Lake George New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lake George, New York.
1. Lake George
PRISTINE ADIRONDACK WATERS
Lake George offers visitors a stunning natural playground with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty while participating in various water activities or simply lounging on the sandy beaches. The lake serves as the centerpiece of the region and provides memorable experiences for families and couples alike.
2. Fort William Henry Museum
HISTORIC MILITARY STRONGHOLD
Fort William Henry Museum transports visitors back to the French and Indian War era with authentic reconstructions and artifacts. History enthusiasts can explore the grounds where significant colonial battles took place and learn about 18th-century military life through guided tours. The museum offers interactive exhibits and military demonstrations that bring this crucial period of American history to life.
3. Prospect Mountain
BREATHTAKING PANORAMIC VIEWS
Prospect Mountain provides some of the most spectacular views in the entire Adirondack region, with visibility extending up to 100 miles on clear days. Visitors can drive up the Veterans Memorial Highway or hike the 1.5-mile trail to reach the 2,030-foot summit. The mountain's peak offers unparalleled vistas of Lake George and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers.
4. Adirondack Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Adirondack Winery welcomes visitors to sample locally produced wines in a warm, inviting tasting room in the heart of Lake George. Guests can enjoy flights of award-winning wines paired with local cheeses and chocolates while learning about the winemaking process. The winery offers a relaxing break from outdoor activities and a chance to take home unique souvenirs that capture the flavors of the region.
5. Shelving Rock Falls
SERENE CASCADING WATERFALL
Shelving Rock Falls features a picturesque multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down smooth rock formations, creating an idyllic natural setting. Visitors can reach this hidden gem via hiking trails or by boat to the eastern shore of Lake George. The falls offer excellent photography opportunities and refreshing pools for wading during the warmer months.
6. Magic Forest
ENCHANTING FAMILY AMUSEMENT
Magic Forest has delighted visitors since 1963 with 24 kiddie amusement rides including a train and a Tilt-A-Whirl. The family-friendly park features exciting diving shows and magic performances throughout the day that captivate audiences of all ages. Now part of Lake George Expedition Park, Magic Forest continues to create magical memories for children with its whimsical attractions and storybook setting.
7. Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor
THRILLING RIDES AND WATERPARK
Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor in Lake George is one of New York's largest amusement parks, featuring over 135 rides, games, concerts, and events. Thrill-seekers can experience the Northeast's first inverting virtual reality roller coaster, while water enthusiasts can cool off in the 500,000-gallon wave pool. The park offers attractions for all ages, from toddler-friendly rides to heart-pounding adventures for the most daring visitors.
8. Lake George Expedition Park
PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE WONDERLAND
Lake George Expedition Park features the exciting Dino Roar Valley where life-sized dinosaurs roar and move along a nature trail, creating a prehistoric adventure. Families can marvel at realistic dinosaur replicas while enjoying educational opportunities about these fascinating creatures. The park combines education with entertainment, making it an ideal destination for curious young explorers and dinosaur enthusiasts.
9. Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
AERIAL TREETOP CHALLENGE
Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course offers an exhilarating mile and a half of treetop ropes courses that test balance, strength, and courage. Children as young as six can enjoy more than 30 games across two specially designed kids' courses while parents walk underneath on trails to take photos. The course operates seasonally from April through November, providing outdoor adventure among the beautiful Adirondack forest canopy.
10. Ticonderoga Country Club
HISTORIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Ticonderoga Country Club offers golfers a unique 18-hole course located in the historic Lord Howe Valley near the north end of Lake George. The course is set near the site where Robert Rogers and his rangers fought the Battle on Snowshoes in 1758, combining sporting enjoyment with historical significance. Open to the public, this golf course allows players to enjoy the game while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondack Park.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATIONS
Shopping in Lake George offers diverse retail experiences including the Adirondack Outlet Mall and Factory Outlets of Lake George, where visitors can find brand-name merchandise at discounted prices. Downtown Lake George features charming boutiques selling everything from local crafts and Adirondack-themed souvenirs to unique clothing and home décor. Shoppers can take breaks between purchases at cafés and ice cream shops that line the village streets, making for a complete retail experience.
12. Dining
CULINARY LAKESIDE EXPERIENCES
Dining in Lake George ranges from casual lakeside eateries to upscale restaurants serving fresh local ingredients with Adirondack flair. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional American fare, and international cuisines while taking in spectacular views of the lake and mountains. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating during the warmer months, allowing guests to dine under the stars while listening to the gentle lapping of the lake's waters.
13. Hiking
SCENIC ADIRONDACK TRAILS
Hiking around Lake George provides access to numerous trails varying from gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents like Prospect Mountain. Nature enthusiasts can explore Shelving Rock Falls' picturesque trails that lead to cascading waterfalls and pristine forests. The region's interconnected trail systems offer opportunities to spot local wildlife and discover hidden viewpoints that showcase the area's stunning natural beauty.
14. Fishing
ABUNDANT ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES
Fishing in Lake George rewards anglers with opportunities to catch lake trout, salmon, bass, and other species in the crystal-clear waters. Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga offers excellent fishing access points, particularly for those looking to fish the LaChute River as it flows toward Lake Champlain. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the sport year-round, with ice fishing becoming popular during the winter months when the lake freezes over.
15. Camping
RUSTIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Camping around Lake George provides outdoor enthusiasts with options ranging from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities. Popular camping areas include Lake George Battleground Campground, where history blends with outdoor recreation, and islands on the lake for a unique boat-access camping experience. Campers can fall asleep under star-filled skies and wake to misty mountain views, creating an authentic Adirondack experience.