Photo credit: Peter Lyons Hall: Ingrid King and Jim Kenny, innkeepers
A century ago, as Greenwood Lake emerged as one of the region’s most vibrant summer destinations, a small lodging property opened its doors to visitors seeking fresh air, lake views, and a respite from city life. Today, that same property—now known as Lake Lodging—is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a rare milestone in the village’s hospitality history.
Originally established in 1926 as what was likely a modest tourist lodging—predating the widespread use of the term “motel”—the property reflects a pivotal moment in American travel culture. Greenwood Lake was then in the midst of a transformation, evolving from a quiet rural area into a bustling resort community fueled by improved roadways, increased automobile ownership, and easy access from New York City and northern New Jersey.
Local newspaper accounts from the late 1920s and early 1930s describe a thriving lakeside economy filled with “splendid hotels,” busy boarding houses, and a steady flow of provisions delivered daily to accommodate seasonal guests. Visitors came not just for the lake itself, but for the full experience: boating, dining, socializing, and escaping the heat of the city. It was in this environment that early lodging establishments—like the precursor to today’s Lake Lodging—took root and flourished.
“Reaching 100 years is more than a business milestone—it’s a connection to the very origins of tourism in Greenwood Lake,” said innkeeper, Ingrid King. “This property has always been a place that welcomes guests who came here for the summer and who would rent a cabin for the summer, on a nightly basis, or maybe a weekly basis.”
Surviving for a century has meant weathering dramatic changes. Lake Lodging endured the economic hardships of the Great Depression, when many resort businesses struggled to stay afloat. It adapted again during the post–World War II boom, when family road trips and regional travel brought new waves of visitors to destinations like Greenwood Lake. And it persisted through the latter half of the 20th century, as travel patterns shifted and many small, independently owned motels across the country disappeared.
That continuity makes Lake Lodging not just a business, but a living artifact of Greenwood Lake’s past. The property’s history also mirrors the broader story of the village itself—a place that has long balanced its identity as both a close-knit community and a welcoming destination. Early civic discussions, preserved in period newspapers, emphasized local pride, self-sufficiency, and the importance of maintaining the area’s natural beauty while accommodating visitors. Concerns about shoreline preservation, littering, and responsible tourism were already being voiced nearly a century ago, underscoring how enduring those themes remain.
Today, Lake Lodging continues to offer visitors a chance to experience Greenwood Lake much as they did generations ago: as a place of relaxation, recreation, and scenic charm. While the property has evolved to meet modern expectations and amenities, its core purpose—providing a comfortable stay in one of the Hudson Valley’s most distinctive lake communities—remains unchanged. “We get many hikers from the Appalachian Trail,” said Ingrid’s partner and fellow innkeeper, Jim Kenny, “and our rooms also serve as an extra bedroom for those whose homes are too small to accommodate overnight guests.”
To commemorate its centennial, Lake Lodging [https://lakelodgingny.com] plans to take part in the on-going 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the United States and the Revolutionary Warwick series of programs, inviting both longtime residents and new visitors to take part in honoring its legacy.
“This anniversary is really about the people—past and present—who have made this place what it is,” Ingrid added. “From early vacationers arriving by train or car, to families returning year after year, to today’s guests discovering Greenwood Lake for the first time—it’s all part of the story.” As Greenwood Lake continues to evolve, Lake Lodging stands as a reminder of its roots in the golden age of regional travel—when a trip to the lake meant more than a getaway; it was a tradition.
