Jackson, New Hampshire, is one of those places that feels like a movie set. You drive through the "Honeymoon" covered bridge, the road winds up, and there it is—the Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club. It sits like a massive wooden sentinel overlooking the Wildcat River valley. Honestly, if you’re looking for a glass-and-steel modern resort with touch-screen everything, this isn't it. But that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
It’s about the creak. You know the one. That specific sound an old wooden floor makes that tells you a building has seen things.
This place has seen a lot. Since 1879, it’s survived fires, the Great Depression, and the total evolution of American tourism. Today, it’s one of the few remaining "Grand Hotels" of the White Mountains. While other historic stays have been gutted or turned into condos, the Eagle keeps its 280-foot wrap-around veranda intact. You’ve probably seen photos of those rocking chairs. They aren't just for show; they’re basically the soul of the property.
The Golf Course That Saved the Farm
Back in 1931, things were looking pretty grim for the hospitality industry. Arthur Gale, whose family had run the place for decades, realized the old mountain farm wasn't going to cut it anymore. He did something radical: he turned the cow pastures and hay fields into a golf course.
The Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club now boasts a 9-hole, par-32 course that is, quite frankly, a bit of a trip. It’s USGA-rated, but don't expect a flat, easy walk. It winds right along the Wildcat River. Three of the tee boxes are basically on the riverbank.
It’s not long—about 2,120 yards—but it’s technical. You’re playing on land that used to feed livestock, so the terrain is "natural," which is a polite way of saying it has character. The views of Carter Notch and the surrounding peaks are so distracting you’ll probably mess up your drive on the first hole. Most people do.
Quick Stats for the Golf Obsessed
- Par: 32
- Holes: 9 (but you can play 18 by doing a double loop)
- Season: May through late October
- Architect: Arthur Gale (1931)
- Signature Feature: The Wildcat River bordering the fairways.
What It’s Actually Like to Stay Here
Let’s be real for a second. This is a 19th-century building. The elevator is a 1926 hydro-electric model with a manual cage. It’s cool. It’s also slow. If you’re in a hurry, take the stairs.
The rooms are "traditional New England," which means antique-style furnishings and a lack of soundproofing that modern hotels obsess over. You might hear someone laughing in the hallway. You will definitely feel the history. But there's a trade-off. You get views that are literally impossible to find in a Marriott.
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The suites, like the Mountain View King, give you about 325 to 375 square feet of space. They’ve added 32-inch flat screens and Wi-Fi, but the vibe remains stubbornly Victorian. Most guests find the beds surprisingly comfortable—high-quality linens on frames that have likely been there since your grandparents were kids.
The Dining Situation
You have two main spots: Highfields Restaurant and the Eagle Landing Tavern.
Highfields is your go-to for breakfast. It’s classic American stuff—pancakes, eggs, the works.
The Tavern is where you want to be after a day of hiking or skiing. It’s got that dark wood, "I just spent five hours in the woods" energy. They serve local craft beers and what many locals consider some of the better pub food in Jackson. Sitting on the veranda with a drink from the tavern while the sun sets over the mountains? That’s the peak Eagle Mountain experience.
The "Grand Hotel" Legacy vs. Modern Reality
There’s a bit of a misconception that these grand hotels are stuffy. Maybe they were in 1916 when the current building opened, but now it’s surprisingly laid back. It’s dog-friendly, which is a huge plus for the hiking crowd.
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They also have a seasonal outdoor pool that’s actually heated. It’s open June through September. Imagine floating in a pool while looking up at the same peaks that 19th-century painters used to trek days to see. It’s a weird, wonderful contrast.
However, it’s worth noting that the hotel doesn’t have central A/C in the way a Hilton does. Some rooms have window units; others rely on that crisp mountain air and portable fans. If you’re visiting during a rare New Hampshire heatwave in July, keep that in mind. Most people don’t care because by 8:00 PM, the mountain air drops into the 60s anyway.
Winter: When the Golf Course Disappears
When the snow hits, the golf course doesn't just sit there. It becomes part of the Jackson Cross Country Ski Touring Center's network. We’re talking about the #1 rated cross-country ski area in the East.
The fairways turn into groomed trails. You can literally walk out the front door, strap on some skis, and disappear into the woods.
If you’re not into skiing, the outdoor fire pit becomes the hub. There are s'mores, stories, and a lot of people wearing flannel. It’s aggressively cozy.
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Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book a "Mountain View" Room: It sounds like a cliché, but at the Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club, the difference between a standard room and a mountain view is the difference between looking at a wall and looking at a masterpiece. It’s worth the extra twenty bucks.
- Check the Event Calendar: This place is a wedding magnet. If you want a quiet, "I'm the only one here" vibe, check if there’s a massive 200-person wedding taking over the Carriage House during your stay.
- Use the Veranda Early: The best time on the porch is 6:00 AM. The valley is usually filled with mist, and it’s the only time you’ll have the rocking chairs to yourself.
- The "Secret" Hike: There is a trail leading directly from the parking lot up to the top of Eagle Mountain. It’s about a 45-minute hike. The last bit is steep and rocky, but the payoff is a bird's-eye view of the hotel and the entire village of Jackson.
- Mind the Elevator: If you have heavy luggage, wait for the historic elevator. It’s a piece of history, but it’s small. Don’t try to cram your whole group in at once.
If you’re heading to the White Mountains, don't just drive past the big yellow building on the hill. Stop in. Even if you aren't staying, a round of golf on the river or a drink on the porch is enough to understand why this place hasn't changed much in a hundred years. It’s a rare slice of the Gilded Age that didn't get the memo that it was supposed to go out of style.
Pack a light jacket, even in August. The mountains don't care about your summer plans. Grab a seat on the porch, order a local brew, and just listen to the Wildcat River. You’ll get it.