It will be an explosive summer at Fort Ticonderoga. I checked in with our friends there to learn about what is new and exciting in 2019. Continuing the tradition of reinventing itself each year, 2019 at Fort Ticonderoga will be set in 1758. It is a turbulent time with the French and Indian War raging across the land and the French forces hope to hold Fort Ticonderoga against the advancing British. Visitors will now be able to purchase daily passes and special event tickets on line! Visit Fort Ticonderoga's website for this convenience.
History comes alive
The British invasion
Prepare for battle this summer with the crackle of musketry and the boom of the cannons all summer long with their daily weapons demonstrations with French soldiers as they prepare to battle the massive British Empire. Don't miss the historic trades shops to learn which tools and skills were necessary for repairing soldiers’ shoes, uniforms, fortifications, and muskets! You will be amazed at the precision and detail these craftsmen create with authentic historic tools.
Step into history
Make memories rain or shine while walking in the footsteps of legendary leaders Ethan Allen, Robert Rogers, Benedict Arnold, Henry Knox, and George Washington. Explore new exhibits that highlight our rich history, rarely-seen treasures, and discover thousands of stories across their stunning 2,000 acres.
New interactive programming
In July and August, participate in an active new family program Voyage New France: A Family Adventure and help soldiers with their daily duties and receive awards for completing the tasks. Take a guided tour designed especially for families. March to the beat of the fifes and drums during daily concerts.
Boom in the night!
Build family memories with the unforgettable Guns by Night under the stars. With the flash of musketry and roar of cannon fire by night, this unique tour and demonstration of 18th-century guns, big and small, allows you to learn how these great guns were used to attack and defend the Fort. More importantly, you’ll discover why the Fort was such an important prize in the American Revolution. The program concludes with dramatic nighttime demonstrations of weapons that you will not see anywhere else!
Other epic nighttime programs include mountainside Sunset Boat Cruises (with a complimentary signature cocktail) and the Gossip Tour where you will get the scoop on all of the salacious stories of Ticonderoga’s past.
Something for everyone
Carillon boat cruise
Enjoy gorgeous, sweeping vistas of Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondack Mountains during a 75-minute narrated boat tour aboard the Carillon, Let our friendly and experienced staff be your guide to Lake Champlain's centuries of stirring maritime heritage with panoramic vistas around you and a sonar view of shipwrecks below. Embark on this unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages! Regional beer and wine are available for purchase onboard.
Take a hike!
A journey on foot allows for a unique and intimate appreciation for how the land was shaped, by the generations who passed before. The Carillon Battlefield Trail offers a family-friendly 1.7-mile loop through one of the most important battlefields in North America. Become immersed in the place where empires clashed to decide the destiny of a continent.
Breathtaking historic gardens and animals
Immerse your senses in the colors and scents of a unique American country estate at the King's Garden featuring new heritage flowers, original activities, and a brand new garden designed especially for children! While you’re in the gardens, be sure to stop and meet friendly heritage breed animals including Mick and Mack, our dynamic oxen duo, plus Dominique chickens.
The best view in town
Visit Mount Defiance to witness a birds-eye view of Fort Ticonderoga’s epic historic landscape! Whether you hike up the mountain in the footsteps of General Burgoyne’s troops or make the easy drive to the top in your car, you’ll savor the spectacular beauty of this remarkable view which is often described as America’s most historic landscape. Discover how this summit shaped America’s history during the “Mount Defiance: Witness to History,” offered daily May 4-October 31, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Fort Ticonderoga’s Heroic Maze: A corn maze adventure! New 2019 design!
Share time with family and friends while exploring a unique corn maze located on the shores of Lake Champlain at Fort Ticonderoga. Getting lost in this life-size puzzle is part of the fun as you look for history clues among towering stalks of corn! Find clues connected to our story as you make your way through the maze. Be sure to mark your calendars for the annual family favorite Maze by Moonlight event October 25-26, 2019.
Enjoy farm-to-fork culinary offerings
Be sure to savor the fresh garden flavors and locally sourced food (and regional beer and wine) while enjoying a breathtaking view in our America's Fort Café. Our meals are made using harvested fruits and vegetables grown on-site in the King’s Garden as well as produce and dairy through our partner, Black River Produce, who connects us to numerous regional farms in New York and Vermont.
Find adventure in epic events
Explore the Fort's epic story at one of our many special events including reenactments, living history weekends, and festivals! Thrill at the power of artillery, celebrate Scottish culture, and witness a real life action adventure as American soldiers attempt to recapture Ticonderoga from British control. Fort Ticonderoga offers diverse and immersive special event experiences that are unique, powerful, and are sure to excite and delight the whole family.
All daily programs, family activities, and special events/reenactments can be found by visiting www.fortticonderoga.org. To receive free entry to year-round programming, sign up to become a member today!
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