Quarantine is no reason not to enjoy New Jersey’s beauty…online. Thanks to technology (drones, especially), we can enjoy much of the Garden State safely from home. Today, we’re taking a virtual visit to the stunning Lake Hopatcong.
Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, occupying approximately 4 square miles.
Hope Abrams/Flickr Lake Hopatcong was formed by the damming and flooding of two ponds and the Musconetcong River.
It was once a vacation resort for wealthy New Yorkers but is now most often enjoyed by New Jerseyans.
Terry Ballard/Flickr In its heyday as a vacation destination, visitors included Babe Ruth, Bud Abbot, and Milton Berle. There were island resorts and gorgeous gardens. Today, popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Some of you may remember Bertrand Island Park, which opened in 1910 and closed in 1983.
Brian/Flickr When the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum opens again, don’t miss their fantastic photo collection!
One of the coolest things about Lake Hopatcong? It has several islands.
Ken Lund/Flickr There are homes on Raccoon Island and Halsey Island, and they’re sometimes available to rent. What a secluded, scenic getaway that would be!
Another fun fact? Lake Hopatcong is in both Sussex and Morris Counties.
Rick Knox/YouTube If you’d like to enjoy it to its fullest, take a seasonal brunch cruise around the lake. It’s a wonderful (and delicious) tour. A ride on Miss Lotta means a lotta fun!
Photos don’t do the lake justice and we can’t visit now in person, so check out the incredible footage below, captured by YouTube user Rick Knox. Prepare to be mesmerized…or was it just me? Let me know what you think and share your photos and memories with us in the comments.
Hope Abrams/Flickr
Lake Hopatcong was formed by the damming and flooding of two ponds and the Musconetcong River.
Terry Ballard/Flickr
In its heyday as a vacation destination, visitors included Babe Ruth, Bud Abbot, and Milton Berle. There were island resorts and gorgeous gardens. Today, popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Brian/Flickr
When the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum opens again, don’t miss their fantastic photo collection!
Ken Lund/Flickr
There are homes on Raccoon Island and Halsey Island, and they’re sometimes available to rent. What a secluded, scenic getaway that would be!
Rick Knox/YouTube
If you’d like to enjoy it to its fullest, take a seasonal brunch cruise around the lake. It’s a wonderful (and delicious) tour. A ride on Miss Lotta means a lotta fun!
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Address: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, USA
