You may be planning family day trips this summer to fill the long days while your kids are out of school, or perhaps your plans for long distance travel aren’t in the cards this year and you’re looking for exciting things to do closer to home. If you’re putting together a bucket list of summer destinations, make sure Fort Ticonderoga is on it! Situated at the northern part of Lake George, the southern portion of the Adirondack Park, as well across in close proximity to Vermont, Fort Ticonderoga is a convenient destination for a day trip.
The centuries old landmark was a key factor in America’s history and continues to provide visitors with endless adventures unlike any other! Experience the power of artillery and the crackle of muskets through daily weapons demonstrations and explore programs, new exhibits, gardens, historic trades, and other family adventures across the scenic historic property.
Read on to learn why Fort Ticonderoga should be on your bucket list!
- It’s a Blast – Literally!
Where else can you thrill at the power of 18th-century weapons as you witness live musket and cannon firing demonstrations!? Blast back to the past as you discover the technology and tactics utilized by armies at Ticonderoga as they fought for empire and nation. Whether you’re a history buff or not, every visitor will enjoy viewing the largest 18th-century artillery collection in North America. No visit is complete without a family photo next to the stunning cannon and scenic backdrops!
- Every Day is an Event and Every Year is a New Experience!
One of the most exciting things about Fort Ticonderoga is that it is the only site in America that tells a new story each year through dynamic historical interpretation. This year, Fort Ticonderoga debuts a new chapter in its story. Discover innovative storytelling on a grand scale with guided tours, witness thrilling weapons demonstrations, explore endless outdoor activities, and experience the tumultuous transition from French-held Fort Carillon (May 7-July 26) to British-held Fort Ticonderoga (July 27-October 30).
- The Land Between Two Waters.
Experience the blend of history and natural beauty like nowhere else when you visit Fort Ticonderoga! Explore 2,000 acres of America’s most historic landscape nestled between New York’s Adirondack and Vermont’s Green Mountains. Ticonderoga, the land between two waters, is centrally located and situated beautifully on Lake George and Lake Champlain. Create lasting memories as you embark on an adventure that spans centuries, defined a continent, and helped forge a nation.
- Adventures for All Ages!
Visitors of all ages and interests will have a day to remember at Fort Ticonderoga! Aside from the epic living history and thrilling musket and cannon demos, you’ll be sure to enjoy a stroll through the breathtaking King’s Garden. Awake your senses with fragrant flowers in bloom and see fresh vegetables growing. Pick up a Kids Kit at the entrance to the King’s Garden Greenhouse filled with coloring pages, crayons, word puzzles, and a scavenger hunt! Cool off during a 75-minute scenic boat cruise aboard the Carillon. Learn about Lake Champlain’s centuries of stirring maritime and military heritage with an onboard narrator.
- Make Family Memories with Activities for Kids.
So many of our visitors remember trips to Fort Ticonderoga from when they were children, and now they are back visiting with their own kids! Bring the family and spend the day creating memories that span generations! Each year our talented team brings to life a specific year and historic story that will delight and engage your entire family. Participate in our curated family programs for an immersive and hands-on experience of historic trades and soldiers’ lives, take a family guided tour, hike the Carillon Battlefield trail, or visit the Artillery Laboratory to try on uniforms from different armies and see if you can lift a cannon barrel!
- Go Behind-the-Scenes with Special Tours & Programs!
For a truly unique experience, sign up for the one of the Special Tours and Programs Fort Ticonderoga offers. Enjoy the flash of cannons and guns at night in a 90-minute tour and demonstration of 18th-century weaponry. The Gossip Tour will have you going beyond the battles to get the real story of Fort Ticonderoga and all the drama. It’s history like you’ve never heard it before! Revel in the region’s scenic beauty during a relaxing summer evening aboard the Carillon tour boat. The Sunset Boat Cruise includes a toast to the King’s health with a complimentary cocktail of soldiers’ rum punch!
- Farm-to-Fork Locally Sourced Food and Beverages.
You’ll have a dining experience with views you’ll never forget when you visit Fort Ticonderoga. Our Farm-to-Fork Café features a menu of fresh dishes made with fruits and vegetables from our very own King’s Garden. Our dairy partner Black River Produce provides fresh produce and connects our chefs with numerous regional small farms in New York and Vermont. Round out your meal with regional beer and wine for a truly delicious lunch!
If you’d like to enjoy a picnic lunch, there are several spots around Fort Ticonderoga to relax and have your meal. Sit in the shade at a table near King’s Garden or sit at the picnic area near the Log House Welcome Center. Hikers can eat under cover in the pavilion at the summit of Mount Defiance surrounded by Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains.
- The Fun Doesn’t Stop When Summer is Over!
Surrounded by the changing leaves in the Adirondack Mountains, Fort Ticonderoga is popular destination in the fall. Pick your own apples from the Pell Family Orchard planted in 1911 and located in the King’s Garden! Our 6-acre Heroic Corn Maze is available to conquer mid-August through October. The design changes every year making it a great family tradition. End the day with a hike up Mount Defiance to take in the fall foliage and the beauty of a bird’s-eye view of the Fort.
Plan Your Day Trip to Fort Ticonderoga Now!
Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance will be open for visitation Tuesday through Sunday May 7-October 30, 2022, from 9:30am until 5:00pm (last ticket sold at 4:30pm). We encourage visitors to purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the Admission Booth. General admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days! Your adventure awaits – just a short drive away!