Your Guide to Lake George, New York
Before amusement parks, cruise ships, and all-inclusive resorts, there was Lake George. Known as America’s original vacation spot, this freshwater lake nestled in the Adirondacks has been a destination since the late 1800s for visitors drawn to swimming, boating, and fishing on “the queen of American lakes,” as well as hiking and camping in the majestic mountains and ancient woods nearby. Nowadays, you can do all that, plus go whitewater rafting, tour a colonial fort, and enjoy some of the finest dining anywhere — all while staying at The Sagamore Resort, of course.
TOP LAKE GEORGE LANDMARKS
Bolton Historical Museum
Dive into the region’s past with the museum’s extensive collections of Lake George artifacts and memorabilia. Housed in a former church built in 1890, the museum is home to the Historical Society of the Town of Bolton, dedicated to preserving materials related to the area’s rich history.
4924 Lakeshore Dr.
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
The Sembrich
Music, film, and theater buffs should be sure to visit the former teaching studio and woodland retreat of opera singer Marcella Sembrich. The site’s annual summer festival, held both indoors and outside by the lake, is known for its eclectic programming; you might catch Shakespeare among the pines, an evening of Celtic or classical music, or a silent film with a live musical score.
4800 Lake Shore Dr.
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Shelving Rock Falls
On the east side of Lake George directly across from the Sagamore Resort, this 50-foot cascade is accessible by boat, road, or a short, relatively easy hike that’s ideal for families. The pool at the base of the falls is great for wading, while the summit offers a spectacular view of the lake.
Shelving Rock Rd.
Fort Ann, NY 12827
MOST POPULAR THINGS TO DO IN LAKE GEORGE
A Boat Tour Aboard The Morgan
Explore Lake George the way visitors did centuries ago on The Sagamore Resort’s 72-foot replica of a 19th-century touring vessel. The 90-minute tour travels through an island-dotted part of the lake called The Narrows, with fabulous Adirondacks views; during July and August, you can hop aboard an evening fireworks cruise. Reservations are required.
110 Sagamore Rd.
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Whitewater Rafting with Adirondack River Outfitters
If your ideal vacation includes a thrill, set aside a day for a whitewater rafting trip through stunning mountain gorges. Adirondack River Outfitters, consistently voted the best rafting guides in upstate New York, offers journeys through the spectacular scenery of the Hudson River Gorge or the adventurous waters of Black River Gorge, including Class II–IV rapids like Knife’s Edge and the Cruncher. For the whole family, there are more relaxed summer rafting options.
4511 New York 28
North River, NY 12843
Hike the Tongue Mountain Range Trail
There’s no better spot for panoramic views of Lake George than this popular hiking destination in the Lake George Wild Forest. Tongue “Mountain” is actually a series of connected peaks running along the spine of a peninsula that juts southward into the lake, offering one fabulous outlook after the next as the trail ascends and drops along the range. The lake water is so clear that you can see fish from hundreds of feet above.
Rt 9N
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN LAKE GEORGE
La Bella Vita
The Sagamore Resort’s signature Italian restaurant offers old-world cuisine with a fresh twist, served in the elegant dark-wood dining room or al fresco on the lakeside deck. Start your day with house-made granola and seasonal berries or locally smoked salmon and cream cheese on a bagel. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a pizza cooked in a 600-degree stone oven, or choose from an extensive menu of seafood, steak, or vegetarian options.
110 Sagamore Rd.
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
The Pavilion
Savor both the vistas and the flavors at this relaxed dining spot overlooking Lake George at The Sagamore Resort, with an all-day menu ranging from a raw bar to salads and sandwiches. At dinner, catch the sun setting behind the mountains — a perfect pairing with a seafood dish, a glass from the carefully curated wine list, and a slice of “mile-high Key Lime pie.”
110 Sagamore Rd.
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
The Chateau
Voted one of the 100 most scenic and most romantic restaurants in America, this elegant former home along Lake George features a French-inspired prix fixe menu, outdoor dining, and an extensive wine list.
15 Allens Alley
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
The Log Jam Restaurant
Adirondack logging camps of yore probably never had salad bars — but they should have, based on the popularity of the one you’ll find here. In addition to all the fresh greens, this beloved local spot boasts an extensive menu of surf and turf dishes in a casual log cabin ambience.
1484 US 9
Lake George, NY 12845
A LOCAL’S FAVORITES IN LAKE GEORGE
Sagamore Golf Course
Golfers looking to test their skill should tee off at this 18-hole, par-70 course where the natural terrain is used to provide maximum challenge. In between reading slopes and breaks, don’t forget to note the gorgeous mountain vistas all around you.
46 Frank Cameron Rd.
Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Fort Ticonderoga and Fort William Henry Museum
Just north of Lake George sits Fort Ticonderoga, an important part of the area’s colonial history and the site of numerous battles. The Fort William Henry Museum lies at the very southern tip of Lake George, where it was once a British stronghold. Your inner history buff will delight at the events and programs available, such as Ticonderoga Guns by Night, a 90-minute show of musket and cannon fire running weekly in August.
Fort Ticonderoga
102 Fort Ti Rd.
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
Lake George Area Winterfest
This season-long festival runs from late December to early March, with cold-weather activities taking place throughout the region, from snowshoeing, snow tubing, and axe throwing to dog sled, snowmobile, and horse-drawn sleigh rides through the forest. The complimentary hot chocolate stations at local restaurants and shops will keep you fueled up and toasty.
Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
Just about anyone can swing through the trees with a little guidance and the right equipment. At the first aerial adventure course to open in the United States, adults and kids ages 6 and up can traverse the treetops and glide over streams via ziplines, bridges, and ropes — a truly unique perspective from above.
35 Westwood Forest Ln.
Bolton Landing NY 12814
