The Storied History of Bear Mountain Inn
Nestled within Bear Mountain State Park and overlooking the tranquil shores of Hessian Lake, the historic Bear Mountain Inn stands as a proud landmark of the Hudson Valley. Listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places, the Inn has welcomed visitors since 1915, blending rustic charm with rich cultural heritage.
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100th anniversary of the Bear Mountain Inn
A Masterpiece of Rustic Adirondack Architecture
When it opened, The American Architect hailed Bear Mountain Inn as one of the “finest examples of rustic Adirondack architecture in America.” Built by park employees using natural materials from the surrounding land, the Inn showcases stone from old local walls and chestnut timber harvested and milled onsite. Its grand fireplaces, sturdy stone foundations, and exposed timber beams speak to the craftsmanship and vision of its creators.
Innovation and Early Amenities
From the start, Bear Mountain Inn was more than a scenic retreat. The original cellar housed an electric power plant that not only lit the Inn but powered an escalator connecting the Hudson River boat landing to the plateau where the Inn stands. Visitors enjoyed a bustling luncheon counter on the ground floor, a second-floor open-air veranda with affordable prix fixe meals, and a main dining room rivaling metropolitan restaurants in quality.
A Year-Round Destination for Recreation
In the early 1920s, steam heat and enclosed windows transformed the Inn into a year-round destination supporting the park’s growing focus on winter sports. By the 1930s, the Inn and its athletic facilities became training headquarters for the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, and New York Knickerbockers, adding a new layer to its legacy.
A Gathering Place for Icons and Luminaries
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Bear Mountain Inn hosted renowned figures including Eleanor Roosevelt, Madame Chiang Kai-shek, and Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Legendary entertainers like Harry James and Tommy Dorsey performed in its halls, and some say Kate Smith penned her famous song “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” here.
A Conservation Legacy
The creation of Bear Mountain State Park owes much to the Harriman family’s conservation efforts. Originally slated to become a prison site, the area was transformed when Edward Henry Harriman and other prominent figures donated land and funds on the condition that the state halt prison development. Thanks to their vision, the park was born in 1910, preserving this natural haven for future generations.
Restoration and Renewal
In 2005, Bear Mountain Inn closed for nearly six years to undergo extensive renovations, carefully restoring historic details lost over time while enhancing guest comfort. Today, the Inn offers 15 luxury guest rooms and suites, over 20,000 square feet of flexible event space, and a renewed commitment to preserving its architectural beauty.
Bear Mountain welcomes you...
Today, Bear Mountain Inn stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, natural beauty, and generations of shared memories. We invite you to visit, explore its history, and create your own stories in this iconic Hudson Valley retreat.
Want to learn more history about Bear Mountain? Watch this video produced by the Palisades Parks Conservancy.