The Nemacolin Story
A Story
Unfolds…
Nemacolin has a proud heritage to celebrate and a future to inspire.
An Industrious Start
In 1949, one such Pittsburgh industrialist, Willard F. Rockwell, purchased an initial 60 acres of what is now Nemacolin. In 1968, after accumulating more land, Rockwell established the Nemacolin Trails Hunting reserve, which included a new hunting lodge. Today, The Lodge still proudly welcomes guests to explore, adventure, and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.
A Family Affair
In 1987, Joseph A. Hardy, III, founder of the 84 Lumber Company, set out to buy a few acres near a lake or stream for his daughter, Maggie Hardy Knox, who loved fishing. But, instead he fell in love with Nemacolin and purchased a large portion of the land. What began as a thoughtful gift for his daughter turned into a lifetime project they would share, building something truly magical together.
The Legacy Continues
Since 2002, Maggie, now joined by her son P.J. Magerko, has continued to lead the way and expand the vision of Nemacolin, offering guests and members a truly extraordinary resort experience. With a proud humility and excitement for what’s to come, the Hardy family looks ahead to the next chapter of Nemacolin magic.
Major Milestones:
1988: The Woodlands Golf Academy was established, the Woodlands Spa opened, Lake P.J. and the Panorama Pavilion were constructed.
1989: The Lodge Annex and the Townhomes were built, and The Golden Trout was opened where Rockwell’s is today. Scenic hiking, jogging, and horseback riding trails and tours were added alongside boating, fishing, and croquet experiences.
1990: Nemacolin and the Hardy family celebrated the first Royal Reception charity fundraiser.
1995: Mystic Rock Golf Course was added, and Mystic Mountain ski area at the Adventure Center, Kidz Club area, and P.J.’s Ice Cream Parlor opened.
1996: Fat Bird was adopted as the resort’s new logo and whimsical mascot.
1997: The resort celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hardy ownership with the opening of The Chateau.
2002: Mr. Hardy’s daughter, Maggie Hardy Knox, became the President and Owner of Nemacolin.
2004: Falling Rock opened, hosting Aqueous restaurant, Amber Bar, and the Golf Shop.
2006: Wildlife habitats were built, bringing a variety of exotic wildlife to the resort. The Hardy Girls’ Gym was constructed.
2007: The resort celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Mr. Hardy’s 84th birthday. Falling Rock was awarded the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award.
2008: Falling Rock retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year, and Lautrec was the only new restaurant in the eastern half of the United States to be awarded the Five-Diamond rating, making Nemacolin one of only 21 resorts worldwide to offer both AAA Five-Diamond lodging and dining.
2009: Lautrec retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year and acquired the Mobil (now Forbes Travel Guide) Five-Star Award, becoming one of only 14 restaurants in the country to have received both ratings. Nemacolin became the first resort designated as a PET PROUD facility as it opened Wooflands, the area’s premier Pet Resort and Spa, and The Animal Care Center, a primary animal care hospital.
2014: Nemacolin embarked on a $30 million resort-wide renovation, one of the largest projects in the resort’s history, holistically reimagining guest rooms and experiences.
2017: Shepherd’s Rock, the second Pete Dye-designed course at Nemacolin, joined Mystic Rock, doubling play to 36 holes of championship-level golf at the resort.
2020: While Real Life Magic has always been a part of Nemacolin, 2020 ushered in a new era and refreshed identity for the resort.
2021: Updates to the bunkers, playing surfaces, and tee boxes were completed on Mystic Rock, solidifying it as one of the premier mountain courses in the country. The Peak opened as a hub of year-round entertainment and fun with a heated outdoor pool, cabanas, an event stage, and expanded dining.
2022: Nemacolin celebrated its 35th anniversary, and the resort earned 22 Forbes Stars for the third consecutive year. The resort received a No. 2 rank from Travel + Leisure as one of The 10 Best Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, and Condé Nast Traveler recognized Nemacolin as #14 on their list of the Top Destination Spa Resorts in the United States: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022.
2023: Nemacolin celebrated the 100th birthday of the resort’s founder, Joseph A. Hardy III, who has since moved into his next life. We continue to laud his legacy as we grieve his passing. The beginning of the year also marked The Grand Reimagination of The Lodge at Nemacolin with an anticipated completion in August of 2023.
1988: The Woodlands Golf Academy was established, the Woodlands Spa opened, Lake P.J. and the Panorama Pavilion were constructed.
1989: The Lodge Annex and the Townhomes were built, and The Golden Trout was opened where Rockwell’s is today. Scenic hiking, jogging, and horseback riding trails and tours were added alongside boating, fishing, and croquet experiences.
1990: Nemacolin and the Hardy family celebrated the first Royal Reception charity fundraiser.
1995: Mystic Rock Golf Course was added, and Mystic Mountain ski area at the Adventure Center, Kidz Club area, and P.J.’s Ice Cream Parlor opened.
1996: Fat Bird was adopted as the resort’s new logo and whimsical mascot.
1997: The resort celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hardy ownership with the opening of The Chateau.
2002: Mr. Hardy’s daughter, Maggie Hardy Knox, became the President and Owner of Nemacolin.
2004: Falling Rock opened, hosting Aqueous restaurant, Amber Bar, and the Golf Shop.
2006: Wildlife habitats were built, bringing a variety of exotic wildlife to the resort. The Hardy Girls’ Gym was constructed.
2007: The resort celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Mr. Hardy’s 84th birthday. Falling Rock was awarded the coveted AAA Five-Diamond Award.
2008: Falling Rock retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year, and Lautrec was the only new restaurant in the eastern half of the United States to be awarded the Five-Diamond rating, making Nemacolin one of only 21 resorts worldwide to offer both AAA Five-Diamond lodging and dining.
2009: Lautrec retained its Five-Diamond status for the second year and acquired the Mobil (now Forbes Travel Guide) Five-Star Award, becoming one of only 14 restaurants in the country to have received both ratings. Nemacolin became the first resort designated as a PET PROUD facility as it opened Wooflands, the area’s premier Pet Resort and Spa, and The Animal Care Center, a primary animal care hospital.
2014: Nemacolin embarked on a $30 million resort-wide renovation, one of the largest projects in the resort’s history, holistically reimagining guest rooms and experiences.
2017: Shepherd’s Rock, the second Pete Dye-designed course at Nemacolin, joined Mystic Rock, doubling play to 36 holes of championship-level golf at the resort.
2020: While Real Life Magic has always been a part of Nemacolin, 2020 ushered in a new era and refreshed identity for the resort.
2021: Updates to the bunkers, playing surfaces, and tee boxes were completed on Mystic Rock, solidifying it as one of the premier mountain courses in the country. The Peak opened as a hub of year-round entertainment and fun with a heated outdoor pool, cabanas, an event stage, and expanded dining.
2022: Nemacolin celebrated its 35th anniversary, and the resort earned 22 Forbes Stars for the third consecutive year. The resort received a No. 2 rank from Travel + Leisure as one of The 10 Best Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic, and Condé Nast Traveler recognized Nemacolin as #14 on their list of the Top Destination Spa Resorts in the United States: Readers’ Choice Awards 2022.
2023: Nemacolin celebrated the 100th birthday of the resort’s founder, Joseph A. Hardy III, who has since moved into his next life. We continue to laud his legacy as we grieve his passing. The beginning of the year also marked The Grand Reimagination of The Lodge at Nemacolin with an anticipated completion in August of 2023.
