ESSEX COUNTY
Port Henry New York
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Champ Day Festival
LAKE MONSTER CELEBRATION | PORT HENRY NY
Champ Day Festival is Port Henry's annual celebration of Lake Champlain's legendary monster, Champ. This quirky event features a parade, live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy Champ-themed contests, arts and crafts, and even a "Champ Hunt" where kids search for hidden Champ figures around town. The festival brings together locals and tourists alike, creating a fun-filled atmosphere that showcases the community's unique connection to its cryptozoological mascot.
2. Bulwagga Bay Beach And Campground
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN | PORT HENRY NY
Bulwagga Bay Beach and Campground offers a picturesque setting on Lake Champlain's western shore. This popular spot features a sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The campground provides both RV and tent sites with stunning lake views. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking, with rentals available on-site. The facility also includes a playground, volleyball courts, and a camp store. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain region.
3. Iron Center Museum
MINING HISTORY SHOWCASE | PORT HENRY NY
The Iron Center Museum, housed in a restored carriage house, showcases Port Henry's rich iron mining history. Exhibits feature mining equipment, historical photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of the town's industrial past. Visitors can explore interactive displays detailing the mining process and its impact on the local community. The museum also highlights the role of Lake Champlain in transporting iron ore. Knowledgeable staff members provide guided tours, offering fascinating insights into this crucial aspect of Port Henry's heritage.
4. Cheney Mountain Trail
SCENIC ADIRONDACK HIKE | MORIAH NY
Cheney Mountain Trail offers hikers a moderate 1.5-mile round trip adventure with rewarding views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. The well-maintained trail winds through diverse forest ecosystems, featuring interpretive signs that highlight local flora and fauna. At the summit, hikers are treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This accessible trail is suitable for families and casual hikers, providing a quintessential Adirondack outdoor experience just a short drive from Port Henry.
5. Belfry Mountain Fire Tower
HISTORIC LOOKOUT POINT | MORIAH NY
Belfry Mountain Fire Tower, standing at 2,000 feet, offers one of the easiest fire tower hikes in the Adirondacks. The short 0.3-mile trail leads to a restored 47-foot steel tower, providing panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and the High Peaks region. Originally built in 1933, the tower served as a fire lookout until 1988. Today, it's a popular destination for hikers and photographers seeking stunning vistas with minimal effort, making it accessible for all ages.
6. Port Henry Walking Tour
HISTORICAL EXPLORATION | PORT HENRY NY
The Port Henry Walking Tour offers a self-guided journey through the town's rich history and architectural heritage. This leisurely stroll takes visitors past well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the former train station, churches, and elegant homes. Informative plaques along the route provide fascinating details about Port Henry's development as an iron mining town and its connection to Lake Champlain. The tour highlights the town's unique character, blending industrial history with charming small-town Americana, and can be completed at one's own pace.
7. Village Of Public Art Tour
OUTDOOR GALLERY | PORT HENRY NY
The Village of Public Art Tour showcases Port Henry's commitment to beautifying public spaces through art. This self-guided tour features a variety of murals, sculptures, and installations scattered throughout the town. Each piece reflects aspects of local history, culture, or natural beauty. Highlights include the lakeside sculptures, downtown murals depicting mining scenes, and whimsical street art. The tour not only enhances the town's aesthetic appeal but also provides insight into the community's creative spirit and pride in its heritage.
8. Sherman Free Library
HISTORIC LITERARY HAVEN | PORT HENRY NY
Sherman Free Library, a charming Romanesque Revival building dating back to 1887, serves as both a functional library and a historical landmark. This architectural gem features original woodwork, period furnishings, and stained glass windows. Beyond its impressive collection of books and media, the library hosts community events, reading programs, and local history exhibits. Visitors can admire the building's preserved 19th-century character while enjoying modern library services, making it a unique blend of past and present in Port Henry.
9. Foote's Port Henry Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN EATERY | PORT HENRY NY
Foote's Port Henry Diner, a beloved local institution, offers a quintessential American diner experience. Housed in a vintage 1940s Worcester dining car, this eatery serves up hearty breakfasts, classic lunch specials, and homemade pies. The diner's retro interior, complete with chrome fixtures and vinyl booths, transports diners back in time. Known for its friendly service and generous portions, Foote's is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking authentic comfort food and a nostalgic atmosphere.
10. Crown Point State Historic Site
COLONIAL FORTRESS RUINS | CROWN POINT NY
Crown Point State Historic Site preserves the ruins of two 18th-century fortresses crucial to colonial American history. Visitors can explore the remains of French Fort St. Frédéric and the British Crown Point fort, both overlooking Lake Champlain. The site features a museum with interactive exhibits detailing the area's strategic importance during the French and Indian War and American Revolution. Scenic walking trails offer stunning views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains. This historic landmark provides a fascinating glimpse into America's early military history.