A lot of Mountain Lake Park’s history can be learned from postcards written to families back home. Travelers would post their thoughts on picture postcards that shared daily activities that might include a game of tennis, meals at the local hotels, or marveling over the cool summer evenings and sleeping under two blankets. An extensive collection of these memories are on display at the Museum that also feature local sights and structures.

At the museum, you’ll learn about the 5,000-seat open-air amphitheater that hosted guest speakers like President Taft, William Jennings Bryan, and magician Carter The Great. The Ticket Office, with matching architectural features, ushered people through for each presentation. The amphitheater’s innovative architecture used inverted trusses eliminating the need for center supports. A clear sightline was available from every seat. It was razed in the 1940s by a local mill owner who reclaimed the lumber to build houses including 307 G Street which is next door to the Ticket Office.

The Mountain Lake Park Tennis Club is the oldest institution in the town. Trophies are on display at the museum as well as memorabilia and additional history on this popular sport from the early 1900s. The original clay courts, which are increasingly rare, are still maintained and available for play. Women from Mountain Lake Park began and managed the club as a form of recreation. At its peak, a tournament would be held each year drawing hundreds of spectators and competitors.