ESSEX COUNTY
St. Armand New York
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage Museum
LITERARY HISTORY | SARANAC LAKE NY
The Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage Museum offers a unique glimpse into the life of the famous Scottish author. This historic site, where Stevenson spent the winter of 1887-1888, showcases original furnishings, personal belongings, and first editions of his works. Visitors can explore the author's writing desk, bedroom, and living areas, gaining insight into the environment that inspired some of his literary creations. Guided tours provide fascinating details about Stevenson's time in the Adirondacks and his battle with tuberculosis.
2. Adirondack Center For Loon Conservation
PROTECTING WATERFOWL | SARANAC LAKE NY
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is dedicated to the study and preservation of the region's beloved loon population. This educational facility offers interactive exhibits, informative displays, and engaging programs about loon biology, behavior, and conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about loon calls, nesting habits, and the challenges these iconic birds face. The center also provides opportunities to participate in citizen science projects and loon monitoring activities, fostering a deeper connection with Adirondack wildlife.
3. Saranac Laboratory Museum
TB TREATMENT HISTORY | SARANAC LAKE NY
The Saranac Laboratory Museum, housed in the first lab built for tuberculosis research in the United States, offers a fascinating look into the history of TB treatment. Exhibits showcase the pioneering work of Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau and the development of the "fresh air cure." Visitors can explore recreated patient rooms, medical equipment, and personal stories of those who sought healing in Saranac Lake. The museum provides a unique perspective on the town's role in medical history and the fight against tuberculosis.
4. Whiteface Mountain
SCENIC ALPINE ADVENTURE | WILMINGTON NY
Whiteface Mountain, an iconic Adirondack peak, offers year-round outdoor adventures and breathtaking views. In winter, it's a premier ski destination with challenging slopes and modern facilities. Summer visitors can drive the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway to the summit or enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and gondola rides. The mountain's 4,867-foot peak provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness, Lake Placid, and on clear days, views stretching to Vermont and Canada.
5. Lake Placid Olympic Museum
WINTER SPORTS LEGACY | LAKE PLACID NY
The Lake Placid Olympic Museum celebrates the village's rich Olympic heritage, particularly the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games. Exhibits feature memorabilia, interactive displays, and video presentations highlighting memorable moments like the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game. Visitors can explore Olympic torches, medals, and equipment used by athletes. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Lake Placid's role in winter sports history and the Olympic movement, inspiring visitors with stories of athletic achievement and international cooperation.
6. High Falls Gorge
NATURAL WATER SPECTACLE | WILMINGTON NY
High Falls Gorge showcases the raw beauty of Adirondack geology with its system of waterfalls cascading through a deep, ancient gorge. Visitors can explore a network of bridges, walkways, and platforms that provide safe, up-close views of the rushing water and unique rock formations. The park offers year-round activities, including winter ice walks and summer nature trails. Educational displays along the route explain the gorge's formation and the local ecosystem, making it an engaging experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
7. Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center
NATURE EDUCATION | PAUL SMITHS NY
The Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center serves as a gateway to understanding Adirondack ecosystems. The center features extensive trail networks winding through diverse habitats, from marshes to old-growth forests. Interactive exhibits and guided programs educate visitors about local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will find ample opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural settings. The center's commitment to environmental education makes it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
8. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge
REHABILITATION CENTER | WILMINGTON NY
The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn about native Adirondack animals. This rehabilitation center focuses on caring for injured or orphaned wildlife, offering educational programs featuring live animals such as wolves, owls, and eagles. Visitors can walk nature trails, attend wildlife presentations, and gain insight into local ecosystems and conservation efforts. The refuge's mission to educate the public about human-wildlife coexistence makes it a compelling destination for animal lovers and conservationists.
9. The Wild Center
INTERACTIVE EXPLORATION | TUPPER LAKE NY
The Wild Center offers an immersive exploration of Adirondack nature through innovative exhibits and outdoor experiences. The main attraction, Wild Walk, is an elevated trail that takes visitors into the treetops for a unique perspective on forest life. Inside, live animal exhibits, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities engage visitors of all ages. The center's focus on sustainability and ecosystem interconnectedness provides a deeper understanding of the Adirondack environment, making it an educational and entertaining destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
10. Bloomingdale Bog Trail
WILDERNESS HIKE | BLOOMINGDALE NY
The Bloomingdale Bog Trail offers a serene hiking and biking experience through a unique Adirondack ecosystem. This former railroad bed provides a level, easy-to-navigate path through diverse wetlands and forests. The trail is known for excellent bird-watching opportunities, including the chance to spot boreal species rarely seen in other parts of New York. Interpretive signs along the route educate visitors about the bog's ecology and history. In winter, the trail transforms into a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination.