Adirondack Historic Sites

History

It's in our nature

Adirondack historic sites

We are known for our amazing Great Camps, but of course, our history didn't begin with the popularization of these Camps. From our first settlements to logging villages to mountain exploration, we have a long history. Historical societies and museums are located throughout the region which celebrate our history and create opportunities for visitors and residents alike to learn more about this unique area. These destinations are staffed by talented, welcoming volunteers and staff and love to share their knowledge with visitors of all ages. The outstanding Adirondack Experience, The Museum On Blue Mountain Lake is one of the gems of the region and makes for a great first stop.

The ADKX

Known as the "Smithsonian of the Adirondacks," the ADKX's extensive campus is the beloved repository of some of the Adirondacks' most cherished stories, offering exhibits, interactive displays, events, and workshops throughout the year. Historic artifacts and even entire structures are preserved here for all to appreciate for generations.

Great Camps today

Hamilton County is fortunate to have been part of the early history of vacationing in the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Great Camp tradition began in the late 19th century soon after the publication of William H. H. Murray's Adventures in the Wilderness in 1869. This highly popular book was an account of Murray's various camping, hunting, and fishing trips in the Adirondack wilderness. Murray's book put the Adirondack Mountains and Hamilton County on the map as a tourist destination, inspiring men and women from cities downstate to "vacate" the city in the summer. Grand hotels were soon built and the rich and famous from around the world were soon spending their summers here, building luxuriously rustic summer compounds.

 

Find out more about our Great Camp History and the stories of the people who played a role in this rich history.

Speculator Lake Pleasant Historical Society...
2885 Route 8
Box 103
Speculator
12164
  
History of Indian Lake & people who lived...
6355 State Route 30
Indian Lake
12842
  
Three years running, The Wild Center was...
45 Museum Drive
Tupper Lake
12986
  
New Season, New Experiences Since opening...
9097 Route 30
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday,...
149 Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
The historic Makomis fire tower has been...
State Route 30
Speculator
12164
  
Off South Shore Road in Lake Pleasant, a...
Speculator
12164
  

The Fulton Chain History (Herrstory Publications)

PO Box 664
Inlet
13360
(315) 357-2186
  

Goodsell Museum - Town of Webb Historical Association

2993 Route 28
Old Forge
13420
(315) 369-3838
  

W.W. Durant Cruise & Dine

254 Antlers Road
Raquette Lake
13436
(315) 354-5532
  

Adirondack - Sacandaga River Sculpture Park

New York State Route 30 -South Main Street
Wells
12190
(518) 774-6641
  

Great Camp Sagamore

Sagamore Road
Raquette Lake
13436
(315) 354-5311 ext: 21
  

Piseco Lake Historical Society

155 Old Piseco Road
Piseco
12139
  

Wells NY Historical Society, Inc.

(585) 261-1872
  

Pine Knot/Luncheon Cruise Package

Oct 7, 2024
7Oct2024
Pine Knot/ Luncheon Cruise Package  Pine Knot, the first Great Camp! Pine Knot was built by...
Oct 7, 2024

Newsletter Sign Up