The History of the Knickerbocker Mansion

Built by Hand, Preserved with Heart

Built in 1920, the Knickerbocker Mansion stands as a proud tribute to William (Bill) Edwin Knickerbocker — Big Bear’s own Paul Bunyan.

In the early 1900s, Bill journeyed west from Pennsylvania and settled in a small area called Pine Knot, now known as Big Bear Lake. There, he became the area’s first dam keeper for the newly completed Big Bear Dam.

Together with his wife and five children, Bill built a magnificent log mansion using trees he personally felled from the surrounding forest. The home’s exterior is crafted from halved logs installed vertically as siding, while the interior features rich pine and cedar paneling throughout — a true celebration of natural materials and craftsmanship.

Originally part of an 85-acre estate that included a Carriage House, the property was transformed into an inn in the 1980s. The Mansion and Carriage House remain two of the oldest and most historic structures in the Big Bear region.

After years of decline, the Mansion was revived in the 1980s as a Bed & Breakfast and underwent a complete restoration in 1998. It continued welcoming guests until 2017, when it transitioned into a private residence. That same year, all four buildings and the surrounding grounds were beautifully renovated, ensuring the Knickerbocker Mansion’s legacy endures for generations to come.

In 2026, the property was purchased and returned to pubic use as a lodge and event center. Prior to the grand reopening, it was lovingly updated to showcase a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.

Property Amenities

  • 3 residences that can accommodate up to 33 guests

  • Event venue for 75+ guests

  • 2.5 acres of tree-lined beauty with several outdoor areas to enjoy

  • Pet and family friendly with a fenced yard and 65’ slide

  • Proximity to the lake, shopping, restaurants, trails, sledding, and skiing

  • Plenty of parking for large vehicles and boats

Property Map

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Free on-site parking is available for all registered guests. If you are bringing a larger vehicle (RV, boat, or trailer), please contact us in advance so we can reserve extra space. Street parking is not permitted, especially in winter when snow removal is enforced and vehicles may be towed.

  • Yes! We allow up to two dogs per unit for a $75 pet fee. Dogs must be kept on a leash while on the property, not left unattended in guest rooms, and owners are expected to clean up after them. Our outdoor areas provide plenty of space for walks and fresh air.

  • Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is by 11:00 a.m. every day. For your convenience, all units use secure digital door locks. You will receive your unique access code by the morning of your arrival along with any additional booking details.

  • The Mansion has multiple private decks, a gas barbecue, fire pit and a shared hot tub.

    The Carriage House has a shared deck, gas barbecue, fire pit, and hot tub.

    The Guest Lodge has two private decks, a barbecue, fire pit, and hot tub.

    All guests are welcome to enjoy lobby, sledding hill, and giant slide.

  • Absolutely! The entire estate can be reserved for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, school trips, and other group events. The property can accommodate up to 33 overnight guests and host 75+ people for gatherings. Please contact us with details and we’ll help you plan your perfect experience.

  • Big Bear Lake is a four-season resort town with a wide variety of activities. Below are some of our favorite things to do in the area:

    • Walk to the Big Bear Village for a great meal, drinks, or ice cream. It’s beautifully decorated in the winter and the perfect place to sit outside on a restaurant patio in the summer.

    • The Pine Knot Marina is down the street and offers rentals, lake tours, and boat slips.

    • Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.

    • Open year-round, the Big Bear Alpine Slide offers mini golf, go-carts, water slides, snow play, arcade games, food, and the famous alpine slide.

    • The Bear Mountain Golf Course is a beautiful and fun 9-hole course and driving range suitable for all skill levels.

    • There are hundreds of miles of trailsjust outside the property gates for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

    • Sledding, the zoo, zip lines, off-roading, horseback riding, bowling, and dozens of other ideas can all be found at the Big Bear Tourism site.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!