Adirondacks, New York: Itinerary at a Glance
The Adirondacks region of New York State boasts stunning mountain landscapes, pristine lakes and a wealth of history. A haven for outdoor and history enthusiasts, communities throughout the region feature award-winning restaurants and shopping at local artisans for goods exceptional to the Adirondacks.
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Enjoy These Great Adirondack Attractions and More:
- Prospect Mountain
- Fort William Henry Museum
- Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
- Lake Placid Olympic Museum
- Point Au Roche State Park
- The Wild Center
- Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Day-to-Day Adirondacks, New York Itinerary
DAY 1 Enjoying Adirondack Attractions
Arrive at Lake George and begin your Adirondack experience with spectacular views from Prospect Mountain. The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway provides three stunning vistas along the 5.5-mile route. New York, Vermont and the New Hampshire mountain ranges are visible on a clear day. A self-guided nature trail features the remains of the world’s largest cable railroad and a picnic area is also available. Hikers can reach the 2,030 feet above sea level summit on foot via Prospect Mountain trail, or by shuttle bus. The three-mile round trip begins in the Lake George Village.
The Fort William Henry Museum, on Lake George was built to halt incursions by the French, who had built on the southern tip of Lake Champlain during the French and Indian War. The history of Fort William Henry likely inspired the opening scenes from Last of the Mohicans, as the book and subsequent film are based in Lake George and surrounding areas. Today, the museum has a large collection of artifacts, documents and displays, and visitors can experience live demonstrations as well as self-guided tours. Guides are also available for interpretation of the importance of the fort, the broader conflict between two superpowers and the importance of 1757. There are senior and student rates for the guided tours.
After strolling the downtown shops and boutiques, check-in at your Lake George Village accommodation for rest before dinner at any palate-pleasing restaurant, many on the waterfront.
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DAY 2 of Things to Do in the scenic Adirondacks, New York
After breakfast and check out, we’ll have an early departure for a 90-minute drive to charming Blue Mountain Lake.
Arrive at Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, an official Path Through History Site and unforgettable experience for groups. It features 24 indoor and outdoor exhibit areas. The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the diverse stories of Adirondack history, culture and people. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more adults, offering free parking, group rates and convenient drop off location at the Visitors Center. Allow three hours for your visit.
OPTION: For full immersion, it’s a 45-minute drive to The Wild Center at Tupper Lake, another Path Through History Site and sister museum to the Adirondack experience. While appropriate for all ages, student/youth visitors should allow for additional time. The 115-acre site features the Wild Walk, a handicap accessible trail of bridges in the treetops. On the ground, Forest Music is a trail experience combining nature, art, music and technology. Indoor visitors immerse themselves in 54,000 square-feet of exhibits and the Flammer Theater.
OPTION: Time permitting, take the 45-minute drive (90 minutes from Blue Mountain Lake) to Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). What is likely the largest college/university campus in the world, the 3,000-acre VIC offers a wide variety of art, sports and environmental education programs. Groups are welcome with some programs being free and others requiring a fee.
Departing for Lake Placid from Tupper Lake allow 45 minutes for the drive. If you decided to fit Paul Smiths into your itinerary, allow 35 minutes to Lake Placid.
First stop is the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. As a two-time host to the Winter Olympics (1932 and 1980), the museum sports the second-largest Winter Olympics collection. The museum’s seven exhibits tell the story from How the Olympic Flame Comes to the Adirondacks through Lake Placid’s Olympic Legacy and the story of the famous 1980 Olympic hockey game now known as “The Miracle on Ice.” A nice discount is available for groups of 10 or more.
At nearby Mt Van Hoevenberg, you’ll be able to ride the longest coaster in North America and learn the history of the 1980 bobsled track it parallels. You control the speed of the Cliffside Coaster but be aware that the ride can be high speed with sudden twists and turns. Group rates are available for the Cliffside Coaster. Also, Mt. Van Hoevenberg was once the Olympic Jumping Complex site and the Elevator Ride to the jump position is always popular. There are 50 groomed trails of varying difficulty on Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Many are also suited for bicycling.
Whiteface Mountain is a skier’s paradise with lessons for 50-plus aged skiers of all abilities. Both ski and snowboard rentals are available. New York’s 5th highest peak is also a fun challenge for hikers. Whiteface Mountain has three approaches with the one from Whiteface Landing being the most difficult.
Depart for Plattsburgh, allowing 60 minutes of drive time. Check in at one of the recognizable hotels for relaxation after a busy day. Dinner tonight is at one of the locals’ favorite restaurants.
The Strand Center for the Arts presents live theater throughout the year. If your visit is timely to enjoy a show or concert, this is a perfect ending to a perfect day. Take time to explore The Strand Center galleries while in Plattsburgh.
DAY 3 of the Final Attractions in the Adirondacks, New York Region
OPTION: Begin the day at Point Au Roche State Park on the northwestern corner of stunning Lake Champlain. The park features hiking, biking and nature trails that travel through forests, marsh and gorgeous shoreline. The Nature Center offers a variety of programs. There is a fee for coach entry.
Allow for a 90-minute drive to Fort Ticonderoga, a major historical site with a critical role in the American Revolutionary War. The fort’s close proximity to Lake Champlain and Lake George made it important as a military presence serving multiple armies in multiple conflicts. The museum exhibitions tell the Ticonderoga story through art, weapons and equipment. The story is enhanced with six daily programs and guided tours. After lunch at Fort Café, we suggest a scenic boat rides on Lake Champlain or a stroll through the beautiful on-site King’s Gardens -always a group favorite and enhancement to this must-see destination. Group discounts are available.
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