The Historical Significance of Mountain Lakes, NJ
Mountain Lakes, NJ, is rich in history and was named after the two large lakes residing in town—Mountain Lake and Crystal Lake. These lakes are a significant part of the town’s history and attract visitors from all over Morris County and the surrounding areas.
The town was first settled in 1802 by Josiah Hornblower, as he and his family were some of the earliest settlers in the area. Over 100 years later, in 1910, Mountain Lakes began to transform from rural woodland owned by families known as the Righter, Grimes, Ball, and Van Duyne families to a major suburban community of large stucco houses, known as Lakers.
The Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee
The Mountain Lakes Historical Society was founded in 1957 by a group of dedicated Mountain Lakers who wanted to preserve the town’s historical, architectural, and cultural heritage. The first property—and still one of the most popular—was The Righter House, built before 1740. The Society went on to own and operate six historic properties: The Righter House, Mountain Lakes Club, Van Duyne-Grimes Homestead, Mountain Lakes Firehouse Museum, Mountain Lakes Train Station, and the Lusscroft Farm. Today, the Society is known as the Historic Preservation Committee. They seek to preserve and celebrate the town’s unique history by providing guided tours of the six properties, hosting special events, and maintaining an ever-growing collection of artifacts and photos.
Activities for the Whole Family to Enjoy
Mountain Lakes is a beautiful place to live, with plenty of fun things for you and your family to enjoy. Mountain Lake Park is the largest in Mountain Lakes, sitting on over 200 acres. The park has two playgrounds, a beach area for swimming, kayak rentals, and paddleboard rentals. Mountain Lakes Nature Club organizes hikes, bird walks, and nature programs for all ages. There are also tennis courts, a basketball court, a skating rink in the wintertime, and vast amounts of open space to run around and explore.
In the summertime, the Mountain Lakes town pool is a great place to cool off. It has a large kiddie pool, two diving boards, and a slide—perfect for children of all ages. The Mountain Lakes Recreation Department also offers children plenty of activities, including arts and crafts, sports clinics, dance classes, and more.
Ready to Make the Move to Mountain Lakes, NJ?
If you’re looking for a town with rich history and plenty of activities to keep you busy, Mountain Lakes is the perfect place for you! Get in touch with our team at the Morris County EDC to learn why businesses, families, and individuals choose our county above the rest!
Download our FREE relocation guide to discover all the reasons to choose Morris County, then contact our team to learn how we can help you today!