ESSEX COUNTY
Essex New York
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Essex Historic District
19TH-CENTURY ARCHITECTURE | ESSEX NY
The Essex Historic District is a remarkable showcase of 19th-century architecture, boasting over 150 well-preserved buildings. This National Historic Landmark district offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the past with its Federal and Greek Revival-style structures. Strolling through the charming streets, visitors can admire the intricate details of historic homes, churches, and commercial buildings that reflect the town's prosperous maritime history. The district's picturesque setting along Lake Champlain adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
2. Essex-Charlotte Ferry
SCENIC LAKE CHAMPLAIN CROSSING | ESSEX NY
The Essex-Charlotte Ferry provides a scenic and convenient way to cross Lake Champlain between Essex, New York, and Charlotte, Vermont. This historic ferry service, operated by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company, offers breathtaking views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains during the 30-minute journey. Passengers can enjoy the fresh lake breeze and spot various wildlife while aboard the vessel. The ferry accommodates both vehicles and foot passengers, making it an essential transportation link for locals and a unique experience for tourists exploring the Lake Champlain region.
3. Beggs Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION & RELAXATION | ESSEX NY
Beggs Park is a charming lakeside recreational area that offers visitors a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. The park features a sandy beach on Lake Champlain, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking during the warmer months. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the distant Adirondack Mountains while strolling along the shoreline. The park also provides amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and a playground, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a tranquil escape in Essex.
4. Whallonsburg Grange Hall
COMMUNITY HUB & EVENTS | ESSEX NY
The Whallonsburg Grange Hall serves as a vibrant community center and cultural hub in Essex. This historic building, originally constructed in 1915, has been beautifully restored to host a wide range of events and activities. The Grange Hall offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, including live music performances, theater productions, film screenings, and educational workshops. It also serves as a gathering place for local farmers' markets and community meetings, fostering a strong sense of togetherness among residents and visitors alike.
5. Ausable Chasm
NATURAL WONDER | KEESEVILLE NY
Ausable Chasm, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," is a stunning natural attraction that offers visitors a unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. The chasm features towering sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a winding river that has carved its way through the rock over millions of years. Visitors can explore the chasm through various activities, including hiking trails, rock climbing, rafting, and tubing. The park also offers guided tours, a scenic float tour, and even nighttime lantern tours, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
6. Fort Ticonderoga
HISTORIC MILITARY FORTRESS | TICONDEROGA NY
Fort Ticonderoga is a meticulously restored 18th-century fort that played a crucial role in both the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. This living history museum offers visitors an immersive experience into colonial America's military past. Guests can explore the fort's expansive grounds, witness daily musket demonstrations, and interact with costumed interpreters who bring the fort's rich history to life. The site also features beautiful gardens, scenic hiking trails, and a museum collection showcasing rare artifacts from the colonial era, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and families alike.
7. Crown Point State Historic Site
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RUINS | CROWN POINT NY
Crown Point State Historic Site preserves the ruins of two 18th-century forts that played significant roles in North American colonial conflicts. Visitors can explore the remains of Fort St. Frédéric, built by the French, and His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point, constructed by the British. The site offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Interpretive exhibits in the museum provide insight into the area's rich history, while walking trails allow guests to discover the fort ruins and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
8. Adirondack History Center Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE EXHIBITS | ELIZABETHTOWN NY
The Adirondack History Center Museum offers a comprehensive look at the rich cultural and natural history of the Adirondack region. Housed in a historic 1915 building, the museum features engaging exhibits on topics ranging from early Native American inhabitants to the development of tourism and industry in the area. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the region's past to life. The museum also maintains beautiful gardens and hosts special events and lectures, providing a deeper understanding of the Adirondacks' unique heritage and its impact on American history.
9. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY | VERGENNES VT
The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum offers a fascinating journey through the maritime history and underwater archaeology of Lake Champlain. Located just across the lake from Essex, this museum features exhibits on shipwrecks, naval battles, and the lake's ecological importance. Visitors can explore full-sized replica vessels, including a Revolutionary War gunboat, and learn about ongoing underwater research projects. The museum also offers hands-on activities, boat-building demonstrations, and seasonal lake cruises, providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages interested in maritime heritage and lake ecology.
10. Whiteface Mountain
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION | WILMINGTON NY
Whiteface Mountain is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing in winter and scenic adventures year-round. As host to alpine skiing events during the 1980 Winter Olympics, the mountain boasts challenging slopes for all skill levels. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides to the summit for breathtaking views of the Adirondack High Peaks. The Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway allows visitors to drive nearly to the peak, where they can explore a castle-like summit house and experience panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness.