A window into the past

The Lake Champlain Region boasts more than 400 years of history — from Native Americans and America's early explorers to the Revolutionary War and beyond. Throughout the region, there are museums, historic sites, buildings, bridges, and other Lake Champlain attractions that serve as testaments to the region's storied past.

Why history?

Learning an area's history and culture is a fun and easy way to engage with it. Don't just pass through on your Adirondack getaway! Fully experience all that the Lake Champlain Region has to offer!

Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point

Discover how this part of the world impacted national history with a visit to the French and British war forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Both sites were strongholds during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Explore ruins, walk through the museums, and attend military encampments, demonstrations, and historic reenactments. While Fort Ticonderoga is closed in the winter, it does open on select days for special events, including living history events, workshops, and lectures that are well worth the visit.

Walking tours: guided and on your own

One of the best ways to get a sense of the past is to walk through the area's historic towns and villages. The region's history is written in structures — from churches and lighthouses to family homes and libraries — most of which has preserved Greek Revival and Federal architecture. Take a walking tour of one of the hamlets, such as Keeseville, Port Henry, Westport, or Essex, an entire hamlet that is on the National Register of Historic Places. There are plenty of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more along the way.

Museums

The region also has many museums that offer a variety of perspectives on local and regional history. Follow the story of the Lake Champlain Region's iron use, the USS Monitor, and the Civil War, or attend one of the many Lake Champlain events that celebrate the region's legendary history.

  • The Hancock House-Ticonderoga Historical Museum is an elegant, engaging spot where local history and historic furnishings tell local stories.

  • In Crown Point, the Penfield Homestead Museum is a living history museum with numerous historic buildings on the grounds, as well as a scenic walking trail.

  • Did you know that the Adirondacks have a long history of mining? Learn about how mining and industry shaped the small towns we know and love at the Iron Center Museum!

  • While you're in town, don't miss the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum, where mining, giant pencils, and more come together for great fun.

  • Looking for history about the whole region? Head to Elizabethtown to visit the Adirondack History Museum, where engaging exhibits and a real fire tower await!

