Mohonk Mountain House is a luxurious resort high in the mountains of the Hudson Valley and is the perfect day trip from NYC. Luckily, the scenic Hudson Valley is a mere hour plus from NYC and can easily be done in a full day without a pricey weekend stay. Since pandemic 2020, I’ve made it my mission to explore Upstate New York on day trips from NYC and I get the opportunity to do so on a warm November day.
I use Wanderu for bus and train tickets within New York State and the Northeast so I eagerly book bus tickets for a Friday and pray for sunny skies.
Once your ticket is booked, how do you get to Mohonk Mountain House from your arrival point? Click To Tweet
#Getting to Mohonk Mountain House
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On this unseasonably warm November day of over 80 F, I head to 42nd Street Port Authority for a 7 am bus to New Paltz, ninety minutes away from NYC. Leave early to make the most of your day trip; traffic is minimal in direct opposite of weekday morning rush hour.
Destination: New Paltz, NY
Departure: 42nd St., Port Authority bus terminal
Transportation: Trailways Bus
Bus Cost: $50-$60 per person return
New Paltz Station to Mohonk Mountain House: $12-$20 taxi from the bus station
TIP: Choose arrival (and departure) at Main Street Bus Terminal, New Paltz, and NOT at the Park ‘n’ Ride stop.
If you’re too fancy for a bus ride upstate but don’t have vehicular access, Metro North train to Poughkeepsie is a pricier option. A return ticket per person costs up to $72 and a taxi from Poughkeepsie to Mohonk Mountain House is between $85 and $120 for a 30 min ride.
Back to the bus option: before departure, contact Mohonk Mountain House to request shuttle pickup from the bus station on Main Street, New Paltz. Upon arrival, the Mohonk shuttle will be waiting to take you up the mountain and you can schedule it for a station drop-off.
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#History at Mohonk Mountain House
Between 1887 and 1888, the central building was constructed with other buildings following suit after. The famous stone exterior was erected in two sections between 1899 and 1902 by a New York City architect and was built in Victorian and Edwardian architectural style resembling a European palace.
Prior to this day trip, I know nothing about Mohonk Mountain House other than it being a luxurious escape from downstate. I spend the day roaming corridors and peering at historic photos showing political, religious, and philanthropic statesmen (yes, they were all men) we know of today.
I learn that these renowned leaders of the day were part of conferences the Smiley’s held at the resort regarding social justice issues affecting the U.S. at the time, like Native American Advancement and African-American issues.
#Native American Affairs
Mohonk Mountain house was founded by two Quaker* twin brothers – Alfred and Albert Smiley. In 1883, they organized the first annual Lake Mohonk Conference of Friends of the Indian to discuss Native American advancement, which continued till 1916. In the 1880s, Native Americans were being marginalized and massacred and by the end of the conference in 1916, societal attitudes had changed to considering citizenship, education, and healthcare for Native Americans.
* Also known as the Religious Society of Friends
Policies recommended at this conference were said to guide administration of Indian affairs Native American affairs over decades.
#African-American Issues
The Quakers – of which Albert Smiley was a member – were abolitionists and helped establish the Underground Railroad. After the annual success of the Native American conferences, Albert Smiley turned his focus to the “Negro Question” by applying a similar template used for the Native American conferences and solutions.
In 1890, the first Mohonk Conference on the Negro Question was held where philanthropists, religious, and political leaders were invited. Over two decades after the end of the Civil War, African-Americans were still being lynched, segregated, Jim Crow and the KKK were on the rise, prompting Smiley to found this conference.
As expected, there was drama at the conference. One of the attendees, Albion Tourgee (best known for the Plessy v Ferguson case), stated that the conference only had white attendees who wouldn’t have attended if African-American leaders were invited. He also stunned by criticizing “Northern do-gooders” who thought that African-Americans would fare better being “white at heart” and slammed the “slave holding mentality” of the South.
More drama unfolded at the 1891 conference where an attendee from Alabama reminded everyone that the South still had laws forbidding the social interaction of blacks and whites and pled for separation to be observed. The conference was in uproar and after this, Albert discontinued it as the American public was staunchly against advancement with more places embracing Jim Crow laws.
Nevertheless, Albert Smiley invited the famous African-American leader, Booker T. Washington, to Mohonk Mountain House to give talks to guests and fund raise for the Tuskegee Institute and other African-American colleges.
In 1986, Mohonk Mountain House was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Click To Tweet
#Mohonk Mountain House: Things to Do
Now to the fun part in modern times, thankfully.
A Mohonk retreat is perfect in all seasons and winter is one of them. There are mid-week getaways to use up your PTO because you deserve it. Choose from snowshoeing, ice skating, and winter hiking, on mountainous terrain ideal for these activities. If you prefer to cozy by a warm fireplace, sipping a hot toddy, and finally reading that book you should’ve finished two years ago…that’s fine too.
There’s also the Mountain Mini-cation for when you want a luxurious utopia with campfires, rock scrambling, snowshoeing, swimming, kayaking, films etc. All these and more are season dependent so pack the right wear and shoes and find your way upstate!
My favourite is the Midweek Spa Getaway, where I experienced steam and a body massage with CBD products. My whole body is kneaded like soft dough and I left my hair in its ‘fro state so that my scalp could steam. The masseuse also massaged my scalp and it was bliss.
Regardless of what getaway package you choose, there is a plethora of available activities and delicious buffet meals to replenish your calories. Below are more fun things to do at Mohonk Mountain House for all interests and age groups. Don’t forget to inquire and reserve them ahead of your arrival.
Mohonk Golf Course: Laid out in 1897, this is one of the oldest golf courses in the country with nine holes. Reserve tee time in advance, grab some golf shoes and put those steps in. There are private lessons for the uninitiated and rates are very affordable e.g. for day guests, it is $37 for 9 holes, cart inclusive. I know nothing about golf but that reads very affordable to me.
#Departing Mohonk House
Phew! What a deliciously exhausting day we’ve had and we’re ready to depart for NYC. Before you leave, don’t forget to take pictures inside the main building where historic photos, art, and portraits line every single corridor. It is a veritable labyrinth and you WILL get lost so keep your bearings and have fun with it lol.
Swing by the Gift Shop on the main floor for books on Mohonk House history, Upstate NY souvenirs, and tchotchkes that abound for city dwellers to take back home.
If you arrive via public transit, it’s easy to depart the same way. Pre-arrange the Mohonk drop-off shuttle by booking at the front desk in the main building hours before you leave (preferably upon arrival) so that you arrive at New Paltz Main Street terminal for the bus back to Port Authority terminal in NYC.
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Mohonk Mountain House is a scenic and interesting day trip from NYC that doesn’t require expensive overnights and will spur even the most basic couch potato to eagerly take in the views and leisurely hike Lake Mohonk.
Hope you’re inspired to take adventurous day trips within your state or region to explore nature, indulge in activities, and learn history.
*Mohonk History excerpts taken from:
Burgess, Larry E. (2019) Mohonk and the Smileys. A National Historic Landmark and the Family That Created It.
*Mohonk Mountain House day trip was complimentary.
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