Our History

We are excited that you have joined us for some fun at Shepard's Cove! We hope that your family experience with us is enjoyable and fun. Watch the boats pass by while eating on one of our 2 spacious beautiful decks overlooking the waterfront and don't forget to stop back for some late night fun and dancing.

In 1810 what is now known as Lake George Village was founded by James Caldwell, who, for some reason named the town "Caldwell". Soon after tourists began arriving and lodging at a log tavern owned by Mr. Caldwell. The tavern was located on land that is now Shepard Memorial Park (right outside our front door). Through the early part of the 1800's stagecoaches began making an ever-increasing number of trips up to Lake George during the summer months, as more and more people heard of the wonders of Lake George. By 1882 the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Co. extended its line so the people could board a train in NY City and be in Lake George in the same day. The trend of people flocking to Lake George to enjoy the natural beauty and escape the rush of everyday life has continued ever since.

One of those people who made the early journey by stagecoach was Edward Morse Shepard, a successful lawyer in Manhattan. A friendship with George Patrick Peabody often brought him to Lake George for visits. He was so impressed with its beauty that he vowed to build a summer home here. Eventually Shepard did; building Erlowest – a gorgeous Queen Anne style mansion (recently renovated to its original grandeur and design) on the west side of the lake. Shepard quickly found himself right at home in Lake George and became an influential figure in the village. He was founder of the Lake George Club and a vestryman of St. James Episcopal Church. The park we talked about earlier as the spot of Caldwell's first tavern – Shepard Memorial Park – is dedicated to him.