7 Towns in The Adirondack Mountains that Transport You to the Past

The Adirondack Mountains are home to a number of New York’s oldest communities, from colonial-era forts to some of the earliest resort towns in the United States. Explore the historic buildings, museums, and landmarks that tell stories of pivotal moments in this state's storied past. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, these communities will provide you with a mix of cultural and historical adventures in upstate New York, so let's delve into some of the must-visit examples you can venture out to this year.

Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga, situated at the southern end of the expansive Lake Champlain, is a town steeped in history dating back to the Revolutionary War and beyond. The focal point of its fascinating heritage is Fort Ticonderoga, a well-preserved 18th-century military stronghold that played a key role in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Here, you are free to explore the fort’s various exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and scenic grounds while learning about its strategic importance.

In town, Ticonderoga’s historic district features colonial-era homes and buildings, showcasing its 18th and 19th-century importance in New York's history. Ticonderoga is also home to the Hancock House, a landmark associated with the Battle of Ticonderoga.

The surrounding natural landscapes, including nearby Adirondack Park, are a prime destination to get outdoors and experience what the wilds of New York State may have looked like before modern developments elsewhere.

Saranac Lake

Known for its historic role as a health resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town of Saranac Lake remains a destination deeply connected to its past as a place for rest in nature. It became a prominent destination for tuberculosis patients seeking fresh mountain air for recovery, something that was once considered a cure for the historically devastating disease. The Saranac Laboratory Museum, once the home of Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau, highlights the town’s pivotal role in medical history.

On a brighter note, Saranac Lake's Main Street is full of meticulously preserved buildings that capture the essence of its early 20th-century charm as a retreat for vacationers from New York's bigger cities. Just a short walk away, Voco Saranac Lake NY serves as one of many scenic resorts that you can stay at, making it an easy option for those who want to stay for a weekend.

Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown, the county seat of Essex County, gives its visitors a good look into the past with its collection of historic buildings and educational attractions. As the former home of the Adirondack Park Agency, the town has played a significant role in the region's history a notable natural attraction as well.

Notable landmarks include the Elizabethtown Historical Society, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s development during the early days of the Adirondack region. Furthermore, the nearby Essex County Courthouse, dating back to 1819, stands as a testament to Elizabethtown's civic and administrative importance in the region.

This small town’s setting along the Boquet River, surrounded by the rolling Adirondack Mountains, makes it a great destination to visit for leaf peepers in the fall too, when the area's lush foliage begins to change.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid, one of the best-known and most beloved towns in the Adirondack Mountain range, is famous for more than just its world-class ski resorts and natural scenery. Renowned for hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century sporting history. The town’s Main Street features attractions like the Olympic Museum, where you can explore an array of memorabilia related to the event and learn about Lake Placid’s continuing Olympic legacy. Beyond the Olympic history, Lake Placid is a hub for the Adirondack's longstanding human heritage, with sites such as the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, honoring the abolitionist’s legacy.

The town’s architectural landscape, with its hotels, resorts, and other businesses dating back to the early 1900s, truly evokes the era when it first began as a popular resort destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. And of course, the surrounding mountains and lakes also provide a picturesque for any visit year-round.

Wilmington

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Wilmington once played a very important role in the region’s mining and timber industries, Its most notable landmark is the Adirondack Lumberjack Museum, where you can check out exhibits detailing the area’s logging operations and the lives of the people who operated them. The town also played a key role during the construction of the nearby Whiteface Mountain Ski Center, which to this day is one of New York's most visited ski resorts.

Wilmington has a quaint historic district that houses unique traditional Adirondack architecture, with some structures dating back to the early 1800s. Many use its dowtown area as a starting point before accessing nearby natural areas and parks like the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehab Center and the Town of Wilmington Beach along the Ausable River.

North Creek

North Creek is another town that is connected to New York's logging industry, along with being an important early railway stop. Once a bustling hub for the Adirondack Railway, North Creek was a vital point for transporting timber and goods throughout the region in the 19th century.

The town’s historic district includes charming 19th-century buildings and the former railway station, now part of the North Creek Depot Museum, which shines light to modern visitors on the area’s industrial past. North Creek’s involvement in the development of the nearby Gore Mountain Ski Center also adds to its history as an industrious community, as the town played a key role in the growth of winter sports in the region.

Keene

Founded in 1808, Keene quickly became a center for farming and trade in the very rural portion of the state. The town’s historic buildings, many dating back to the 1800s, reflect this agricultural past and its role in the region’s economic development. The Cedar Run Bakery & Market continues to serve delicious baked goods and fresh produce harvested from the area.

Another notable landmark is the Keene Valley Library, housed in an old building that once served as the town’s school; an interesting little location for any New York history buffs passing through.

Keene’s location in the scenic Keene Valley further enhances its historic appeal, offering visitors views of the Adirondack's verdant peaks above the remnants of old homesteads. The nearby High Peaks wilderness has long attracted adventurers, with Keene serving as a gateway for those exploring the area.

Experience the History of the Adirondacks Today

Besides being a renowned destination to go for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing lakeside retreat, the history fans out there can also greatly enjoy the striking past that can still be explored in the Adirondacks to this day. From designated historic districts to expertly curated museums, there is so much to see and do here along with hiking the mountains or spending a day skiing the slopes. Book your Adirondacks adventure today!