Timeless Tranquility: The Waldheim on Big Moose Lake
Relax. You’re at The Waldheim. All photos courtesy of The Waldheim.
Snuggled along the serene northern shore of Big Moose Lake in New York's Adirondack Park lies The Waldheim, a rustic retreat that has welcomed guests since 1904.
Offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality, The Waldheim stands out among Adirondack family resorts. It's a place where visitors can disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and loved ones, all while experiencing a reputation for service that spans generations.
A legacy of warm Adirondack hospitality.
The Waldheim's story began with E.J. Martin, who, at the age of twenty-nine in 1901, purchased a substantial tract of land on the north side of Big Moose Lake.
On of The Waldheim’s cottages.
By 1904, he had established The Waldheim, and remarkably, the resort has remained under the stewardship of his descendants ever since, a living testament to the region's rich history and the enduring spirit of its pioneers.
Today, E.J. Martins’ great-grandchildren and their families continue to manage the property, preserving its rich legacy and traditions.
Seventeen cottages offering charming accommodations.
The Waldheim boasts nearly 20 cottages, each exuding rustic charm designed to harmonize with the surrounding wilderness.
Ranging from one to five bedrooms, The Waldheim’s cottages feature cozy living rooms with wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, private bathrooms, and porches offering picturesque lake views.
Whipsaw Cottage.
To enhance the retreat experience, the cottages are intentionally free from modern distractions such as phones, televisions, clocks, or radios, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the tranquility of the environment.
However, The Waldheim offers free Wi-Fi located in their library, along with a free long-distance phone available.
The Waldheim staff provides daily cleaning services for each cottage and a “wood boy” starts a fire in each dwelling early every morning and keeps porches stocked with wood.
Hearty, homestyle Adirondack cooking.
One of the standout features of The Waldheim is its commitment to the traditional American Plan, providing guests with three robust meals daily. The atmosphere remains relaxed and informal in a central dining room adorned with china and table linens.
Meals are served family style in The Waldheim’s beautiful dining room.
Breakfast offers a variety of options, including the resort's renowned pancakes accompanied by real maple syrup. Lunch presents two entrée choices, complemented by homemade soups, breads, cakes, and pastries.
For those planning daytime excursions, picnic lunches can be prepared upon request, ensuring guests remain nourished during their adventures.
Dinner is a traditional home-cooked meal served family-style. The Waldheim’s chefs offer fresh-baked bread, homemade soup, and a juice to complement your meal.
Each evening, they offer a choice of two entrées. The ever-changing menu might include strip steak and seared tuna, pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp, fish fry, salmon, prime rib, or lasagna. Entrees are accompanied by traditional side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables, parmesan orzo, french fries and stuffed tomatoes.
Even The Waldheim has Taco Tuesdays.
After a full day of Adirondack activities, everyone is encouraged to reward themselves with one of the Waldheim’s homemade desserts.
And, if you can’t choose between the options, you may be able to get two.
While the Waldheim doesn’t provide beer, wine, or liquor, guests are always welcome to BYOB. They provide wine glasses and bottle openers in the dining room.
Embrace nature: unforgettable experiences and comforts await.
The Waldheim's 300-acre property, situated at the end of the road and adjacent to state wilderness land, provides ample space for privacy, exploration, and recreation. Guests can engage in various activities, including boating, swimming, hiking, and water skiing.
The resort's location on Big Moose Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Its waters are home to species such as brook trout, lake trout, yellow perch, and brown trout.
For those seeking relaxation, the resort's docks and porches provide perfect spots for reading, napping, or simply soaking in the serene lake views.
Evening gatherings often involve sharing a bottle of wine or cocktails (BYOB) on the porch overlooking the lake before dinner, fostering a sense of community among guests. This shared experience is a hallmark of The Waldheim, where strangers become friends and families create lasting bonds.
A step back to simpler times.
Staying at The Waldheim is more than just a vacation, it's a journey back in time. The resort's commitment to preserving its historical essence is evident in its architecture and ambiance, offering guests a unique and unforgettable experience.
The buildings showcase the distinctive palisade architectural style, characterized by vertical half-log construction. Early builders in the region developed this method due to the lack of sawmills. This style adds to the rustic charm and is a testament to the ingenuity of the area's pioneers.
The Waldheim's intentional absence of modern distractions encourages guests to engage in simpler pleasures, from exploring the natural surroundings to enjoying quality time with family and fellow travelers. This purposeful simplicity allows for a deeper connection with nature and a respite from the demands of everyday life, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.
Why guests return year after year.
The Waldheim's enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a genuine escape from modernity. Guests return year after year, drawn by the resort's timeless charm, the warmth of its hospitality, and the opportunity to create lasting memories in an essentially unchanged setting.
As one long-time visitor noted, five generations of their family have vacationed at The Waldheim since 1932, a testament to the resort's ability to foster enduring bonds and traditions.
Waldheim’s philosophy is simple: they want guests to have a true vacation experience. That means you can leave behind the usual concerns of cooking, cleaning, and planning.
With daily cottage cleaning, fires lit each morning, and thoughtfully prepared meals, guests are definitely not “roughing it” at The Waldheim.
Exploring the surrounding attractions.
Beyond the confines of The Waldheim, the Big Moose Lake area offers additional attractions. The nearby hamlet of Big Moose provides a glimpse into the region's history and culture. For those interested in architecture, the area is notable for its rustic structures, including the Big Moose Community Chapel and Covewood Lodge.
Cozy Cabin.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the adjacent Pigeon Lake Wilderness Area, encompassing over 50,000 acres of pristine wilderness. This area offers numerous hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the opportunity to experience the Adirondacks' unspoiled beauty.
The Adirondack Experience, Great Camp Sagamore, and Raquette Lake Navigation Company make excellent nearby excursions.
Planning your visit.
The Waldheim operates seasonally, welcoming guests from late June through Columbus Day weekend. During the summer months, cottages are typically rented for an entire week, from Saturday to Saturday.
After Labor Day, the resort offers a two-night minimum stay, accommodating those seeking shorter getaways.
Visit The Waldheim’s website for more information. They also offer a very cool interactive map of the property so potential guests can see where each cabin is positioned on the property.
Want to bring Fido along? Check out their pet policy.
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