The Lake Champlain Region Visitor Guide is filled with helpful trip planning information. Which fort to see? What lakeside dining location to enjoy? How to get to and from towns? Just a few of the questions you'll be able to answer after getting your hands on a guide.
Lake Champlain Region
Open Spaces, Legendary Places
The Lake Champlain Region weaves history and wide-open landscapes into one unforgettable experience. Stand where the first victories of the American Revolution came to life at Fort Ticonderoga or explore the haunting ruins of Crown Point, then follow the Lake Champlain Revolutionary Quest through historic towns like Essex and Ticonderoga—each stop rich with Revolutionary tales. Get out on the water aboard a paddleboard or ferry, explore winding country roads by bike, or hike scenic trails up lakeside cliffs or High Peaks. The sections below dive into living-history adventures, shoreside escapes, interpretive trails, and lively culture.
When you’re ready to plan, visit LakeChamplainRegion.com to explore more.
Our Towns
Countless communities call the Lake Champlain Region home. Each one of them welcomes you to visit, learn about the culture, and see all of the sights. Plan a visit to one or more of these todays.
Crown Point - Elizabethtown - Willsboro - Essex - Keeseville & Chesterfield - Lewis - Port Henry & Moriah - Ticonderoga - Westport
Seasons in the Lake Champlain Region
Spring
When spring rolls around, so does the fresh food at local markets, rushing roadside waterfalls, and wildflowers alongside the scenic roadways. During those rainy days, the Lake Champlain Region has indoor activities for the entire family, from historic battle sites to interesting Adirondack museums. Once trails dry up, take your mountain bike for a ride through some single track trails, or go on a fun Champlain Area Trails (CATS) hike with a view of the water.
Summer
Outdoor dining, enjoying the water, and going on hikes and bikes, all part of what you can do in the Lake Champlain Region this summer. Enjoy a long bike ride to a brewery, a sunset sailing excursion, and stay in a quaint lakeside inn. This region loves the water, and the communities here welcome you to enjoy it too.
Fall
The network of farms not only contribute to the backdrop of fall colors, but they add to the flavors you can try. Come visit farm stands and fall events, pick apples and pumpkins, and see all of the forts and historic sites. If you're a cycling fan, plenty of road loops await to be ridden, with stops at local farms, breweries, and cafes along the way.
Winter
Winter is legendary here. From snowshoe adventures through chasms and farm fields, to ice skating and holiday shopping in the lakeside communities, there's no shortage of snowy activities. Visit for a festive holiday event, a New Year's celebration, or enjoy getting acquainted with the area's cozy coffee stops, diners, and breweries. Life moves slow here, in a good way, so enjoy the active relaxation and take a moment to soak in the history and nature of the Lake Champlain Region.
Lake Champlain Region Highlights
What makes this region stand out? See below for the events, activities, and attractions that you simply won't find anywhere else.
Fort Ticonderoga
This star-shaped fort held significant importance in shaping American history during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can catch a reenactment, walk the entire historic site, take a scenic and educational boat ride, and even drive up Mount Defiance to get a bird's-eye view of the fort and Lake Champlain.
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," offers thrilling, multi-season adventures through its spectacular, ancient gorge. Beyond guided hiking, floating, and Via Ferrata climbing in the warmer months (along with camping and mountain biking on the grounds), the Chasm remains open in winter, inviting visitors to experience its frozen beauty via cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This versatility makes the site a unique, year-round destination that blends exciting recreation with millions of years of natural history.
Crown Point State Historic Site
The Crown Point State Historic Site is a crucial historical landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain, where fort ruins built first by the French and then the British, tell the story of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The grounds are free to explore year-round, allowing visitors to walk amongst the massive ruins of the British fort, visit a museum with exhibits, and take in breathtaking views across the lake to the commemorative Champlain Memorial Lighthouse. This strategic, all-season site offers a deep dive into America's military past, complete with marked trails for snowshoeing in winter.
