Nestled high on a wooded plateau in the scenic Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Skytop Lodge is far more than a resort; it is a destination steeped in history, heritage, and family traditions. Since opening its doors in 1928, this grand estate has embodied what historic hotels can offer: architectural charm, natural beauty, engaging activities, and a sense of continuity across generations. Whether reconnecting with family, planning a wedding, teeing off on the championship golf course, or simply exploring the trails, Skytop Lodge remains a timeless escape.
The story begins in the optimistic post-World War I era, when four visionary men, John Stubbs, Frederic Smith, Earl Mayne, and Sam Packer, conceived of a grand resort “high in the Poconos”. They purchased approximately 2,500 acres of former farmland perched three miles north of the village of Canadensis, and enlisted the help of a landscape architect and the Olmsted Brothers to shape the property’s grounds.
Construction of the golf course began in March 1926, and by June 1928, the Lodge opened its doors with the main building’s Dutch Colonial Revival architecture symbolizing the resort’s ambition and elegance. The lodge’s design, from its field-stone façade to its steeply pitched roofs and timber accents, conveyed a sense of permanence and heritage.
In the early years, trails were laid to showcase the lodge’s stunning natural setting: lakes, streams, waterfalls, glacial bogs, and forest gorges became part of the guest experience. Over time, the estate grew to encompass some 5,500 acres of woods, meadows, and water, making it a nature-lover’s playground as well as a luxury resort.
At Skytop Lodge, we strive to honor the past while offering all the comforts and variety today’s guests expect. Our accommodations span the original Lodge building, the cozy Cottages, and The Inn, each thoughtfully appointed to reflect the setting while providing modern convenience.
Dining at the resort retains echoes of classic hospitality, one of which is the Windsor Dining Room. This space evokes the elegance of earlier decades, while more relaxed venues deliver casual, family-friendly fare. More dining options include Lakeview and The Taproom. Recreational offerings are expansive: from tennis, pickleball, ice skating, and lawn games when weather permits. For those seeking adventure, the 5,500-acre estate provides skiing, tubing, hiking, kayaking, and more, all seasons included.
The golf course remains a signature amenity. Designed in tandem with the early phase of the resort, it set the tone for a premier mountain-golf experience in the Poconos. For families, Skytop Lodge brings together natural beauty, adventurous activities, and historic ambiance, ensuring that grandparents, parents, and children alike can create memories together.
When we talk about “historic hotels,” we refer to more than just age. We mean lodgings that are woven into the story of their region. Heritage-rich, purposefully preserved, and enduring in appeal, Skytop Lodge is a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America, an honor we first received in 2000.
Such hotels offer depth of experience: architecture that speaks of its era, landscapes that reflect a bygone vision, and traditions that live on in the guest experience. In the Poconos, once home to early-20th-century retreats and grand mountain resorts, Skytop Lodge stands out as a survivor, still vital and relevant today.
Being located in the heart of the Poconos gives us an extraordinary natural backdrop. Guests can explore hiking trails around lakes and to cascading falls; in the winter months, there is snowshoeing, skiing, and tubing when weather permits. In the fall, the foliage is a spectacle, an ideal time for families and couples alike to visit.
For those drawn to history and heritage, the property itself is a historic site. Every corner, from the main lodge to the trails laid in the 1920s, carries stories of the past. Guests may even participate in special “history-weekend” packages celebrating milestones of the resort.
Outdoor recreation is integral. Whether it’s a hike along shaded trails, a round of golf in pristine mountain air, boating on the lake, or simply taking in the spectacular views, Skytop Lodge delivers. It’s ideal for weddings and generational family traditions: many guests return year after year, passing the experience on to the next generation.
Skytop Lodge has long been a perfect setting for weddings and special occasions: the grand lodge backdrop, sweeping grounds, historic architecture, and natural vistas provide a timeless setting. Combine that with our golf course, and you have a complete resort experience: from tee-off at dawn to lakeside cocktails at dusk, all under the canopy of Poconos mountain skies.
When a family visits Skytop Lodge, they’re often starting or continuing a tradition. Many guests recall nights by the hearth in the lodge, hikes with their parents, or a first anniversary here and then bring their own children back several decades later. That kind of continuity is what keeps a historic resort alive and meaningful.
At Skytop Lodge, we remain committed to preserving our heritage, both in our built environment and our natural surroundings. Major renovations over the years have ensured modern comfort while retaining architectural integrity, such as upgrades to suites and revamps of the dining experiences. For example, the guest rooms have been updated to meet today’s standards while honoring the original lodge style.
Environmental stewardship is also part of our vision: preserving forested land, maintaining hiking trails, protecting wildlife habitats, and offering guests meaningful access to nature. We believe that the legacy we share is not just bricks and mortar, but also the living landscape itself.
Why Choose Skytop Lodge in the Poconos?
If you’re seeking a resort in the Poconos that delivers more than just a stay, if you want a place with history, elegance, and a wealth of experiences, look no further than Skytop Lodge. With a legacy built in the 1920s, a commitment to preservation, and amenities designed for today’s families and couples alike, we offer a mountain retreat that blends the best of yesterday and tomorrow. Whether you’re hiking ancient trails, teeing off in the crisp air, celebrating family togetherness, or exchanging vows beneath forested skies, Skytop Lodge invites you into a story that began nearly a century ago and continues to unfold with every visit.
We look forward to welcoming you today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.