Nemacolin Woodlands Getaway: Luxury Meets Adventure in Pennsylvania

Updated on August 11, 2023 by Julie McCool

A Nemacolin Woodlands getaway offers a unique combination of luxury and adventure perfect for a romantic retreat, family vacation, or adult get-together. Occupying 2,000 acres in the Laurel Highlands region of Western Pennsylvania, the resort makes the most of its beautiful setting.

Lodging Options at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Nemacolin's quirky sense of fun and luxury is evident as soon as you arrive on the property. Puffy letters and an even puffier bird welcome you, surrounded by lush plantings and trees. As you continue up the drive you get your first view of luxury—the grand Chateau Lafayette.

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Chateau Lafayette at night Nemacolin Resort, Laurel Highlands PA
Chateau Lafayette at night Nemacolin Resort, Laurel Highlands PA

The luxury continues when you enter the spacious lobby and common areas, where you'll see another statue of “fat bird.”

"Fat bird" in the lobby at Nemacolin Resort, Laurel Highlands PA
“Fat bird” in the lobby at Nemacolin Resort, Laurel Highlands PA

Rooms feature vaulted ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers, plush beds and large windows, and marble bathrooms with jetted tubs. If your goal is romance, you could just spend your Nemacolin Woodlands getaway in one of these plush rooms.

Luxury Suite Nemacolin Resort
Luxury Suite Nemacolin Resort

Ready to plan your Nemacolin getaway? Check current Nemacolin rates and availability now. Or read more Nemacolin traveler reviews.

Watch this short video of a Nemacolin king bedroom in the Chateau Lafayette.

Ramp up the luxury another notch and book a room in the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Falling Rock. Recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Rating, room amenities include butler service and a 10-option pillow menu. Other lodging options include rooms in The Lodge, two-bedroom townhouses, and private homes that can accommodate larger groups.

Special Experiences for a Nemacolin Woodlands Getaway

The range of special experiences that can be part of your Nemacolin Woodlands getaway really sets this resort apart. You'll find classics, like a luxurious spa, a spacious pool, and fine dining. But you'll also find truly unique experiences that appeal to very different getaway groups.

Our focus was on Nemacolin's Wildlife Academy, a collection of paid tours and free options that feature interesting and unique wildlife housed on the property. We joined a family of four on a Safari Tour that brought us closer to wildlife than we've ever been. The tour includes up close opportunities to feed meat treats to some of the resort's big cats including two Bengal tigers, a pair of African lions, and a mountain lion. We also took a Nursery Tour in a large barn that houses smaller animals and babies.

Safari Tour tiger at Nemacolin Resort
Safari Tour tiger at Nemacolin Resort
Making friends at Nemacolin Resort Nursery PA
Making friends at Nemacolin Resort Nursery PA

If your budget is tight, check out the wildlife exhibits on your own self-guided tour. Don't miss the rare white buffalo, Lightning, and his companion, Thunder. Lightning is considered to be sacred by some Native Americans, and you'll see offerings tied to the fence near his enclosure.

A Nemacolin Woodlands getaway offers many family-friendly experiences beyond the wildlife options. Adventure seekers can zip line, rock climb, and tackle a ropes course. On-site sports include swimming mini-golf, bowling, tennis, paintball, and biking. The fun continues in winter with downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.

Adventure at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Pennsylvania
Adventure at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Pennsylvania

Adults can try archery, sport clay shooting, and fly-fishing at the Field Club, or test their skill on the off-road driving course. A second Pete Dye-designed golf course opens in summer 2017, so golfers can book a double dose of Dye at Nemacolin.

When to Plan a Nemacolin Woodlands Getaway

Warm and cold weather activities make a Nemacolin Woodlands getaway appropriate any time of year. Check the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort website for off-season discounts and special packages. As you would expect, outdoor adults and child-friendly pools are closed until May. There is an indoor adult pool for spa guests and a year-round indoor Kidz Pool for children.

Fall is especially beautiful in the wooded Laurel Highlands region of Western Pennsylvania. Colorful foliage emerges and cool, crisp days are ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for families on a break from school who want to include swimming in their getaways.

Enjoy the view from Kentuck Knob on a Laurel Highlands getaway
Enjoy the view from Kentuck Knob on a Laurel Highlands getaway

Happily, the region surrounding a Nemacolin Woodlands getaway is filled with fun things to do. Ohiopyle State Park, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, and Fort Necessity are all nearby. You'll find more details about things to do and dining in and near Nemacolin in our Laurel Highlands getaway article.

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Our lodging and Wildlife Academy experiences were hosted by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. All opinions are our own.

Pennsylvania USA Travel | Luxury Travel + Lodging | A Nemacolin Woodlands getaway offers a unique combination of luxury and adventure perfect for a romantic retreat, family vacation, or adult get-together.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Pennsylvania Getaway