking the beginning of a remarkable journey
● 1871: First hiking paths, trails, and carriage roads are developed for guest use
● 1888: Central Building section of the resort is constructed
● 1890: Mohonk’s first and only stone summerhouse is completed
● 1896: Mohonk Lake Cooperative Weather Station is established
● 1897: Mohonk’s Scottish-inspired golf course are laid out
● 1900: The tradition of the Illumination of the Mountain begins
● 1923: Sky Top Tower is constructed as a memorial to Albert Smiley
● 1933: The Mountain House first opens for guests during the winter
● 1934: Ice skating on the lake becomes available for guests
● 1972: The Barn Museum opens, showcasing Mohonk’s history
● 1977: Mystery Weekend program is created, pioneering the nationwide mystery theater
movement
● 1986: Mohonk is designated as a National Historic Landmark
● 1994: Mohonk receives the United Nations Environment Award for environmental
stewardship
● 2001: Pavilion is completed for ice skating and other seasonal activities
● 2005: The award-winning Spa Wing and Carriage Lounge open
● 2016: Grove Lodge debuts as Mohonk Mountain House’s first new accommodations in
more than 100 years, featuring sustainable design and modern luxury
● 2022: The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House undergoes a major refresh, welcomes
Lakeview Summerhouse treatment and mindfulness/yoga session space
● 2023: Eagle Cliff Via Ferrata Experience is unveiled, establishes Mohonk as the first
resort in the Northeast to have a Via Ferrata on-site
Mohonk maintains over 85 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and
cross-country skiing and offers earth-friendly activities and programs that preserve the land and
educate guests about the surrounding environment. Mohonk also offers exquisite gardens, a
nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, an ice-skating pavilion, horseback riding and horse-drawn
carriage rides, and a glacial-formed lake that is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. The
award-winning spa features a menu of nature-inspired treatments, the outdoor Lakeview
Summerhouse Treatment Room, an outdoor heated mineral pool, an indoor heated pool, a
comprehensive fitness center, and yoga/motion studio.
Overnight rates at Mohonk Mountain House include accommodations, three meals,
afternoon tea and cookies, and most resort activities. Rates for rooms can range from $900 to well over $1,000 a night with all gratuities included.
