Eagles Mere: Lake, History and Seasonal Experiences

Eagles Mere combines a natural glacial lake with a historic heritage and seasonal activities. When planning your trip, you can focus on the landscape and water, local history or winter traditions. The area’s distinctive features show what Eagles Mere Lake, the museums and other attractions have to offer—and where certain activities come with conditions to keep in mind.

Eagles Mere Lake and the Landscape

Eagles Mere Lake is a natural glacial lake, about one mile long and one-third of a mile wide. It covers 116.5 acres. The lake is partly spring-fed, and its water is considered exceptionally pure.

Swimming, sailing, canoeing and fishing are among the activities associated with the lake. Restrictions apply to some uses of the lake and beach. If you plan to include water activities in your trip, factor these limits into your plans.

The Eagles Mere Conservancy preserves natural resources in Eagles Mere and the surrounding area. Its land acquisitions serve to protect water and soil; Conservancy lands are also dedicated to wildlife protection and refuge, as well as preserving scenic beauty. The Conservancy owns 450 acres of wooded mountain slopes with three miles of marked trails.

The Laurel Path is distinct from these trails: A temporary membership allows you to use the approximately two-mile walking path around Eagles Mere Lake. The Conservancy’s marked trails and the path around the lake therefore refer to different routes in different contexts.

History, Museum and Local Life

The Eagles Mere Museum preserves and presents the town’s history and heritage. Interactive exhibits and a model railroad room offer insight into different aspects of this history. In the Research and Reading Room, visitors can explore family trees and cottage stories. Alongside local history, the focus also includes family heritage and the stories of the cottages.

The Eagles Mere Historic District is also part of the town’s historic heritage. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; its areas of significance include architecture, entertainment and recreation, and conservation. An exhibit at the Eagles Mere Train Museum presents the history of the narrow-gauge railroad built from Sonestown to Eagles Mere in 1892.

The Eagles Mere Summer Antiques Market has been a summer tradition in the heart of Eagles Mere for five decades. Antiques are therefore among the themes that help shape the town’s seasonal character.

Seasonal Activities and Practical Planning

The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide has delighted winter visitors since 1904. Its seasonal operating schedule may vary. If you are planning your trip around this attraction, check in advance whether it will be operating during your travel dates.

Golf also comes with specific conditions. The Eagles Mere Country Club has an 18-hole golf course designed by Flynn. Under the current guest policy, guests may use the course for no more than four days per calendar year; Member-Guest tournaments are exempt from this limit. Because the guest policy may change, check it before making specific plans.

Another option on the lake is a free ride aboard the Hardly Able through a temporary membership. For an overview of attractions and activities in Eagles Mere and the surrounding area, the Eagles Mere Visitor Information Center offers about 65 brochures, maps and other guides. The local collections and trails, lake activities and seasonal traditions complement one another, so your stay need not focus on just one thing.

Discover more destinations: Dushore, Lopez.

For the broader travel overview: Sullivan County.