There are so many wonderful activities to enjoy while visiting Lake George. Whether your passion is boating, hiking, exploring, the opportunities are endless. Below you will find some of our recommendations.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson famously described Lake George as “The most beautiful water I ever saw?” He made this observation during his visit in 1791. It’s a testament to how breathtaking the lake is — even centuries ago, it left a lasting impression..
The Attractions
Six Flags Great Escape, located in Queensbury, New York, opened in 1954 under the name Storytown USA and was originally designed as a theme park that would bring fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life. It was created by Charles Wood, who was a former radio announcer and an entrepreneur with a vision for a family-friendly park that would appeal to both locals and tourists visiting the Adirondack region. Over the years, the park changed hands a few times and has evolved into the areas premier theme park attraction.
Rides & Attractions include:
- The Bobcat: The newest wooden rollercoaster is sure to delight thrill seekers!
- The Comet: One of the park’s flagship attractions, this wooden coaster has been thrilling visitors since 1927. It’s known for its classic, smooth layout and strong airtime.
- Steamin’ Demon: A looping coaster that adds some intensity with its loops and corkscrews.
- The Flashback: A towering, suspended looping coaster that’s great for thrill-seekers.
- Family Rides: There are plenty of rides for younger kids and families, including carousels, spinning rides, and gentle boat rides.
- Sky Ride: A peaceful aerial gondola ride offering stunning views of the park and surrounding Adirondacks.
- Giant Wheel: A classic Ferris wheel that gives you sweeping views of the area, including Lake George.
- Waterpark (Splashwater Kingdom): The park has an impressive water park area that’s great for cooling off in the summer months. It features a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. There’s something for all ages, from the relaxing lazy river to more intense water slides for thrill-seekers.
For winter fun, The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark is another offering at this location.
1172 US-9, Queensbury, NY 12804 | (518) 824-6000
Although not in Lake George, these sites are worth the drive. Lake Placid has hosted two Winter Olympic Games – 1932 & 1980! Since then, the Lake Placid Legacy Sites have evolved into four distinct venues which are world renowned for sports, events, and recreation: Olympic Center, Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain.
Nestled within a 7-mile radius in the heart of New York State’s picturesque “High Peaks” of the Adirondacks, these storied venues continue to build upon their rich history and Olympic Legacy, serving as premier event hosts, coveted tourism destinations and four-season recreation meccas to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, as well as training and development grounds to thousands of current and future competitive athletes alike.
Olympic Center
2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | (518) 523-1655
Olympic Jumping Complex
5486 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | (518) 302-5919
Mt. Van Hoevenberg
31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | (518) 523-2811
Whiteface Mountain
5021 Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997 | (518) 946-2223 | (877) SKI-FACE (snow report)
Star Trek: Original Series Set Tour is Located in Historic downtown Ticonderoga, New York.
When the STAR TREK television series was canceled in 1969, the original sets were dismantled and largely destroyed, only a few small items of the actual sets remain today, and those that have survived are in private collections. Trek superfan James Cawley began the process of rebuilding the sets just as they would have been seen 50 years ago when the series was being filmed, a 14 year journey has culminated in the most accurate rebuild of the original sets, and is now open and welcoming STAR TREK fans from all over the world!
112 Montcalm St Ticonderoga, NY 12883 | (518) 503-5497
The Forts
Lake George is flanked on the south by Fort William Henry and on the north by Fort Ticonderoga. The two forts were strategically placed during the colonial and early American period because of the lake’s critical location as a waterway connecting Lake Champlain to the Hudson River. This made it a key site in the broader struggle for control over the northeastern part of North America, particularly during the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and the American Revolution. Here’s a bit more about each:
Fort William Henry was built by the British in 1755, and was situated to guard the southern end of Lake George, making it the first line of defense against French attacks coming down from Lake Champlain. The fort became famous for its role in the 1757 Siege of Fort William Henry, which was depicted in James Fenimore Cooper’s novel The Last of the Mohicans.
The Fort William Henry Museum is open daily for tours and their are scheduled events such as re-enactments and speakers.
48 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 | (518) 668-5471
Fort Ticonderoga, positioned at the northern end of Lake George, was more crucial in the long term for controlling the larger route southward into New York and the rest of the colonies. It was originally built by the French in 1755 and named Fort Carillon. The British captured it in 1759 during the French and Indian War. In 1775, the fort was famously captured by the Green Mountain Boys under Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, providing much-needed artillery for the Continental Army. Its strategic location was key for controlling movement between Canada and the British colonies.
Fort Ticonderoga is open daily for tours and their are scheduled events such as re-enactments and speakers.
102 Fort Ti Rd Ticonderoga, NY 12883 | (518) 585-2821
The Islands
We can’t talk about exploring Lake George without talking about the islands. Lake George is home to over 170 in total! These islands vary in size, ranging from tiny, rocky outcrops to larger, more developed islands with cottages and even private estates. The Lake George Islands picnic sites and campsites are accessible by boat only, are spread out over much of the lake and grouped as follows:
- Glen Island Group – Ranger Station: 518-644-9696
- Long Island Group – Ranger Station: 518-656-9426
- Narrow Island Group – Ranger Station: 518-499-1288
Note: Information about the islands can be obtained by contacting the Ranger Stations at the various island groups. All picnic sites and camping sites must be reserved in advance by contacting Reserve America Reservations at 1-800-456-2267 or online at https://www.reserveamerica.com. Please note that there are also picnic and camping sites around Lake George that are available to reserve which are not on the islands. These sites are also available to view and reserve on Reserve America. Lakegeorge.com has useful guide with information about camping around Lake George.
The Mountains
Explore the beautiful mountain hikes that surround the lake.
Prospect Mountain is accessible by car, bike, or by way of several hiking trails. At a peak elevation of 2,030ft, you can take in a 100 mile view on a clear day of Lake George and the Southern Adirdonacks. U.S. Route 9, 1/2 mile S of Lake George Village, NY 12845. To hike this mountain, visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/prospect-mountain-trail for more information.
Become a 12ster. The peaks include:
1) Black – 2665′
2) Erebus – 2527′
3) Sleeping Beauty – 2347′
4) Buck – 2334′
5) Five Mile – 2256′
6) Huckleberry – 2232′
7) Thomas – 2031′
8) Brown – 1966′
9) Cat – 1956′
10) Fifth Peak – 1813′
11) French Point – 1756′
12) First Peak – 1586′
Additional hiking resources can be found here: https://www.alltrails.com/us/new-york/lake-george
The Steamboats
Lake George has two operating Steamboat companies. The passenger vessels include:
Lake George Steamboat Company – Lac Du Saint Sacrement, Mohican, Minne Haha – Did you know that the same company also has a steamboat in New Orleans called the Natchez?
Shoreline Cruises – Adirondac and Horicon
In addition, the Sagamore Hotel and Resort has a tour boat called the Morgan – a beautiful wooden hull 1900’s replica vessel. Private party bookings are available
There is Much More to Explore!
This blog post aims to touch on some of our favorite highlights of the area, but there are a myriad of additional options for the explorer. We tried to concentrate our recommendations to destinations within a short drive from Vista Lakehause, but if you have more time, enjoy a drive through the entire Adirondack Park and explore the wonderful mountain towns throughout, such as Keene, Lake Placid, Long Lake, Old Forge, Plattsburgh, Schroon Lake, Tupper Lake and more. Or head east and enjoy the picturesque New England towns and hamlets that Vermont has to offer. Burlington, Manchester, Middlebury, Rutland, and Woodstock, just to name a few.
For more information about the Lake George area, visit LakeGeorge.com!
