A seasonal guide to two historic icons of the Lake Champlain Region
The Lake Champlain region is one of those rare places where history doesn't just sit behind glass; it breathes with the landscape, shifts with the seasons, and invites you in all year long. As the nation looks ahead to America 250, there is no better time to explore the stories that helped define it. Two of the region’s most iconic sites, Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point State Historic Site, offer meaningful experiences year-round, with something to discover in every season for history lovers, outdoor explorers, and anyone drawn to a stunning view with a story to match.
Spring: Nature awakens, history inspires
Spring migration turns Crown Point into a birder's paradise. As the lake thaws and wildlife awakens from winter, the open landscapes and historic ruins create the perfect vantage points for spotting a remarkable variety of species. Bring your binoculars and your patience, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature coming alive again.
Fort Ticonderoga shifts into scholarly gear in spring, hosting history conferences and workshops that draw educators, researchers, and historians from across the country. The fort is a center for historical research and education; this is more than a living museum, it is a working institution with real depth. Visitors can explore the grounds and uncover new layers of history, making every visit both educational and memorable.
Summer: History comes alive
Summer is peak season, and both sites deliver.
At Crown Point, you can tour the historic site and then head next door to the Crown Point State Campground to set up for the night. Wake up to lake views just steps from centuries of history, or stay for sunset and watch golden light reflect off the stone walls while boats glide across Lake Champlain. It’s an unbeatable combination of adventure, history, and summer vibes.
Fort Ticonderoga is in full swing: climb aboard for a Carillon boat ride on Lake Champlain, explore the fort with knowledgeable guides, and drive up Mount Defiance for sweeping panoramas of the Adirondacks and Vermont’s Green Mountains on the far shore. Living history demonstrations bring the 18th century to life in ways that stay with you long after your visit.
Fall: Foliage and festivals
Autumn may be the most spectacular season of all along Lake Champlain, and both sites make the most of it.
At Crown Point, hiking trails, brilliant fall foliage, and paddling access from the adjacent campground make for a perfect autumn weekend. As the ruins glow gold against the turning leaves, history feels especially alive. Stroll the grounds with a warm cup of coffee or local cider and imagine life here centuries ago.
Fort Ticonderoga goes full harvest celebration with the beloved Heritage, Harvest, and Horse Festival, plus apple picking and a corn maze that's fun for all ages. It's the kind of fall programming that brings together families, history lovers, and anyone who just wants to spend a crisp October day somewhere truly special.
Winter: History in stillness
When snow settles over the Champlain Valley, Crown Point takes on a hushed, otherworldly beauty. The ruins of the old French and British fortifications make for a striking backdrop as you glide through on cross-country skis or snowshoes, an experience that makes history feel almost tangible beneath your feet.
At Fort Ticonderoga, winter is a season for the curious. The fort's virtual author series brings historians and writers into your living room, while in-person workshops offer hands-on engagement for those willing to brave the cold and visit this remarkable site perched at the meeting point of Lake Champlain and Lake George.
A once-in-a-generation year: Revolutionary history
2026 is a landmark year to visit Fort Ticonderoga. As part of America's 250th anniversary, the fort's Real Time Revolution program brings the critical years of the American Revolution to life through immersive living history events, reenactments, and special programming, running year-round. Events range from intimate workshops and author talks to large-scale reenactments, offering visitors a chance to experience history firsthand.
Planning a broader regional adventure? The Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest connects historic sites across the region into one immersive heritage trail, a fantastic complement to any visit to Fort Ticonderoga or Crown Point. Begin your journey and start plotting your route today.
Start planning
From a summer road trip to a winter weekend, Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point State Historic Site are well worth the detour. These sites aren’t just places to visit; they are places where the history of this extraordinary region can be felt, season by season.
