Accessibly adventurous

For hundreds of years, the Lake Champlain area has been one of exciting history, unbelievably beautiful scenery, and awesome opportunities for fun for everyone. To us, everyone is just that: we want all people, particularly those with accessibility needs, to feel welcome here and that they may enjoy a vacation in the gorgeous Lake Champlain Region. We've put together some key places to go that are ADA-accessible to help you and your friends and family plan a fun vacation or day trip that everyone will enjoy.

Accessible attractions

The Lake Champlain Region is full of history. The early years of European advancement into what is now New York, Vermont, and Canada were marked by power struggles and landmark battles that would shape early America. Today the area is chock full of unique museums, historic sites, landmarks, and even ruins! Visit the Crown Point State Historic Site to view the amazing ruins of two early forts which played important roles in the fight to control the lake. Some of the grounds are not ideal for non-motorized wheelchairs, but there are paved paths. Plus, the views of the lake are incredible! Just across the road, don't miss the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse! It doesn't look much like most lighthouses and is a unique sight! The path to the lighthouse is paved for ease of mobility.

Perhaps you're craving a visit to a museum. Don't worry: we have plenty! The Lake Champlain area is rich in natural resources and was one home to a number of mines, factories, and other forms of industry. In Port Henry, don't miss the Iron Center Museum, which shares the enthralling story of the local mines, the hard-working men who toiled in them, and their legacy in the area. The Willsboro Heritage Center Museum shares and celebrates the history of the area through unique exhibits and local artifacts. Farther south, the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum celebrates that town's history, including the famous Ticonderoga pencil! All three museums are wheelchair accessible, but please don't hesitate to call them if you have specific questions to have your accessibilty needs met.

If you've had your fill of history, why not head to the future? Located in Ticonderoga, Star Trek: The Original Series Set Tour is a fun place to visit and let out your inner starship captain! Trekkie or not, you'll enjoy seeing the fun sets and pretending to go to warp speed. There are some steps in the facility, but much of the space is wheelchair accessible.

Arts lovers should be sure to explore the events calendar at the renowned Meadowmount School of Music, which has been offering fantastic programming of classical and vocal music for decades. Some of the classical music world's biggest stars have been through Meadowmount.

Outdoor activities

With such pretty small towns, big views, and plenty of scenery, you'll want to spend a lot of time outside. Fortunately, there are a number of local parks and other areas that are wheelchair and walker friendly! Bicentennial Park in Ticonderoga features paved paths near and along the river, plus a picnic area and scenic covered bridge known as "the kissing bridge."

One of our favorite spots is the 1.5-mile accessible trail at the Boquet River Nature Preserve, maintained by The Nature Conservancy. This crushed stone trail was designed to be friendly for visitors with walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs. It's a beautiful spot and you'll love soaking up the forest air. It's also a wonderful spot for birding!

Speaking of birds, did you know Lake Champlain is a great place to view interesting and even unusual shore birds? You won't see these anywhere else in the Adirondacks! Two places to go birding and which are wheelchair-accessible are the Powerhouse Park Pier in Port Henry and the Ticonderoga Boat Launch. Both are known hotspots for migrating birds. Of course, these spots are also great for launching a boat, having a picnic, and even doing a bit of shoreline fishing! But watch out: you may have competition from the birds!

Lodging

With all this activity, you'll want a place to rest your head and relax at the end of the day. Centrally located in Ticonderoga, the Best Western Inn and Suites is newly renovated, comfortable, and features ADA-compliant rooms. You won't have to worry about a thing except what to do the next day!

Accessible rail travel

Travelers with mobility needs who are taking the Amtrak Adirondack to the region can now do so even more easily. The historic Port Henry station features an accessible platform and wheelchair lift, as well as convenient accessible parking. Please contact Amtrak for more information.

While you're here...

Be sure to check out fantastic restaurants, shops, and beaches!

Beyond the Lake Champlain Region

Want to explore other parts of the Adirondacks? There are accessible spaces throughout the Adirondack Park that offer our distinctive beauty to all travelers. Adirondack Wayfinder offers a specially designed road trip trail highlighting accessible camping, historic sites, attractions, and more!

Additional travel tips

• Questions? Please feel free to call ahead to chat directly with a hotel, restaurant, or attraction.

• If you have special needs, please mention them at the time of reservation, and call the provider 24 to 48 hours before your arrival to confirm that proper accommodations have been made. Don't hesitate to ask for specifics such as door and bathroom measurements if you question whether or not your wheelchair will fit.

• Please be specific and clear when describing a disability. Not all service providers know the "lingo" of accessible travel but they do want to help make sure you have a wonderful experience when you visit. Give as many details as you can about your needs. The more information a service provider has, the better they will be able to accommodate you and make your visit as easy and comfortable as possible.