10 Must-Visit Historic Small Towns in the Adirondacks

When New York comes to mind, most people picture the hustle and bustle of New York City. But there’s so much more to the Empire State than its iconic skyline. From the serene Finger Lakes to the rolling Catskills and the awe-inspiring Adirondack Mountains, upstate New York offers countless spots for exploration and adventure.

Nestled in the northeastern corner of the state, the Adirondacks span over six million acres of natural beauty, boasting pristine lakes, towering peaks, and lush forests. But it’s not all about outdoor escapades. This region is also home to charming small towns with rich histories and timeless landmarks. For history enthusiasts eager to explore the past while surrounded by stunning landscapes, here are ten historic small towns in the Adirondacks that are simply unforgettable.

Established in the early 19th century, Lake Placid evolved from an iron ore mining hub into a premier resort destination. The village gained prominence by hosting the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980, with the latter featuring the iconic “Miracle on Ice” hockey game.

When visiting this iconic town in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, you’ll be able to explore the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which showcases artifacts from both Olympic Games, including the skates used by Jack Shea in 1932 and memorabilia from the 1980 hockey team.

Another significant site is the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, the final resting place of the famed abolitionist.

Lake Placid also offers year-round recreational activities, from hiking and skiing to boating on its pristine lakes. Boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries line Main Street, providing a delightful experience for visitors.

2. Saranac Lake

This charming historic village was established in 1819. It gained prominence in the late 19th century as a pioneering center for tuberculosis treatment, thanks to Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau’s establishment of the first successful U.S. sanatorium.

Start by visiting the Saranac Laboratory Museum, the nation’s first laboratory dedicated to tuberculosis research. It will provide you with insights into the village’s medical heritage.

The Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage and Museum preserves the residence where the famed author spent a winter in 1887.

Saranac Lake’s vibrant arts scene is showcased at venues like Pendragon Theatre, established in 1980, which continues to enrich the community with diverse performances. The village’s historic downtown features unique shops, galleries, and eateries, reflecting its cultural vitality.

Surrounded by the Saranac Chain of Lakes, the area offers abundant recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, initiated in 1887, stands as the oldest winter carnival in the eastern U.S., celebrating the season with parades, performances, and the iconic Ice Palace.

Ticonderoga, located in New York’s Adirondack region, is a town steeped in pivotal American history. Its name derives from the Mohawk term tekontaró:ken, meaning “it is at the junction of two waterways,” aptly describing its position between Lake George and Lake Champlain.

The town’s most renowned landmark, Fort Ticonderoga, originally known as Fort Carillon, was constructed by the French between 1755 and 1757 during the French and Indian War. This star-shaped fortification became a strategic focal point in subsequent conflicts. On May 10, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led a daring raid and captured the fort from the British during this unexpected assault.

This victory provided the Continental Army with much-needed artillery, which was later transported by Colonel Henry Knox to aid in the Siege of Boston.

Visitors to Ticonderoga can immerse themselves in this rich history by touring Fort Ticonderoga, which has been meticulously restored and now operates as a museum. The fort offers interactive exhibits, reenactments, and stunning views of the surrounding lakes. Nearby, Mount Defiance provides panoramic vistas and historical insights into its role during the 1777 British campaign.

4. Keene Valley

You will find Keene Valley in New York’s Adirondack High Peaks. It’s a town that you’ll love visiting, whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff. Established in the late 18th century, Keene Valley’s early settlers braved rugged terrains to lay its foundations.

The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, offering access to numerous hiking trails, including routes to Mount Marcy, New York’s highest peak. Notable natural attractions include Roaring Brook Falls and the scenic vistas from Indian Head.

Keene Valley’s rich history is preserved through local initiatives like the Keene Valley Library’s Adirondack Community project, which collects and shares stories from residents, that allow you to learn about the town’s cultural heritage.

Also, don’t forget about the local arts scene, with galleries and shops featuring works inspired by the surrounding natural beauty.

