Uncover Unique Historical Spots Near Lake George
Lake George is known for its natural beauty and pristine lake, but it's also steeped in fascinating history, that goes beyond obvious historical hotspots like Fort William Henry or Fort Ticonderoga. While the Forts are a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the area's past, we've rounded up some additional unique historical spots the Lake George region has to offer.
The Lake George Steamboat Company (Lake George)
You may have taken a pirate cruise with your kids on the Minne-Ha-Ha, or enjoyed a date night aboard a sunset cruise, but did you know the historical background behind the Lake George Steamboat Company?
Since 1817, steamboats have cruised Lake George’s waters, and today you can ride aboard these historic vessels. This is one of the oldest steamboat operations in the country.
Read more on the history of the Lake George Steamboat Company >>
Warren County Bikeway (Glens Falls to Lake George)
It’s more than a multi-use path for joggers, cyclists, and families - the Warren County Bikeway largely follows the route of the old Delaware and Hudson Railway, which once transported goods and tourists throughout the region.
The path’s historical ties go back even further, as Revolutionary War troops once marched along parts of this corridor on their way to the pivotal Battle of Saratoga. You can check out interpretive signs along the bikeway that share more details.
The Sembrich (Bolton Landing)
Set along the serene shore of Lake George, The Sembrich was once the summer teaching studio of internationally renowned opera singer Marcella Sembrich. The lakeside retreat dates back to 1924, and now operates as a museum and cultural venue that celebrates Sembrich’s legacy, and the golden age of music in the Adirondacks.
Beyond their summer festival and exhibits, the property offers a glimpse into the early 1900s summer colony era, when artists and creative types sought inspiration from the Adirondacks.
The Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing)
Having been established in 1883 and rumored to have ghosts, it’s no surprise that the Sagamore Resort has longstanding ties to the region. Many think of the resort as a high-end place to stay on the lake, and it is, but it’s also much more.
The Sagamore has undergone several reconstructions, including after a devastating fire, but it still retains the elegance and charm of its Gilded Age origins. The historic hotel and meticulously maintained grounds reflect an era when Lake George was a prime destination for the elite. Its place on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its significance to the area.
Silver Bay YMCA (Silver Bay)
The Silver Bay YMCA was founded in 1902, and has long been a retreat for rest, reflection, and community gatherings. Several of the buildings on the property date back over 100 years, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The campus offers a living snapshot of early 20th-century resort architecture and the YMCA’s longstanding mission of spiritual and physical wellness.
The Silo Restaurant & Country Store (Queensbury)
The Silo Restaurant & Country Store was originally built as a dairy barn in the 1940s, and has been lovingly preserved and repurposed into a popular restaurant known for its homestyle dishes and an expansive gift shop.
Its transformation from a working farm building to a family-friendly eatery reflects the region’s agricultural roots and evolution into a tourist-friendly place.
The Queensbury Hotel (Glens Falls)
Since its grand opening in 1926, The Queensbury Hotel has stood as a beacon of elegance and community spirit in downtown Glens Falls. The hotel was conceived by local business leaders in 1916, envisioned as a luxurious destination for travelers in addition to a central gathering place for locals.
Over the decades, The Queensbury Hotel has hosted many notable guests, including Robert F. Kennedy, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, Kenny Rogers, and Benny Goodman. It continues to be a cherished landmark today.
The Hyde Collection (Glens Falls)
Yes, The Hyde is a top art museum in the region, but did you know that the core of the museum is the former home of Charlotte Pruyn Hyde, built in 1912 in the Italian Renaissance style?
The house is preserved much as it was during Hyde’s lifetime, including with period furnishings and architectural details. Visitors come for the paintings and sculptures, but leave with a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural and architectural history.
Revolution Rail (North Creek/Hadley/Thurman)
Railbiking is one of the newer, quintessential Adirondack activities to partake in, and it’s rooted in history. The railbiking route used by Revolution Rail runs along decommissioned railroad tracks that once carried freight and passengers through the remote corners of the Adirondacks.
These rails helped connect isolated towns to the rest of the Northeast, and played a key role in logging, mining, and early tourism industries.
Cooper’s Cave (South Glens Falls)
Cooper’s Cave, located beneath the bridge between Glens Falls and South Glens Falls, inspired a dramatic scene in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans. In the novel, the characters take refuge in a cave during a harrowing escape.
You can check out a small park with interpretive signs at this landmark, but be warned that it can be a little bit hard to find. The entrance is accessed by driving over the bridge to South Glens Falls, and then driving under the bridge, turning onto Cooper’s Cave Drive.
The Anvil Inn Restaurant (Fort Edward)
Like the Sagamore, the Anvil Inn is also rumored to be haunted thanks to its longstanding past. Housed in a restored 19th-century blacksmith shop, The Anvil Inn offers a unique blend of culinary delight and historical ambiance.
The building’s stone walls and timber beams evoke its industrial past circa the 1840s. It’s operated as a restaurant since 1986. You may or may not see a ghost here, but the cranberry bread pudding is to die for.
Bonus: The Olde Log Inn (Lake George)
Situated just outside of the Village, the Olde Log Inn got its start as Lanfear’s Country Tavern back in 1976, and the building exhibits the old-school, Adirondack log cabin feel that tourists and locals alike can’t get enough of.
The Olde Log Inn was previously called Shaughnessy’s Olde Log Inn, with the name reflecting the ownership of Mike and Gigi Shaughnessy, who acquired the restaurant in 1999. Although it’s not as historical as others on this list, the establishment does date back about half a century.
How do you prefer to immerse yourself in the region's rich past - at a museum, dining at a restaurant, or through biking or railbiking? There are so many ways to get your history on in Lake George!
