A lake with a rich history

How it all began…

From Lenape Land to Lake Community

Long before Lake Arrowhead existed, this land was part of the Lenni Lenape’s hunting grounds. These early inhabitants were known for their warmth and cooperation with settlers. Though they had disappeared from the Denville area by 1750, they left behind traces of their culture—most notably, small flint arrowheads that inspired the name of our community.

The Birth of Arrowhead Lake

In 1925, the Arthur D. Crane Company purchased 100 acres of land—including a small lake called Protectory Pond—from the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. The company expanded its holdings and began developing a summer lake community straddling Denville and Mountain Lakes.

A dam was built that fall, and Protectory Pond was transformed into what we now know as Arrowhead Lake. Two nearby swamps became additional lakes: the Bay of Deep Waters and Great Bay. Together, these bodies of water cover about 34 acres and sit roughly 525 feet above sea level.

From Summer Homes to Year-Round Living

Originally designed as a seasonal escape, Lake Arrowhead drew families from Brooklyn and Jersey City. After the stock market crash in 1929, some made the choice to settle here year-round, drawn by the natural beauty and quiet surroundings.

The Club is Born

The Lake Arrowhead Club was officially incorporated in 1927. The early Board of Trustees played a key role in shaping the community we know today—negotiating with developers and laying the foundation for a close-knit, well-organized neighborhood. Their efforts continue to benefit residents nearly a century later.