Elizabethtown, affectionately known as “Pleasant Valley,” is a historic town that was established in 1798. It became the seat of Essex County, reflecting its early significance in the region.
The town’s rich heritage is showcased at the Adirondack History Museum, which houses over 6,000 artifacts and documents spanning two centuries of local life. You can explore here exhibits on regional history, a preserved Adirondack fire tower, and a colonial garden.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Elizabethtown’s scenic beauty, with the Boquet River flowing through and Hurricane Mountain providing a picturesque backdrop. The area offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, particularly for trout. Nearby, Split Rock Falls features a series of waterfalls and deep pools, making it a popular spot for visitors.

6. Schroon Lake

Schroon Lake has been a cherished destination since the early 19th century. The town’s name is believed to derive from a Native American term for “large lake,” reflecting its expansive waters.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Schroon Lake flourished as a resort town, attracting visitors to its grand hotels and children’s camps. Notably, the Seagle Music Colony, founded in 1915, stands as the oldest summer vocal training program in the U.S., contributing significantly to the area’s cultural heritage.

Today, you can consider visiting the Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society which preserves artifacts and stories from the region’s past, allowing you to learn about its development.

You can also enjoy various activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking, with the town beach serving as a popular spot for relaxation.

The historic Strand Theater, dating back to the 1920s, continues to entertain with films and live performances, maintaining its role as a cultural hub.

Old Forge has evolved from a 19th-century lumbering hub into a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The town’s rich history is preserved at the Goodsell Museum, housed in a Victorian-era home built in 1899, offering exhibits that chronicle the region’s development.

A standout attraction is the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park, featuring over 50 rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Adjacent to the park, Calypso’s Cove offers additional family fun with go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade.

For those seeking natural beauty, the Fulton Chain of Lakes provides opportunities for boating and scenic cruises, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene Adirondack environment. Nearby, McCauley Mountain offers hiking trails and panoramic views, making it a year-round destination for outdoor activities.

8. Speculator

Speculator, a picturesque village in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, was incorporated in 1925 and is named after the nearby Speculator Mountain. The village is the sole incorporated community within Hamilton County and serves as the economic center of the Town of Lake Pleasant.

In the late 1920s, Speculator gained prominence when heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney trained there, drawing spectators and contributing to local landmarks like Gene Tunney Park.

Today, Speculator offers a variety of recreational activities. Oak Mountain Ski Center provides skiing and snowboarding opportunities during winter months. The village’s location on the shores of Lake Pleasant allows for boating, fishing, and swimming in warmer seasons. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the Northville-Lake Placid Trail, which passes through the area.

The Historical Society of Lake Pleasant & Speculator manages a museum featuring artifacts and displays that highlight the area’s rich history.

This hamlet in the Adirondack Mountains gained prominence in the 19th century as a hub for the Adirondack Railroad, facilitating regional development. A pivotal moment occurred on September 14, 1901, when Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, while visiting the area, learned at the North Creek Depot of President McKinley’s death, leading to his succession to the presidency.

Today, the North Creek Depot Museum commemorates this event and showcases the area’s railroading heritage. The museum offers exhibits on the history of the Adirondack Railroad and its impact on the region.

North Creek is also known for the historic North Creek Ski Bowl, which opened in 1934 as a pioneering ski area in the United States. The Ski Bowl has since expanded and become a key part of Gore Mountain’s ski offerings, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from around the country.

If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as whitewater rafting on the Hudson River, hiking nearby trails, and exploring the scenic beauty of the Adirondacks.

10. Indian Lake

Indian Lake, established in 1858, is known as the “Moose Capital of the Northeast.” The town’s heritage is preserved at the Indian Lake Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing the area’s past, including its Indigenous roots and early settler experiences.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Snowy Mountain Fire Observation Station, a historic fire tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Additionally, the town is renowned for whitewater rafting on the Hudson River, providing thrilling experiences for adventurers.