Fort Ticonderoga is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise! Located in the 6 million acre Adirondack Park, a Fort Ticonderoga adventure is set in America’s most historic landscape. Surround yourself with history and beauty while you explore our 2000 acre site. Whether you simply walk Fort Ticonderoga’s property as you savor the majestic scenic mountain and lake views or spend the day paddling one of our canoes, you’ll build your perfect adventure and make memories for a lifetime!
Build Your Perfect Adventure!
Plan to arrive early so you can give yourself plenty of time to make the most of your day. Upon arrival, check in at the Guest Service Desk at the Log House Welcome Center to receive details on program options and other special opportunities. Start your day by visiting the fort first. Take one of our 30 minute tours to get a great overview of the site’s history. This information will make your afternoon exploration by water or trail much more interesting! Following the tour, take time to visit our historic trades shops located in the Officer’s Barracks to see what kind of gear soldiers in the 18th century wore and how culture, economic conditions, and necessity influenced production. If you have time, visit our exhibitions in the Soldier’s Barracks and Mars Education Center to see original clothing, weapons, art, and other objects from the 18th century. Climb the stairs to one of the bastions or curtain walls of the fort where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Don’t forget your camera!
Are you a gardener or visiting with a gardener? Guided tours are offered daily which begin at the fort and walk to the King’s Garden where you’ll learn about the centuries of horticulture history at Ticonderoga, and the layered past filled with preservation and restoration. Talk with our talented horticulture team to learn how our gardens are planned, planted, and maintained, and how the harsh northern Adirondack climate has impacted the original colonial revival garden plan designed by Marian Cruger Coffin. Be sure to check out our heritage breed cows and chickens!
Climb aboard the Carillon, a replica 1920s tour boat to explore Ticonderoga’s incredible saga surrounded in stunning natural beauty during a 90-minute narrated boat tour, offered multiple times each day. Learn about the region’s epic story as you relax on Lake Champlain. Bring a snack and enjoy the beauty.
The Carillon Battlefield Hiking Trail begins at the Log House Welcome Center picnic area. Pick up the trail guide at a kiosk in the picnic area or ask for one at the Guest Service Desk at the Log House. The trail is approximately 2 miles long, moving along the exit road, moving into the deep woods of this epic 1758 battlefield. Take time to appreciate the surrounding woods that offers a strikingly different experience than other areas of the site. Hiking in the late spring gives a special opportunity to see native wild flowers and ferns. Fall hiking is also a favorite when trees are vibrant with their autumn colors.
If you are visiting with children or are a child at heart, include the Heroic Maze in your Fort Ticonderoga adventure. The 6-acre corn maze is a life-size puzzle cut out in the shape of the fort. The design changes each year and you’ll want to brush up on Fort Ticonderoga’s history so you can answer clues that will guide you out of the maze! The Heroic Maze is open August-October each year and included in general admission.
Mount Defiance is a superb way to begin or end your day. Tours are given each afternoon at 4 pm on Mount Defiance. You can hike up or drive to the top where you’ll have a birds-eye view on Ticonderoga’s epic history. This is a picture perfect location to get an overview of the site and great photos to share with your friends and family.
Other Information
- The Log House Welcome Center includes the Museum Store and America’s Fort Cafe. Enjoy localvore fresh salads straight from the King’s Garden, delicious sandwiches, and a variety of beverages including regional beer and wine.
- Lunch can be ordered to go for a delightful picnic lunch or afternoon snack.
- Restrooms are located in the Log House and Mars Education Center located in the fort.
- Some of the suggested activities include an added fee.