The abandoned bowling alley at Homowack Lodge
Homowack lodge, in Spring Glen, NY, had a long life as a family resort. The resort was in an area called the Borscht belt, also called the Jewish alps, due to its notoriety for attracting vacationing New York Jewish families. There were many of these resorts spread all over the Catskills.
The Homowack was very similar to other resorts in the region with many acitivitys including swimming, tennis, a small firing range, and even a small ski hill in the winter.
It had a few pools, two outdoor and one indoor.
This resort thrived from the 1920's to the 1970's and possibly into the 1980's. Its presumed that resorts like this closed during a time when air fare was getting cheaper and therefore more exotic vacation destinations became more favorable.
The resort grounds were cool but what we (my partner Otto and I) really came to find that rainy day was the bowling alley.
It took us so long to find it; we explored several buildings thinking that it had to be on a first floor or a basement. Once we found the lobby I had a good feeling we were going to discover where it was.
We went down a dark staircase, next to the front desk, and BINGO.
For the full feeling see the video at 4:17.
While exploring we did find some modern furniture and fixtures. A new Ikea chair and an incandescent lightbulb. This had us wondering, if this place was abandoned in the 80s how did this get here?
See video at 3:19 to see this.
Well we later found out that this place had a second life. It served as a camp for Hasidic children in 2007. They were here for a few years then forced out by the NY state department citing unsafe conditions and black mold (which we did see a lot of!). There is an article I have linked below citing the wild story about the camp at this time.
Homowack lodge was an amazing place to explore but I want to remind everyone, explore at your own risk. This place is not structurally sound and you could be arrested.
The safest way to explore is reading my stories! Subscribe to my YouTube or tap the newsletter form below.
I welcome your comments, questions, and stories about the Homowack lodge.
Otto and me in the Homowack bowling alley.
