Lake George New York

It was relatively early when we finished touring the Horse Racing Museum and Hall of Fame so we decided to take a drive to Lake George, New York.

Sign surrounded by landscaping "Lake George New York"

Welcome to Lake George New York

The Big and Small of It

Staying cool in mid July at tranquil Lake George

Over the years I kept hearing about the beauty of the area. And since it was a short drive from Saratoga Springs we figured it was the perfect time to check it out.

Paved path with landscape that leads to the beach in Lake George New York

On the path to the beach

Lake George is a small town in New York’s expansive Adirondack region. It’s protected area filled with mountains and old-growth forest. The town shares its name with the lake it sits on. A restored British Fort, built in 1755, sits on the shore and houses the Fort William Henry Museum and Restoration. Near Fort William Henry is Million Dollar Beach with picnic areas and a boat launch.

Green lawn, large leafy tree and shrubbery at the park in Lake George New York

Beauty in all directions

Locals from Lake George like to brag about the lake’s nickname of Queen of American Lakes. The tranquil freshwater lake is considered one of the clearest and cleanest in the world. It offers a variety of gorgeous places to swim and intriguing coves to explore, all with the scenic backdrop of the Adirondacks.

Created by glacier melt

Rolling green lawn and beautiful flowering plants.

Summer in Full Bloom

Created by melting glaciers, Lake George was formed nearly 10,000 years ago. The Lake is 32 miles long, up to 2.5 mile wide and has depths reaching 200 feet. Its incredible beauty has been wow residents, and visitors like us, for centuries.

Celebrity retreat

Red pavered sidewalk, traffic lights and shops across the street in Lake George New York

The main street through Lake George

After visiting Lake George in 1791 Thomas Jefferson wrote: “Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw…” Its beauty is what draws many famous and creative people for inspiration and pleasure. Lake George, New York was and is home to lots of celebrities including the late artist Georgia O’Keefe and Rachel Ray.

Lots to do in town

Flowering plants at the park by the Lake

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer

Besides enjoying the lake itself, there’s lots more to do in town of Lake George.

Path by the park with benches and green Adirondack chairs at Lake George New York

If you’re in the Adirondacks, are they just chairs?

Pay a visit to the quintessential Lake George resort, the Sagamore Hotel. This Grand Dame is welcoming and très èlégante! At this resort you will find lots of excellent restaurants, magnificent landscaping, waterfront sports and a fabulous spa. The resort is located in Bolton Landing, which is also home to a quaint village, great shops and even more restaurants.

Stone pillars and black iron arch with gold letters welcoming you to Shepard Park

Gorgeous Shepard Park in Lake George New York

Lake George is also home to The Hyde Collection, where you can see some of the most respected artists ever. Here you’ll find works by Botticelli, El Greco, Raphael, Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, van Gogh, Winslow Homer, and Whistler.

View of the beach at Lake George New York with steamboat in the distance.

There’s Minnie in the distance!

Me sitting with a colorful clown sculpture on a bench in Lake George New York

Just Clowning Around

There’s even mini golf and T he Minnie Ha-Ha, the steamboat is lovingly referred to as Minnie by locals. A lake cruise on Minnie is wonderful for sightseeing and observing water sports. Or you can do what we did and take a stroll through beautiful Shepard Park to the beach and just breathe in the fresh air and stunning beauty of Lake George New York.

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