Colonial History. Close to Home.

From 1734 on, the Shelter House provided refuge to pioneers and settlers. Today, this colonial Germanic cabin stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited log structures in the Lehigh Valley. We welcome you to explore this historic treasure in Emmaus.

The eight-room, two-story colonial log cabin is located on the northern slope of South Mountain in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Recorded in the National Register of Historic Places, the Shelter House is restored and preserved in 18th Century detail.

The cabin was not originally called the Shelter House. That name is of recent origin; it is a loose translation of the original German zufluchtshaus, which means “house to which to flee” in times of danger. There is evidence to suggest the log cabin came to public use as a place for meetings, trade, and layover.