ESSEX COUNTY
Lewis New York
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Meadowmount School of Music
PRESTIGIOUS MUSIC EDUCATION | LEWIS NY
Meadowmount School of Music is a world-renowned summer program for gifted young string players. Founded in 1944 by legendary violin teacher Ivan Galamian, the school has nurtured some of the most celebrated musicians in classical music. Set in the picturesque Adirondacks, Meadowmount offers an intensive seven-week program focusing on solo and chamber music repertoire. Students benefit from rigorous practice schedules, masterclasses, and performances, all under the guidance of distinguished faculty members.
2. John Brown Farm State Historic Site
HISTORIC SITE | LAKE PLACID NY
John Brown Farm State Historic Site preserves the home and final resting place of the famous abolitionist John Brown. The site features the humble farmhouse where Brown and his family lived in the 1850s, meticulously restored to its period appearance. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include interpretive trails, a small museum, and Brown's gravesite. The historic site offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events that delve into Brown's life, his raid on Harpers Ferry, and his lasting impact on American history.
3. Adirondack History Center Museum
HERITAGE SHOWCASE | ELIZABETHTOWN NY
The Adirondack History Center Museum offers a comprehensive look at the rich history and culture of the Adirondack region. Housed in a historic 1915 building, the museum features engaging exhibits on local industry, Native American heritage, and the development of tourism in the area. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the region's past to life. The museum also maintains beautiful grounds with a colonial garden, a fire tower, and a 19th-century schoolhouse, providing a multifaceted experience for history enthusiasts.
4. High Falls Gorge
WATERFALL ADVENTURE | WILMINGTON NY
High Falls Gorge is a breathtaking natural attraction showcasing the raw beauty of the Adirondacks. The privately owned nature park features a series of waterfalls cascading through a deep, ancient granite gorge. Visitors can explore the gorge via a network of sturdy walkways, bridges, and platforms that offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest. The park provides year-round access, with winter visitors able to enjoy the spectacle of frozen waterfalls and ice formations. Guided tours, a café, and a gift shop enhance the experience for nature lovers.
5. Ausable Chasm
NATURAL WONDER | KEESEVILLE NY
Ausable Chasm, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," is a stunning natural wonder carved by the Ausable River. This ancient gorge features towering cliffs, unique rock formations, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can explore the chasm through various adventure activities, including hiking trails, rock climbing, and tubing or rafting on the river. The site offers guided tours that highlight the geological and historical significance of the area. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse recreational options, Ausable Chasm provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
6. Lake Placid Olympic Museum
WINTER SPORTS LEGACY | LAKE PLACID NY
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum celebrates the rich Olympic heritage of Lake Placid, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. The museum showcases a vast collection of Olympic memorabilia, including medals, torches, and equipment used by athletes. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience the thrill of various winter sports. A highlight is the "Miracle on Ice" display, commemorating the historic 1980 U.S. hockey team's victory. The museum offers guided tours and educational programs, providing insight into the Olympic movement and Lake Placid's significant role in winter sports history.
7. Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort
PREMIER ALPINE DESTINATION | WILMINGTON NY
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is a world-class alpine destination offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the eastern United States. With the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, Whiteface boasts 87 trails catering to all skill levels, from beginners to expert riders. The resort features modern lifts, extensive snowmaking capabilities, and breathtaking views of the Adirondacks. In summer, visitors can enjoy scenic gondola rides, hiking, and mountain biking. The nearby Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway offers a unique opportunity to drive to the summit for panoramic vistas.
8. Crown Point State Historic Site
COLONIAL FORTRESS RUINS | CROWN POINT NY
Crown Point State Historic Site preserves the ruins of two 18th-century fortresses that played crucial roles in colonial America's military history. The site features the remains of Fort St. Frédéric, built by the French, and His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point, constructed by the British. Visitors can explore the ruins, walk along interpretive trails, and visit the museum to learn about the strategic importance of Crown Point during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The site also offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains.
9. Jay Mountain Wilderness
ADIRONDACK BACKCOUNTRY | JAY NY
Jay Mountain Wilderness is a pristine 7,951-acre expanse of protected Adirondack backcountry, offering outdoor enthusiasts a true wilderness experience. The area features rugged terrain, including the prominent Jay Mountain ridge with its open rock summit providing panoramic views of the High Peaks and Lake Champlain. Hikers can explore unmarked trails and engage in activities such as backcountry camping, wildlife viewing, and nature photography. The wilderness area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including black bears, moose, and various bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
10. Lake Champlain Ferries
SCENIC LAKE CROSSINGS | ESSEX NY
Lake Champlain Ferries offers a unique and scenic way to travel between New York and Vermont across the beautiful Lake Champlain. The ferry service operates year-round, providing essential transportation links and breathtaking views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Passengers can enjoy the fresh lake air, spot wildlife, and witness stunning sunsets during their crossing. The ferries accommodate both vehicles and foot passengers, making them popular with commuters, tourists, and cycling enthusiasts. With multiple routes available, including the Essex-Charlotte crossing, Lake Champlain Ferries combines practicality with a delightful sightseeing experience.