Historic Morris County Club Closing Down After 110 Years

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — After more than a century of memories, a lakefront club in Morris County will close its doors at summer's end.

The Mountain Lakes Club, which has served the community for 110 years, has announced that it will officially close after Labor Day Weekend. To mark the occasion, the club will host a public farewell drinks celebration on Saturday at 6 p.m.

"Please join us to celebrate the history and legacy of the Club—and, of course, to have some fun. More will be shared on the status of Mountain Lakes Club, Inc., as well as the building itself, in the coming weeks and months," a spokesperson for the private club shared.

Opening in 1914, the club aimed to attract residents who came to the newly formed community to enjoy its man-made lakes and distinctive craftsman-style homes.

"It was a place for family, a place for sports, a place to enjoy the outdoors, and a place to have a good time," the club shares.

Officials revealed that financial constraints drove the decision to close, despite its deep roots in the town's history.

"Much has endured in 110 years. But things have changed, too," the club posted on its Facebook page. "The club has struggled financially since the recession of 2008, thanks to an ill-timed renovation project. Those debts, paired with a dwindling membership, have resulted in a club that has not been self-supporting for a decade."

According to the post, efforts to revive the club included new ownership promising a fresh start—or more precisely, a return to its former glory. Club members noted that the current owners even went as far as investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in an attempt to rejuvenate the struggling enterprise.

"It didn’t work, in part, because we still don’t have the critical mass of members necessary to carry the day-to-day operating costs of the club," the post stated.

From its inception, the Mountain Lakes Club was known for its elaborate and often lively parties, embodying the "playful spirit" of its residents. Its expansive tennis courts hosted countless matches, while the clubhouse area was a hub for swimming, canoeing and ice skating.

"We’d like to thank our members. From the founding members of 1914 to the remaining members of 2024, we are all connected by our time spent here. How lucky we’ve all been to call the Mountain Lakes Club 'home,'" a spokesperson for the private club said.