Zane Grey House

This 2-story house was the home of American author Zane Grey and his wife, Dolly.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

135 Scenic Dr, Lackawaxen, PA 18435

Significance:

Home of prolific American author Zane Grey from 1905 to 1918

Amenities

14 listed

Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Beach/Water Access, Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Fire Extinguisher, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Internet/WiFi Available, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Just upstream of Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct, on the banks of the Delaware River, is the former home of the prolific American author Zane Grey. It was in this Lackawaxen home that Grey’s professional writing career began. He lived at this property from 1905 to 1918, and during his time here penned some of his most famous pieces of literature, including his best-known work, Riders of the Purple Sage (1912). Grey would go on to be one of the most successful American authors of the 20th century, publishing over 80 books, many of which were later adapted to movies. He is considered one of the most influential authors of the American western genre.  

The house was completed in 1906. It was the largest of several structures built for members of Zane Grey’s extended family. The house was originally occupied by Zane Grey’s brother and sister-in-law, Romer and Rebecca Grey, while Zane Grey and his wife, Dolly, lived in a nearby farmhouse. Romer and Rebecca deeded the house to Dolly in 1914. Zane funded two major expansions to the house between 1914-16, greatly expanding the home. After 1918, the Greys moved to California, and the house was used very rarely by the family, before eventually being sold in 1945 to Helen Davis, who converted it to an inn. In 1973 the inn was converted to a museum dedicated to the prolific author and was acquired by the National Park Service in 1989 to be included in Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. 

Today, self-guided museum exhibits are available seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to the last weekend of September for visitors to explore. This includes the first floor of the house and a recreation of Zane Grey’s writing space. A public river access is across the street from the house where visitors can access the river for boating and fishing. During weekends in January and February, the museum is open for the Bald Eagle watching season.