Zane Grey Museum | Step into the life of a legendary Western author in Lackawaxen
Located on the banks of the Delaware River, the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, PA, invites visitors to explore the former home of legendary American Western novelist Pearl Zane Grey. From 1905 to 1918, Grey lived in this peaceful setting, where he wrote many of his most iconic works, including Riders of the Purple Sage (1912). The house, completed in 1906 and later expanded, was home to Grey’s family and served as a retreat from New York City life.
This two-story gray-green home now operates seasonally as a museum under the care of the National Park Service. Guests can take a self-guided tour of the first floor, including a detailed recreation of Zane Grey’s writing space. The museum features original artifacts, rare photos, personal belongings, and early editions of Grey’s novels. Outdoors, visitors will also find river access for boating and fishing and scenic views just steps from Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct.
The home’s legacy extends beyond Grey’s life. After the Greys moved to California, a family friend converted the property into the Zane Grey Inn in the 1940s. The museum officially opened in 1973 and became part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River in 1989. Each year, a festival honors Grey’s contributions to American literature and film, celebrating his status as a pioneer of the Western genre.
Today, the Zane Grey Museum offers a unique experience where literature, history, and nature meet in Lackawaxen.
