LAKE HOPATCONG HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Located in a rustic 19th century building which served as a lock tender's house on the Morris Canal, the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum offers an entertaining and enlightening look at the history of New Jersey's largest lake. Step back to a time when the lake was actually two bodies of water and the Lenape Tribe lived along its shores. Learn of the building of the famous Morris Canal and the forming of modern day Lake Hopatcong, its main source of water. Travel back to the era when the Lake was a tourist mecca and some 40 hotels and rooming houses graced its shores.

Relive the days when thousands flocked to Bertrand Island Amusement Park for dancing and "nickel nights." In an age before jets, air conditioning and super highways, Lake Hopatcong was a major northeast resort. Trains from urban centers would drop off vacationers at the Landing Railroad Station, where they would board steamboats for the trip to Bertrand Island and other points around the Lake.  Within easy reach of large cities to the east, the Lake's size and setting at over 900 feet above sea level made it a perfect resort. From the 1880's through the 1930's the Lake welcomed thousands each year, including leaders in government, industry and entertainment. Lower daytime temperatures and cool evenings made Lake Hopatcong a welcome respite from the urban centers to the east.

The Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum displays an extensive collection of memorabilia, photographs, historical artifacts, and exhibits about the Lake and on the history and working of the Morris Canal. The Museum is located on the grounds of Lake Hopatcong State Park in Landing, just 2 miles off Route I-80 at exit 28.  Admission is free. Call (973) 398-2616 for further information

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Summer 2013 Museum Hours

The Museum will have limited hours during the summer and reopen with regular hours in October.

We will next be open on:
Monday evening, July 22nd from 6:00PM to 9:00 PM with a special
Lake Hopatcong Postcard Night. Local dealers will have original
Lake Hopatcong postcards available for purchase. All exhibits will also be open.

Upcoming Special Events

Saturday, June 22nd – Lake Hopatcong Antique Boat Show - Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, 10AM-4PM

Friday, July 5th – Annual Fireworks – Main Lake, 9:15PM

Thursday, July 18th – “Going Out at Lake Hopatcong” – Jefferson House Restaurant, 6:00PM

Saturday, September 28th, “The McGiveney’s Return to River Styx” – St. Jude Parish Center, 6:00PM

Saturday, November 2nd, “Walking the Midway at Lake Hopatcong” – Palace Theatre, 7:00PM

For Information on the Museum and the special Programs,
please call  973-398-2616 or e-mail to  LHHistory@att.net