Things to Do in Hopatcong

With the distinction of Top Trainer from Today’s Equestrian, Heritage Stables, LLC owner Marc Harbers has come a long way since his days of training and growing up in the Netherlands. In his teen years, Marc began his pursuit of mares by working for a large show barn that allowed him to interact with more horses than it takes to fill a double-decker carousel. During this time, he developed the riding philosophies that he passes on to students today at his stateside facilities. His grounds house a large indoor ring and two outdoor rings—well-maintained spaces where Marc breeds champions by stressing balance and the importance of strong mental bonds.

At Randolph Climbing Center, multistoried rock walls challenge guests to conquer gravity and strengthen their bodies one vertical step at a time. Those new to the sport can take classes that the cover fundamentals every climber should know, including how to use their rope to slow descents, provide leverage, and lasso dangling action heroes to safety.

The Great Divide Campground lures campers out of their tents and cabins with diversions such as fishing in an onsite private lake, swimming in a heated long-course pool, and dethawing marshmallows over crackling fires. Each of the 270 campsites adds to the natural greenery of its surroundings with a fire ring and picnic table. The campground staff peddles ice and firewood and delivers it for free, unlike pack mules that always demand tips. A private lake hosts boating and paddleboating. Other amenities include everything from a basketball court and horseshoe pits to a laundry facility, restrooms with flush toilets, and free showers.

Dan Klemm, the self-professed “Snowmobile King,” reigns over two 6,000-square-foot barns filled with more than 400 snowmobiles and more than 50 motorcycles. His collection includes rare and one-of-a-kind sleds, such as a wooden replica of a 1924 Eliason motorized toboggan and a 1951 Ingham, as well as amphibious tracked machines including a Play Cat and a Ridge Runner, which traverse both water and land in much the same way as an octopus wearing hiking books. After marveling at the 1959 Air Sled prototype whose Lycoming airplane engine was intended to propel it through the skies, guests can wander among motorcycles from the 1900s to the 1970s made by the likes of Harley-Davidson and BMW. A 1922 Henderson Deluxe motorcycle with a sidecar nestles among Klemm’s rides, as does a plethora of mini bikes and scooters, pinball machines, typewriters, classic Crosley radios, and other vintage collectibles.

While visiting the museum, guests can step away from the motorized amusements to commune with farm animals ranging from pygmy goats and emus to guinea hens and ducks. Kids can also run around a miniature hook-and-ladder Crosley fire engine before settling down at picnic facilities to munch on sandwiches.