Sleeping Lady Resort is so much more than a destination in one of Washington’s most unique and iconic towns. Its history is as unique as Leavenworth itself with a mission to support the very community it calls home.
Sleeping Lady’s History
Two hundred years ago, the Yakama and Wenatchi Native American tribes inhabited, Na-sik-elt, or Narrow Bottom Canyon.
From the 1930’s to 1940’s, the site was operated by the 983rd Company of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work relief program during the Great Depression. Known as Camp Icicle, buildings and barracks housed 200 young men, giving them much needed employment during one of the worst economic times in our country’s history.
While WWII changed the course of history in the 1940’s, the CCC cabins were redeveloped into a private, family-oriented ranch, aptly named Icicle River Ranch.
Over the next 40 years, the property was sold to the Yakima Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church and renamed Camp Field. Operating as a camp for young people ages 8 and up, it also served as an off-season adult retreat center.
In 1991, one of Washington’s most famous residents and owner of KING5, Harriet Bullitt, purchased all 67 acres to preserve the land. She renamed the property Sleeping Lady, after the mountain profile and narrow valley. Harriet saved all 18 of the original buildings and barracks for the new site plan, remodeling them to meet current codes. New building were constructed to blend in with the original construction. And then in August 1995, the Sleeping Lady welcomed it’s first guests.
Sleeping Lady’s Mission
Harriet Bullitt’s legacy of giving back to the community lives on with Sleeping Lady’s mission. Sleeping Lady supports the Icicle Fund, a non-profit dedicated to assisting environmental, arts-based, and culturally focused organizations throughout North Central Washington. Every time a guest visits the spa, enjoys a meal, or stays in one of the resort’s cabins, they are giving back.
In 2019, Harriett gifted 100% of her ownership of Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Fund. Her vision was that her gift was not a one-time transaction, but would keep on giving through the resort’s proceeds, thus ensuring the continued support of the community.
Since its inception in 1999, the Icicle Fund has invested more than $40 million in over 100 organizations. Results have included access to the arts for kids and adults, increases in wildfire preparedness, expanded hiking trails, open spaces and more.
What to Expect When You Book a Stay
Not only is the Sleeping Lady the perfect spot to stay and play in Leavenworth, it’s also one of the best places to host a wedding or corporate event. My boyfriend and I were recently invited to stay during the week for two nights and it was the absolute best thing we both needed. To get away from the west side of the mountains and surround ourselves with the peace that only nature and clean air can provide was soul cleansing.
In addition to an on-property gardens and art walk, family hikes abound – and many are easily accessed near the Sleeping Lady property. Just down the street, the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, located along beautiful Icicle Creek, is a spectacular location to picnic, observe wildlife, learn about the salmon life cycle, and enjoy a nature walk. Family friendly hikes include the Icicle Ridge Trail teeming with wildflowers and stunning views, the Eightmile Lake Trail or the Icicle Gorge Trail. Families with teens or those seeking more of a challenge will enjoy Colchuck Lake Trail.
What’s New in 2022
Every Saturday at 10 a.m. through the end of summer, local yoga instructor Jenn Crawford LeRoy with Living Integrity will guide guests through an hour of gentle yoga session. Open to the public, Sleeping Lady guests enjoy a reduced fee of $10 per person and access to mats, blocks, and straps. Guests are also welcome to bring their own.
The Play Barn is back in full swing at Sleeping Lady. Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., it features fun and games for the whole family, including pool, ping pong, a variety of board games and a stage for impromptu play performances or comedy routines.
Sleeping Lady’s already beautiful pool and hot tub received a complete renovation last year complete with heated rock pavement to melt away the snow during the winter months. The pool is the perfect way to cool off during summer! And can you imagine looking up at this nighttime sky from the pool?
Book your stay and see what Sleeping Lady is all about today!
And if you are looking for something fun to do during your stay in Leavenworth, check out our Wildwater River Guides whitewater adventure here!
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort
7375 Icicle Road
Leavenworth, WA 98826