Legendary

Westport
6459 Main Street, Westport
Enjoy a Walkable Westport tour of larger-than-life Westport Chairs painted by local artists and community members! These vibrantly colored early 1900s-inspired chairs are a place to slow down, take a seat, and stay awhile! The 2.3-mile Westport Chair...
History
82007
Ticonderoga
Bicentennial Park, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6366
Take a lovely loop around Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga with many interpretive signboards to learn about history and nature.
3083
Willsboro
Willsboro | (518) 834-9328
Learn the fascinating history of Willsboro on this fun walk.
History
31341
Westport
6459 Main Street, Westport
Enjoy a Walkable Westport tour of larger-than-life Westport Chairs painted by local artists and community members! These vibrantly colored early 1900s-inspired chairs are a place to slow down, take a seat, and stay awhile! The 2.3-mile Westport Chair...
82007
Westport
1 Main Street, Westport | (518) 597-4649
This tour will guide you through the evolution of Westport from its early industrial and agricultural beginnings to a summer resort that has responded to dramatic changes in expectations for rest and recreation over the course of a century and a half. 
History
4505
Essex
Route 22, Boquet Road POB 250, Essex | (518) 963-7088
The entire hamlet of Essex is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a walking tour of one of the most intact collection of pre-Civil War architecture in America.
3080
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown | (518) 873-6466
Explore the community and its history!
31345
Keeseville
1 Mill Street, Keeseville | (518) 834-9328
Much of Keeseville's rich history is still alive and well today. Experience it for yourself on a walking tour.
History
1694
Ticonderoga
Bicentennial Park, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6366
Take a lovely loop around Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga with many interpretive signboards to learn about history and nature.
3083
Ticonderoga
Bicentennial Park, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6366
Take a lovely loop around Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga with many interpretive signboards to learn about history and nature.
History
3083
Essex
Route 22, Boquet Road POB 250, Essex | (518) 963-7088
The entire hamlet of Essex is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a walking tour of one of the most intact collection of pre-Civil War architecture in America.
History
3080
Westport
Westport | (518) 897-1200
Explore underwater shipwrecks at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
History
1794
Ticonderoga
6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7868
The Georgian-style Hancock House, an exact replica of Thomas Hancock's (John Hancock's uncle) former Beacon Hill home in Boston, was built as a home for the New York Historical Association.
History
1411
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga began with the fort and was soon a center of paper production. It has more than three dozen buildings listed on the National Register.
31355
Keeseville
1 Mill Street, Keeseville | (518) 834-9328
Much of Keeseville's rich history is still alive and well today. Experience it for yourself on a walking tour.
1694
Westport
6459 Main Street, Westport
Enjoy a Walkable Westport tour of larger-than-life Westport Chairs painted by local artists and community members! These vibrantly colored early 1900s-inspired chairs are a place to slow down, take a seat, and stay awhile! The 2.3-mile Westport Chair...
Arts and Culture
82007
Westport
1 Main Street, Westport | (518) 597-4649
This tour will guide you through the evolution of Westport from its early industrial and agricultural beginnings to a summer resort that has responded to dramatic changes in expectations for rest and recreation over the course of a century and a half. 
4505
Ticonderoga
Bicentennial Park, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-6366
Take a lovely loop around Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga with many interpretive signboards to learn about history and nature.
Snowshoeing
3083
Port Henry
Park Place, Port Henry | (518) 546-9855
A historic collection of a wide array of architectural styles throughout the village.
History
2639
Willsboro
Willsboro | (518) 834-9328
Learn the fascinating history of Willsboro on this fun walk.
31341
Westport
6459 Main Street, Westport
Enjoy a Walkable Westport tour of larger-than-life Westport Chairs painted by local artists and community members! These vibrantly colored early 1900s-inspired chairs are a place to slow down, take a seat, and stay awhile! The 2.3-mile Westport Chair...
82007
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga began with the fort and was soon a center of paper production. It has more than three dozen buildings listed on the National Register.
History
31355
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown | (518) 873-6466
Explore the community and its history!
History
31345
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga began with the fort and was soon a center of paper production. It has more than three dozen buildings listed on the National Register.
History
31355
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
History
921
Ticonderoga
102 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-2821
History comes to life at Fort Ticonderoga! Fort Ticonderoga is a bucket list destination! Bring the family and enjoy hands-on activities, daily weapon demos, boat tours, world-class museum exhibits, beautiful gardens, friendly animals, and more. Rain...
History
1244
Ticonderoga
6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7868
4164
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
921
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
Snowshoeing
921
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
Weddings
921
Keeseville
96 Clinton Street, Keeseville | (518) 834-9219
The museum offers visitors an extensive collection of historical photos, artifacts, some local family histories, summer programs focused on area history, and displays about local schools, churches, & local military history.
History
313
Willsboro
6 Gillilland Lane POB 212, Willsboro | (518) 963-4897
