Lake Teedyuskung
Lake Teedyuskung has been an essential part of Woodloch Pines since we opened doors way back in 1958. The lake has about three miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of about 30 feet. The water is clean as can be; it is fed through multiple springs. It carries a brown tint due to the presence of tannic acid- a natural substance given off by the evergreen trees that populate the shoreline (this substance is also used to tan hides or stain wood!). The lake is rich in both beauty and history.
Nature
Most importantly, because the water is so pure, aquatic life around the lake is quite prolific! Many varieties of pan fish (perch, blue gills, sunfish), large mouth bass, catfish, walleye pike and pickerel all call Teedyuskung “home.” Turtles, frogs and other amphibians keep them company along water’s edge; Canadian Geese, Bald Eagles and even the elusive Blue Heron soar majestically in the skies. The surrounding forest is populated by white-tailed deer, porcupines, black bears and foxes. It’s safe to say that our Pocono Mountain resort is beaming with life!
The Lenni Lenape Native Americans were the original settlers of Lake Teedyuskung in the early 17th century. Moving into the early 18th century, the Susquehanna Delaware natives became the dominant tribe in the area. Chief Teedyuskung (1700-1763) was the strong-willed spokesman of the Susquehanna Delaware Indians. He fought the white settlers for the land in which he believed belonged to his tribe. Unfortunately, in 1762 Teedyuskung’s desperate battle for the land was lost and his requests were denied.
In 1763, Teedyuskung was mysteriously burned to death in his cabin along with many other members of his tribe. Shortly after this incident CAPTAIN BULL, son of Teedyuskung, and the rest of the Delaware war party proceeded to kill all of the white people in the Wyoming Valley. In 1768 the disputed land was finally sold to the Pennsylvania Government.
In the late 1800’s, James Henry and Adelaine Thompson, the grandparents of Helen Lockwood and James A. Thompson (Helen’s brother), purchased a large piece of land along the east shore of the lake from Martha J. Quick. The west shoreline was sold off as parcels during the Depression.
One of the Lake’s most famous residents was Daniel Carter Beard, one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America (May 1905). Woodsman, illustrator and naturalist, Daniel Carter Beard was a pioneering spirit of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1882, he illustrated Mark Twain’s ‘A Connecticutt Yankee in King Arthur’s Court’. Already 60 years old when the BSA was formed, Dan Beard became a founder when he merged his ‘The Sons of Daniel Boone’ organization with the naturalist Ernest Seton’s ‘Woodcraft Indians’ in 1910.
Dan owned 3 parcels on the lake. He acquired one piece from the George Rowland Estate in 1878. The second piece was owned by his brother, Harry Beard. The third piece of property was purchased by Mrs. Kellog in 1888 from James Henry Thompson and sold to Dan Beard for his school in 1926. It was remodeled into a tavern during the 1950s.
Activities
Taking on a personality all of its own, Lake Teedyuskung also offers four seasons of fun that make Woodloch the best family lake resort in the Pocono Mountains! Explore all around our lake spring through autumn with our kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats, paddleboards and sailboats- or hop on one of our pontoons for a guided tour. Or relax your mind with some catch-and-release fishing from one of several designated docks.
As the waters warm during the lazy days of summer, the lake becomes a hot spot for swimming and waterslide action. Bask in the sunshine on our beach area, or gear up at our Teahouse Dock for water skiing! When the winds of winter scatter snow along Woodloch, lace up for some ice skating and hockey.
