Go North: Explore the Adirondack Region

GoNorth is a fun and exciting, customizable itinerary that begins within the parks of Saratoga County. From there it’s a short drive to the gorgeous waters of The Lake George Area and later you’ll ascend into the stunning peaks and vibrant communities of the Adirondack Region.

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga County is home to everything travelers could hope for: fantastic food, world-class entertainment, historic sites, and beautiful architecture. Groups can experience many performing arts, national museums, and an award-winning downtown with galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants of all types and sizes. Soak in Saratoga’s rich history during your tour. The Battle of Saratoga is believed to be on the most decisive battles in world history and was the turning point of the Revolutionary War and the grounds are open to visitors today. Saratoga has over one thousand buildings on the historic registry, and architecture enthusiasts will be delighted with the variety found throughout its neighborhoods. Saratoga is most well-known for its iconic horse racing history. Since 1863, horse racing fans have traveled to Saratoga Springs for world-class thoroughbred racing and socializing and the Saratoga Racetrack is the oldest operating racetrack in America. Today it is home to a flat and harness track as well as Saratoga Casino. Discover the allure of the many mineral springs that are located around the city. Visitors can take a tour and taste some of the 21 springs or even a rejuvenating mineral bath at one of the spas before departing for the Lake George Area, a 30 minute drive north.

The Lake George Area

Lake George is arguably one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in the country and nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes”. Explore the 32-mile long lake on one of the 5 cruise ships that navigate its waters daily. Whether it’s a 1 hour sight-seeing cruise on the Lake George Steamboat’s famous paddle wheeler the Minne Ha-Ha, a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Lac Du Saint Sacrement, or an entertainment cruise on Shoreline Cruise’s The Adirondac, sailing the pristine waters is one of the most popular activities in the Village of Lake George. This area is very diverse with art works by Degas and Rembrandt at The Hyde Collection Art Museum & Historic House, whitewater rafting trips, a tree-top ropes course, Six Flags indoor and outdoor Amusement Parks all within 20 minutes of the Village. Brush up on your history with a tour of the Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga or tantalize your taste buds at the Adirondack Winery or many of the lakeside cafes and restaurants that dot the shoreline before retiring at one of the many group-friendly lodging properties in the area. Be sure to make a last sightseeing stop at Prospect Mountain for a 100-mile view of the lake and the Adirondack mountains beyond before you head further north to view them up close in the Tupper Lake Area.

Blue Mountain Lake, Raquette Lake & Tupper Lake

Venture into the heart of the Adirondack wilderness on a tour to The Adirondack Museum, a cruise with Raquette Lake Navigation Co. or a trip to The Wild Center. The Adirondack Museum in dedicated to preserving the history or the people who lived, worked and played in the Adirondacks. Explore exhibits depicting outdoor recreation, boats, transportation, the fine arts, logging industry, tourism and community life in the early 1800’s. Have lunch at the museum café or depart for a luncheon cruise aboard the nearby W.W. Durant. An entire day can be dedicated to the award-winning Wild Center, where you will unearth the natural wonders of the region. Explore the 81-acre campus on marked trails, partake in hands-on activities, interact with live animals and natural species of the Adirondack s and enjoy a panoramic view of the Adirondack Mountains from the treetops on “The High Line of the Adirondacks,” The Wild Walk.

The Adirondack Coast

It’s time to explore “The Adirondack Coast.” Travel through the High Peaks Region of The Adirondacks to Lake Placid and stop for lunch and a tour of the site and facilities of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Watch ski-jumping demonstrations or take a bob sled ride before heading to Whiteface Mountain for a scenic gondola ride over the Adirondack Mountains. The Adirondack Coast is easily characterized by its working landscape, undulating hills, meadows and pastures rolling down to the shores of Lake Champlain. Dairy farms, apple orchards, vineyards and farm stands not only define the landscape, but the way of life. Your group can experience life on the farm today as it has been for generations and sip wine that was made from grapes that were introduced to the world in just the last 10-15 years. A trip through the Adirondacks wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the oldest natural attraction in the U.S., Ausable Chasm. Have your camera ready as you explore the stunning depths of the chasm on natural stone walkways. Rafting & tubing through the chasm is also an option.