Legend lurks below
The evidence is questionable. The adventure is not.
Move over, Nessie. Lake Champlain has its own legendary lake monster, and locals have been swapping Champ stories for centuries.
While many people trace the legend of Champ to French explorer Samuel de Champlain's 1609 journey through the region, historians believe his writings likely described a large fish rather than a lake monster. The modern Champ legend is more closely tied to Indigenous stories and a wave of reported sightings that began appearing in the 1800s. Since then, countless visitors and locals have claimed to spot mysterious humps, ripples, and shadowy figures moving through the waters of Lake Champlain, keeping the legend alive centuries later.
While scientists remain skeptical, believers are convinced that something unusual lurks in the depths of Lake Champlain. Dedicated cryptid hunters aren't the only ones drawn to the hunt. These six Lake Champlain locations also make a fun excuse to explore the shoreline while keeping watch for New York's most famous lake monster.
1. Crown Point Bridge
Stretching across one of the narrowest sections of Lake Champlain, the Crown Point Bridge offers sweeping views in every direction. With plenty of water below and excellent vantage points along the shoreline, it's easy to imagine Champ surfacing for a quick look at passing traffic. Bring binoculars and scan the water carefully. You never know what might emerge from the depths.
2. Bulwagga Bay
If Champ has a favorite hiding spot, many locals would put their money on Bulwagga Bay. Located just south of Port Henry, this secluded bay has been connected to numerous sightings over the years. Its calm waters and quiet atmosphere make it a perfect place to spend an afternoon watching for mysterious movements on the surface.
3. Aboard the Essex-Charlotte Ferry
Why stare at the lake from shore when you can float right through Champ territory? The Essex-Charlotte Ferry provides panoramic views of Lake Champlain and plenty of opportunities to watch the water from every angle. Grab a spot on the deck, keep your camera ready, and see if you can catch the lake's most elusive resident during the crossing.
4. Ballard Park
Perched above the lake in Westport, Ballard Park offers elevated views that make it easier to scan large stretches of water. Pack a picnic, settle into a shady spot, and keep your eyes peeled. If Champ decides to make an appearance, you'll have one of the best seats in the house.
5. Noblewood Park
With its sandy beach and expansive lake views, Noblewood Park is an ideal location for a family-friendly Champ hunt. Spend the day swimming, paddling, or relaxing along the shore while keeping watch for unexplained waves or a mysterious hump in the distance.
6. Lake Champlain Palisades
If you're up for a true adventure, paddle to the Lake Champlain Palisades. Here, towering 200-foot cliffs plunge into some of the deepest waters in the lake, reaching depths of roughly 400 feet. Popular for paddling, boating, swimming, and deep-water soloing, this dramatic stretch of shoreline is also an ideal place to keep watch for mysterious ripples, shadowy shapes, and maybe even Champ himself. After all, if a legendary lake monster were hiding anywhere, the depths beneath the Palisades seem like a pretty good place to start looking.
Bonus Stop: Port Henry, Home of Champ
No Champ-chasing adventure would be complete without a visit to Port Henry, the self-proclaimed Home of Champ. The village fully embraces its legendary resident, complete with a giant Champ statue overlooking the lake. Snap a photo with the famous monster, explore the waterfront, and decide for yourself: is Champ fact, fiction, or still waiting to be discovered?
Of course, we can't guarantee you'll spot Champ. Then again, that's exactly what makes the hunt so much fun.
