For Reservations:

Call 301-854-3994

Sylvania Lodge is listed on the National Bungalow Registry, and owned and operated in a manner dedicated to the preservation of America’s Heritage and Natural Beauty for generations to come. 

 

History:

From what can be determined, the original Lodge was built sometime around 1927.  Sylvania Lodge was the name given to this structure at that time. It was part of a larger group of buildings which comprised a camp area of which Sylvania Lodge was the boys boarding lodge and is the only remaining structure.  The camp was built along the banks of Kooser Run to take advantage of the dramatic location and cool summer temperatures among the Hemlocks and Laurels.  A swimming pool was located slightly further upstream.

 

A mountain spring located on the on the opposing side of Kooser Run provided further reason for this specific location.  It provided gravity fed spring water through pipes down the hill to the lodge.  The spring is tunneled into the mountain, and by crossing the bridge and hiking up the hillside following the pipe, one can enjoy a refreshing drink of spring water.

 

In the late 1930’s, several factors started to bring visitors to this once isolated area.  The nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike, America’s first “Super Highway”, was opened at this time.  As a result, it allowed families for the first time in to engage in road trips to further locations. Neighboring Kooser State Park had been built by the Civilian Conservation Corp and had made this area a popular destination.

 

At the same time, the area was also taking part of some of the earliest ski history in America.  The Pittsburgh Ski Club was founded in 1937 surveyed the surrounding area for suitable skiing locations.  They assisted Adolf Dupre to install the first rope tow in the area at “Seven Springs Farm” by obtaining an old Packard car which was used to drive the rope tow .  The lodge had become a favorite destination for visiting skiers to Seven Springs Farm, as well as several other now closed areas such as Plateau DeMont which was located close by across from Kooser Park.

 

The Lodge was almost destroyed in 1998 when one of the surrounding old growth trees fell on it during a storm.  Fortunately it landed on the stone chimney, thus taking the weight of the fall.  Although the roof was destroyed, the rest of the structure was not affected.  Due to current building regulations, it would be impossible today to build a structure at such a location directly along a pristine trout stream. 

 

We are committed to additional preservation measures to accurately reflect a unique vacation experience of the Arts and Crafts Era, while providing modern comfort and conveniences. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Laurel Highlands Experience like no other:

 

Private Arts & Crafts Lodge

 

Dramatic Waterfront Setting

 

5 minutes to Ski Lifts

 

Walk to Restaurant

 

Private Picnic Area

 

Short Drive to Fallingwater

 

Walk to State Park w/Lake

 

Wired/Wireless Internet

 

Cable TV

 

Sleeps up to 7

 

Fully Equipt Kitchen

 

Fireplace/ Outdoor Firepit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landscape Wall Oil Paintings and Oak Woodwork are Original Arts and Crafts features of the Lodge

Craftsman Style Fireplace with Quote