The Willsboro Heritage Society, Inc. was first formed in 1974 to study the history of Willsboro and create an interest in the town's colorful past. The group is deducted to preserving information, materials and artifacts and to present or make...
History
4651
Keeseville
1A Mill Street, Keeseville | (518) 834-9606
Booklet available from: Friends of the North Country. Fee for booklet. Seventeen Ausable River bridges are listed on the National Register, the first such group listing in New York State. Crossing the River: Historic Bridges of the AuSable River is an...
History
1499
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
Hiking
921
Au Sable Chasm
1131 Mace Chasm Road, Au Sable Chasm | (518) 834-5180
The Museum and the Center are open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 4 pm from the last Saturday in May until the last Saturday in October. The Museum can be opened for private tours by appointment throughout the year. Admission is free but donations are...
2407
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
History
921
Port Henry
34 Park Place, Port Henry | (518) 546-3587
End of June to Columbus Day, Mon/Tues/Wed, 12-2pm. Thur/Fri/Sat, 12-3pm. Donation. Railroad and mining history exhibits are presented by the Town of Moriah Historical Society in a restored carriage house at the former Witherbee-Sherman and Company...
History
4089
Crown Point
703 Creek Road, Crown Point | (518) 597-3804
Museum of local history. Birthplace of the Electric Age. 1826 homestead, carriage barn, church, threshing barn, cow barn. Take our historic walking tour along the edge of Putnam's Creek. Fishing on Penfield Pond by permit. Inquire about using our...
History
2552
Ticonderoga
137 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-2696
Ticonderoga history is inexorably linked to paper mills, graphite mining and pencils. The museum is housed in the former main office of International Paper Company, the area's largest industry and employer. Displays and exhibits interpret the...
History
4163
Crown Point
21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point | (518) 597-4666
The historic Crown Point is definitely a "don't miss" stop in the Lake Champlain Region! The grounds are free to explore, but there is an admission fee at museum.
Cross Country Skiing
921
Au Sable Chasm
1131 Mace Chasm Road, Au Sable Chasm | (518) 834-5180
The Museum and the Center are open 7 days a week, from 11 am to 4 pm from the last Saturday in May until the last Saturday in October. The Museum can be opened for private tours by appointment throughout the year. Admission is free but donations are...
History
2407
Ticonderoga
102 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-2821
History comes to life at Fort Ticonderoga! Fort Ticonderoga is a bucket list destination! Bring the family and enjoy hands-on activities, daily weapon demos, boat tours, world-class museum exhibits, beautiful gardens, friendly animals, and more. Rain...
1244
Crown Point
703 Creek Road, Crown Point | (518) 597-3804
Museum of local history. Birthplace of the Electric Age. 1826 homestead, carriage barn, church, threshing barn, cow barn. Take our historic walking tour along the edge of Putnam's Creek. Fishing on Penfield Pond by permit. Inquire about using our...
History
2552
Ticonderoga
6 Moses Circle, Ticonderoga | (518) 585-7868
History
4164
true
Elizabethtown
7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown | (518) 873-6466
Elizabethtown's original central school provides ample space for a large collection of artifacts from over 200 years of Essex County history and culture. The 2019 seasonal exhibits include "Bootleggers & the Law in the ADKs," "One Earth - Two...
116
true
Ticonderoga
113 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga | (518) 415-1775
Punky Noodles envision a community where children and families are provided the resources to open their hearts and minds to creativity and curiosity and to build parent-child relationships through positive experiences.
Education
44111
true
Elizabethtown
7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown | (518) 873-6466
Elizabethtown's original central school provides ample space for a large collection of artifacts from over 200 years of Essex County history and culture. The 2019 seasonal exhibits include "Bootleggers & the Law in the ADKs," "One Earth - Two...
History
116
true
Ticonderoga
113 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga | (518) 415-1775
Punky Noodles envision a community where children and families are provided the resources to open their hearts and minds to creativity and curiosity and to build parent-child relationships through positive experiences.
History
44111
true
Vergennes
4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes | (802) 475-2022
Explore the vibrant history and characters of the Champlain Valley. View a large collection of original small watercraft built over the last 150 years. Learn about the largest collection of wooden shipwrecks in North America and talk to archeological...
History
1762
true
Crown Point
Route 17, Crown Point | (802) 759-2412
The Chimney Point State Historic Site is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain at the foot of the 2011 Lake Champlain Bridge, one of the most dramatic gateways to Vermont. The site explores the history of the area's three earliest cultures...
History
755
true
Elizabethtown
7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown | (518) 873-6466
Elizabethtown's original central school provides ample space for a large collection of artifacts from over 200 years of Essex County history and culture. The 2019 seasonal exhibits include "Bootleggers & the Law in the ADKs," "One Earth - Two...
Weddings
116
true
Elizabethtown
7590 Court Street, Elizabethtown | (518) 873-6466
Elizabethtown's original central school provides ample space for a large collection of artifacts from over 200 years of Essex County history and culture. The 2019 seasonal exhibits include "Bootleggers & the Law in the ADKs," "One Earth - Two...
Arts and Culture
116
true
Vergennes
4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes | (802) 475-2022
Explore the vibrant history and characters of the Champlain Valley. View a large collection of original small watercraft built over the last 150 years. Learn about the largest collection of wooden shipwrecks in North America and talk to archeological...
1762

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