Blog by the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce
The Ticonderoga area offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the past through our rich history and historic attractions, present through recreational activities and scenic beauty, and even the future at the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour. Experience all of this and so much more during your visit to the Ticonderoga area.
Fort Ticonderoga: Fort Ticonderoga, originally Fort Carillon, is an 18th-century fort built by the French at the south end of Lake Champlain. Between museum exhibitions, lively daily programs, 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 Carillon Boat Cruises. Enjoy gorgeous, sweeping panoramas of Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondacks during a 90-minute narrated boat tour aboard the Carillon and learn even more about local history and heritage! For optimal viewing, take a trek up Mount Defiance for a panoramic view of the fort and lake.
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 in Boston. This elaborate building is home to the Ticonderoga Historical Society and offers three levels of Ticonderoga history, plus a gift shop. Step into the beautifully decorated house and find displays on historical fashion, period furnishings, firefighting, and rural life, along with rotating exhibits.
Heritage Museum: Walking into the historic "1888 Building," take a step back in time to learn about Ticonderoga’s extensive industrial history. Discover the Ticonderoga pencil's origin and the many stages of what is now known as International Paper. In addition to operations as a museum, the building also hosts art workshops for children during the months of July and August and has a gift shop featuring the work of talented local artists. Crown Point State Historic Site: The Crown Point State Historic Site is located on Lake Champlain off Bridge Road. There, you can explore the ruins of Fort St. Frederic and the Crown Point Fort. The Visitor Center exhibits interpret the French, British, and American chapters of Crown Point’s history. Gift items are available for purchase. While you're in the area, be sure to also visit the Lake Champlain Visitors Center; the exhibits about the Lake Champlain Bridge are a must see! You can also visit the Lake Champlain Light House for fantastic views of the lake, bridge, and historic site.Penfield Homestead Museum: Penfield Homestead Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history of the ironworking industry in the North Country during the 19th century. Tour the historic homestead, Penfield Church, and parsonage to learn more about local history, plus enjoy nearby hiking trails.
Experience our present-day recreational activities and scenic beauty
La Chute River Trail and Waterfalls and Bicentennial Park: Visitors and locals alike visit the La Chute River Walk Trail to enjoy the 3-mile walking path with scenic views of the river. 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 as well. Here you will also find the La Chute Falls, a perfect backdrop for photos!
Hiking: With all the natural landscapes Ticonderoga has to offer, it’s no wonder there are hiking trails in abundance. Putnam Pond Campground is close to an abundance of state hiking trails. Another popular spot is Cook Mountain, which is a 2.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail, which also offers an extensive view of northern Lake George.
Lake Champlain: Shared by New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain is an impressive 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 is a popular place for fishing and the site of several bass tournaments every year.
Ti Triple Play: What better backdrop for a day of sports than the historic Lord Howe Valley, where the scenic 18-hole Ticonderoga Golf Course is located. It's a great course for serious and novice golfers alike. For the young and young at heart, Five Nations Golf offers history-themed mini golf on a fun and challenging course with locally produced decorations. Five Nations also offers an extensive driving range with great views. Northern Lake George Paddle completes the Ti triple play with platform tennis, the only outdoor racquet sport played year-round. All three businesses are located on 9N south of Liberty Monument.
Ticonderoga Arts Downtown Gallery: Ticonderoga Arts is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to supporting local artists by promoting fine crafts and fine arts through programs in education, exhibition and sales in their gallery, which is located on Montcalm Street.
Ticonderoga Area Businesses: No trip to Ticonderoga is complete without taking a stroll down Montcalm Street or visiting the many locally owned and operated retail shops, restaurants, and businesses available throughout the area. You can find a fantastic meal, sweet treat, or souvenir from your trip. Contact the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce for your local business directory!
Experience the future
Star Trek Original Series Set Tour: Walking through the CBS-licensed Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in downtown Ticonderoga will make you think you stepped through your TV and onto the starship Enterprise itself! Here you can explore the most accurate rebuild of the original sets; these sets are complete recreations built using the original blueprints from the show. You will truly be transported to the future during your visit! “Beam Me Up, Scotty!”
There is no question that Ticonderoga is a great place where you can visit and experience the past, present, and future during your vacation. You will make memories to last a lifetime in the Ticonderoga Area. Be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip by checking out a complete listing of things to do & see, must do events, and an area business directory. The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce and INFO Center team will be happy to assist you.