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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  2021 Season at the Museum

Special evening and afternoon openings will soon be announced, stay tuned !!

Directions to the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum

From East:  Route 80 West to Exit 28.  Follow signs towards West Shore.  At traffic light by Lake make left turn. 
Hopatcong State Park entrance will be about 1/2 mile ahead on right. 

From West:  Route 80 East to Netcong (Route 183).  Left at Main Street until street ends.  Right then quick left onto
Center Street (by Palace Theatre).  Take until street ends at jug handle.  Follow jug handle so that you have made a left turn
onto Lakeside Boulevard.  Entrance to Hopatcong State Park is ahead on right.

 After passing Admission booth turn left - you will see our historic building straight ahead.