This lead to a number of conflicts between the colonial empires of Great Britain and France, most notably the French and Indian War. Lawrence River) were strategic highways and trade routes back in the 1700s when roads didn’t stretch the entirety of the state. You see, Lake George (and all the waterways on the Hudson River, stretching from New York City to the St. If you’re interested in the history of this region, there’s no better place to check out than the Fort William Henry Museum. If you don’t have a lot of time, try the Minne Ha Ha for a one-hour paddle wheel cruise (offered several times per day). Sunday brunch, daily lunch, and dinner cruises are also available. On Tuesdays, during the summer you can go for a Full Lake Cruise. With the Steamboat Cruises, you can board the Mohican for the 2-hour Paradise Bay or the Islands of the Narrows Cruises. Book online or call (518) 668-4644 to reserve. They also offer sunset cruises, happy hour cruises, and dinner cruises. Lake George Shoreline Cruisesįor the Shoreline Cruises you’ll board the 115-foot Adirondac or the 85-foot Horicon and take the Historic Sightseeing cruise or the Lake George Bay cruise to relive the history of Lake George. But there are other ways to get on the lake, too. When we visited we were lucky enough that a kind local couple (followers on the blog) took us out on their boat. For those more adventurous, there is a guided 3-4 hour spelunking cave crawl ($100/person) that goes from cavern to cavern through these natural underground caves! Get on the Water of Lake George There is a self-guided, 20-stop trail that travels from cave to cave over 3⁄4 of a mile ($15.50/person). Here, marked paths and trail signs guide you through a secluded glen beside the cascades of Trout Brook as you explore caves, grottos, waterfalls, and glacial potholes. įrom the shores of Lake George, you can head up to Pottersville, NY to see the Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park, which hosts the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern US. Thanks for visiting and spreading the word. The path backcrosses the nordic ski center at Garnet Hill Lodge (39 Garnet Hill Rd North River, NY 12856) so if you’re going, check in there first to let them know you’d like to walk across their property to the mine site. It’s about a half-mile (1 mile round-trip) walk back to the mine where you can explore the abandoned open-pit garnet mine and buildings.

If you’re up for more of an adventure, close by to the Barton Mine is the abandoned Hooper Mine. The mines are open seven days a week from June 24th – Sept 2nd, Mon-Sat, 9:30 am-5 pm and Sun 11 am-5 pm.Īdmission cost is $14.95/person.

The tours leave hourly and are available from the Gore Mountain Mineral Shop (1126 Barton Mines Rd, North River, NY 12856). There are also gem cutting demonstrations and you can search for your own garnet in one of the large pits! Today the mines are a major world supplier of garnets for technical industrial abrasives.Īt the mine, you can take the garnet mine tour and learn about the history, geology, and present-day operations of the garnet mines and how to find your own gemstones. The location is one of the world's largest garnet deposits. The Barton Garnet Mines were first established in 1878. Jennifer and I particularly enjoyed the Barton Garnet Mines and Hooper Mine. There are quite a few mines in the Lake George area, and they're really interesting to tour. Here is a video of our experience RVing through the Southern Adirondacks, including a wonderful visit to Lake George.įrom mines to museums to cruises, there's lots of fun things to do around Lake George. It’s also so clean and clear that you can drink the water out of it! It’s classified as a Class AA-Special water body in New York State, which is the highest rating that exists. While not as large as Lake Champlain, Lake George is 30 miles long, 2 miles wide, and 200 feet deep. Lake George is one of our favorites, with plenty to do in the surrounding area. All are surrounded by lush forests and dozens of small charming towns to visit. There are about 3,000 beautiful clean lakes in the Adirondack region.

2.4 Looking for Even More Expert RV Travel suggestions?.

2.3 For More Great Campgrounds and Adventures….

2.2.4 Lake George Battlefield State Campground.

2.1.3 National Stone Bridge & Caves Park.

1 Lake George is nicknamed “The Queen of American Lakes” and for good reason!.

Water park near lake george