Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga preserves 2,000 acres of historic landscape on Lake Champlain and Carillon Battlefield. It’s a historic destination with many attractions and programs amongst a picturesque landscape.
From the Hudson Valley, it’s only about three hours away, making it an ideal option for a family getaway for a day or weekend trip.
“People think of historic sites as passive or static experiences, and part of that is because a lot of historic sites that are nationally significant are often owned by the federal or state government,” said Beth Hill, President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga. “I think it’s a big surprise for people to realize that we do offer so much every day.”
Fort Ticonderoga welcomes 70,000 visitors each year during its May through October season. Its mission is at the core of its work: to preserve, educate and provoke active discussion about the past and its importance to present and future generations.
“We often see a multigenerational experience, where parents and grandparents and kids are all coming together at a very special place,” said Hill. “I love seeing one generation bring another generation to come to experience it.”
Hill says it draws in history buffs and folks looking for family fun alike. Largely their visitors are from the New York metropolitan area, but the day trippers within the 2.5 to 3 hour market are a significant part of their audience. With a buy one day get the next day free deal, it’s easy to choose a weekend trip over a day trip.
Right now, it’s commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a multi-year programmatic initiative as an innovative real-time experience bringing Ticonderoga’s history to life. 2025 is the year 1775 when you step foot on the fort. Signature stories and history like historic trades, soldiers’ life programs and weapons demonstrations will be plenty. The new 2025 “A Revolutionary Anthology: Subjects, Citizens, Service,” features a deep look into the world of the American Revolution with hundreds of artifacts on display for the first time. The commemoration will be celebrated until 2027.
“This is a great time to discover or rediscover our founding story,” said Hill. “We are telling that story through special events and our exhibitions program.”
Fort Ticonderoga is a historic site, a museum, a center for learning and a cultural destination. From tailoring to shoemaking to exciting weapons demonstrations, the skilled living history team is equipped and trained to safely and accurately demonstrate the exciting story of Fort Ticonderoga. With 2,000 acres to explore, there is room for kids to run around and explore.
“The adults get to go in the shoemaker shop and accomplish that task while the kids might see the sheep and oxen,” said Hill.
On-site, visitors can find America’s Fort Cafe for quick bites to eat with fresh produce that is grown right there – 40% of their land is farmland. The dining experience boasts sweeping views of Lake Champlain and Mount Defiance.
But one of the best parts about Fort Ticonderoga really is the area in which it resides. A favorite is the narrated 75-minute Carillon Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain, which Hill suggests getting tickets early for.
“When we look at our data, we find that visitors’ experiences are enhanced when they include a boat tour on Lake Champlain,” said Hill. “You can see some of the really cool findings underwater with sonar.”
If you do decide to stay a night, there is other nearby family fun including enjoying Lake George, admiring fossils at the historic Ausable Chasm and taking the kids to The Great Escape. For those who are looking to stay a little bit longer, there are plenty more possibilities too.
Situated at the northern part of Lake George, the southern portion of the Adirondack Park, and in close proximity to Vermont, it is the perfect option for an extended trip. In fact, municipalities have teamed together to highlight 18 historic destinations across New York, Vermont and Québec, known as the “Northern Department.”
“This whole Champlain corridor is part of this really big story as part of our revolution,” said Hill. “We encourage people to visit all of these places while they come up if they want to make it more than a day trip. It’s an awesome entire region to explore.”
Daily visitation runs from May 3 to October 26, Tuesdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors, $14 for kids above 5 years old, and free for under.
Join the family! 
