The Woodlands Resort history

In 1949, one such Pittsburgh industrialist, Willard F. Rockwell, purchased an initial 60 acres of what is now Nemacolin.

Finished in 1968, the quaint, four-story Tudor Revival-style structure was a beautiful sight to behold.

Founded in 1969, The Woodlands is a boutique-style hotel, conference and event resort in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains.

Originally founded as The Woodlands Inn by George Mitchell in 1974, the resort has nearly doubled in size from 218 rooms to 402 rooms.

In 1987, Joseph A. Hardy, III, founder of the 84 Lumber Company, set out to buy a few acres near a lake or stream for his daughter, Maggie Hardy Knox, who loved fishing.

1988: The Woodlands Golf Academy was established, the Woodlands Spa opened, and Lake PJ and the Panorama Pavilion were constructed.

1989: The Lodge Annex and the Townhomes were built, and The Golden Trout was opened where Rockwell’s is today.

1990: Nemacolin and the Hardy family celebrated the first Royal Reception charity fundraiser.

1995: Mystic Rock Golf Course was added, and Mystic Mountain ski area at the Adventure Center, Kidz Club area, and PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor opened.

1996: Fat Bird was adopted as the resort’s new logo and whimsical mascot.

2004: Falling Rock opened, hosting Aqueous restaurant, Amber Bar, and the Golf Shop.

2007: The resort celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Mr.

2009: Lautrec retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year and acquired the Mobil (now Forbes Travel Guide) Five-Star Award, becoming one of only 14 restaurants in the country to have received both ratings.

2017: Shepherd’s Rock, the second Pete Dye-designed course at Nemacolin, joined Mystic Rock, doubling play to 36 holes of championship-level golf at the resort.

As a member of Historic Hotels of America (since 2018), The Lodge and Nemacolin are among the best holiday destinations in the United States.

2021: Updates to the bunkers, playing surfaces, and tee boxes were completed on Mystic Rock, solidifying it as one of the premier mountain courses in the country.