Pembroke, VA (Sept. 5, 2025) – Mountain Lake Lodge, located in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, is pleased to announce it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States.
Mountain Lake Lodge is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.
“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct Mountain Lake Lodge, which first debuted as the ‘Salt Pond’ once General Herman Haupt acquired the site in 1851,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. The hotel was purchased and subsequently renovated in 1936 by noted philanthropist and American Hotel Company founder William Lewis Moody Jr. Furthermore, the hotel has been generationally owned through daughter Mary Moody Northen and later the Mary Moody Northen Endowment Fund.
“We commend Mountain Lake Lodge, the Mary Moody Northen Endowment Fund, and leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination,” added Horwitz.
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
“This has been a dynamic journey, and we are so proud to be inducted into Historic Hotels of America,” said Heidi Stone, Mountain Lake Lodge resort president and CEO. “Mountain Lake Lodge is steeped in history and a special place like no other – deeply rooted in this region for more than 150 years.” Stone and Mountain Lake Lodge have been named Hotelier of the Year and Hotel of the Year respectively by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.
Mountain Lake Lodge is located away from the hubbub in the center of a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary. It is the real-life filming location of Kellerman’s in the iconic movie Dirty Dancing, and where fans return again and again to experience the resort’s commemorative “Dirty Dancing Weekends” held throughout the year. Dirty Dancing, filmed 39 years ago, was recently named to the Library of Congress National Film Registry for Preservation due to its incredible contributions to American cinematic history.
Visitors from across the United States and around the world are drawn to Mountain Lake Lodge for its 22 miles of scenic hiking trails and a wide array of activities. Highlights include the Giles County Trail Center, regional arts and culture experiences, the Artist’s Studio, and the Nature Center offering guided hikes, nature crafts, and birdwatching. Guests can also enjoy mountain excursions, farm-to-table dining at Harvest restaurant, on-site shopping, and outdoor adventures such as golf, fly fishing, and family floats on the New River. Mountain Lake Lodge continues to evolve with exciting new offerings and community-focused annual events, including the month- long “Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace,” the culinary weekend “SAVOR: Chefs, Farmers & Friends,” and the newly introduced Spa & Nature Sanctuary. Despite its growth, the resort remains true to its heritage, anchored by the historic Main Stone Lodge and cozy, red- roofed cabins.
About Historic Hotels of America®
Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States of America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by U.S. Congress in 1949 and is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save places where our history happened. To be nominated and selected for membership in this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historical significance. Of the more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of Americafrom 44 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, all historic hotels faithfully preserve their sense of authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. For more information, please visit HistoricHotels.org.
For information about Mountain Lake Lodge, visit mtnlakelodge.com or call 540-626-7121.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katherine Orr
Historic Hotels of America
Director, Marketing Strategy & Communications Tel: +1 202 772 8337
