There is no wonder why Ticonderoga manifests historic charm, scenic beauty, and an abundance of recreation and activities, being the name’s origin is from the Iroquois word tekontaró:ken, meaning "it is at the junction of two waterways." This lovely little town nestled between Lake George and Lake Champlain is sure to satisfy any vacationer’s cravings!
1. Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance
Fort Ticonderoga, previously Fort Carillon, is a large 18th-century fort built by the French located at the south end of Lake Champlain. Between museum exhibitions, lively daily programs, and special events and reenactments, a full day can be planned right at the Fort. In the warmer months the King’s Garden is the perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of one of America’s oldest cultivated landscapes!
To further your Fort Ticonderoga experience, embark on a journey with Carillion Boat Cruises. Enjoy gorgeous, sweeping panoramas of Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondack Mountains during a 90-minute narrated boat tour aboard the Carillon and learn even more about the local history and heritage!
For optimal viewing, take a trek up Mount Defiance for an aerial look at the Fort and a panoramic view of Lake Champlain.
2. Star Trek Original Series Set Tour and Montcalm Street
Walking through the CBS licensed Star Trek Original Series Set Tour will make you think you stepped through your TV and onto the Enterprise itself! Here you’ll find the most accurate rebuild of the original sets, because the sets are complete recreations built using the original blueprints from the show!
No trip to Ticonderoga is complete without taking a stroll down Montcalm Street. Small businesses and restaurants with a hometown feel are sprinkled throughout the street, with promises of finding the perfect meal or souvenir from your Ticonderoga trip. The small shops here are great places to browse and find exactly what you’re looking for.
3. Heritage Museum
Walk into the ornate 1888 Building and take a step back in time to learn about Ticonderoga’s industrial history at the Heritage Museum. Discover the Ticonderoga Pencil’s origin and the many stages of what is now known as International Paper. In addition to operating as a museum, the 1888 Building also hosts children’s summer artist workshops during the months of July and August and has a gift shop of local artists’ pieces.
4. Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market
Nothing beats farm fresh taste. Whether it's hand-picked produce, homemade baked goods, or country crafts, you’re sure to scope out something that satisfies. The Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market offers kids' crafts weekly and hosts live music to serenade customers throughout the season. The market operates July through October and offers special events throughout the season.
5. Hancock House and Liberty Monument
The Hancock House, which sits next to the bronze Liberty Monument in Moses circle, is a reproduction of the original stone Hancock house. This elaborate building hosts the Ticonderoga Historical Society and offers three levels of Ticonderoga history including a gift shop inside. Step into the lavishly decorated house and find historical fashion on display and bedroom replicas along with rotating exhibits.
6. La Chute River Trail and Waterfalls and Bicentennial Park
Visitors and locals alike visit the La Chute River Trail to enjoy the 3-mile walking path with scenic views of different sections of the river along the way. Part of the trail leads to Bicentennial Park, where children can enjoy a playground and visitors can fish in small boats and kayaks or off the public dock. Here you will also find the La Chute Waterfalls, a perfect backdrop for photos!
7. Hiking
With all the natural landscapes Ticonderoga has to offer, it’s no wonder there are hiking trails in abundance. Putnam Pound, or Putt’s Pond campsite, has a plethora of state marked hiking trails. In addition to hiking, guests can get the full experience by camping at one of their 72 campsites.
Cook Mountain, a 2.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail, also offers an extensive view of northern Lake George. This trail is assessable throughout the year with scenes changing during the course of each passing season.
For a complete list of hiking trails in Ticonderoga, visit Lake George Land Conservancy and NYSDEC online.
8. Lake George
Lake George, known as “Queen of American Lakes,” is a 32-mile lake that is spring-fed. There are plenty of reasons to love Lake George in Ticonderoga, and Snug Harbor Marina is one of them! Snug Harbor is a full service marina that has boat rentals to take a journey by water and fully enjoy the lake.
If you would like to take your own boat out on the water for a cruise or a fishing trip Mossy Point Boat Launch, operated by the DEC, is the perfect option.
Ticonderoga’s Black Point Public Beach is a great option for swimming. This beach is located at the northern end of Lake George. Known for its “million dollar view,” the beach offers a spectacular view of historic Roger's Rock and the lake. Its natural sand bottom provides a clean swimming and wading opportunity for children and adults.
9. Lake Champlain
Ticonderoga sits on not one but two major lakes. Lake Champlain is a body of fresh water shared with New York and Vermont — it is a whopping 125 miles long! Locals and visitors enjoy the picturesque shortcut to Vermont on the Fort Ti Ferry, one of the oldest ferry crossings in North America.
The Ticonderoga Boat Launch on Lake Champlain is also another popular place for fishing and it's the site of several bass tournaments every year!
10. Ti triple play
What better backdrop for a day of sports than the historic Lord Howe Valley, where the 18-hole Ticonderoga Golf Course is located. Serious and novice golfers alike can practice the sport here.
For the young and young at heart, Five Nations Golf offers a historically-themed Mini Golf with a fun and challenging course featuring locally produced decoration. Five Nations also offers a driving range which overlooks a beautiful Adirondack field with targets of 100, 150, 200, and 250 yards.
Northern Lake George Paddle completes the Ti Triple Play with platform tennis, or better known as paddle, which is the only outdoor racquet sport that is played year-round!
All three businesses are located on 9N south of Liberty Monument in Ticonderoga.
There is no question that Ticonderoga is a one-stop destination for vacationers. Be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip by checking out a complete list of things to do at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce a partner of the Lake Champlain Visitor Center. Their info center is located on Montcalm Street downtown. Here you will find welcoming and friendly staff to provide you with brochures on local business and services along with event rack cards and so much more.
For more information including a business directory or upcoming events visit Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce.
